Casey McQuiston, a best-selling romance author, discusses the genre's resurgence and Barbara Cartland's influence. Tara Parker, Cartland's granddaughter, shares heartfelt anecdotes about her grandmother's vibrant life. They explore Cartland's adherence to traditional romance themes amidst changing societal norms and her impact on notable figures like Princess Diana. The conversation also delves into the evolving landscape of romance novels in today’s reading culture, emphasizing the significance of representation and community in the genre.
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Cartland's Absence
Seth Doane and Casey McQuiston discuss Barbara Cartland's absence in contemporary romance bookstores.
No bookstore carries her books, despite her historical significance to the genre.
insights INSIGHT
Cartland's Legacy
Barbara Cartland was a prolific romance author, selling millions of copies and influencing a generation.
Despite past success, her work has fallen out of favor with modern audiences.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Cartland's Persona
Barbara Cartland cultivated a glamorous, high-camp persona.
She conducted interviews in elaborate settings, emphasizing her image.
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In 2024, romance – a genre once relegated to the back corners of bookstores – might just be saving the publishing industry. But while more and more readers are looking for love between their covers, few are reaching for titles by one of the first giants of the genre, Dame Barbara Cartland, author of over 600 romances, colloquially known as the “Queen of Romance,” and a favorite writer of Princess Diana. While her work has fallen out of fashion, Cartland's legacy can tell us a lot about the romance genre's contemporary dominance. Best-selling author Casey McQuiston, along with Cartland’s granddaughter Tara Parker, join Seth Doane to discuss her impact on the world.
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