04 Apr Romance, Fantasy and Escapism: Why I Turn to Romantasy Amidst Political Turmoil

(Photo by Eleonora Albasi on Unsplash)

Commentary, Joseph De la Cruz

Trump and Zelensky engage in a heated argument. Trump signs an executive order to make English the official language of the U.S. Trump, Trump, Trump.

Since Jan. 20, I have been bombarded with headlines that make it feel like we’ve gone back before 2021, with Trump never really leaving office. It feels like in just a span of seven weeks, anything the Biden administration accomplished has been undone.

News comes at me relentlessly, and I’ve made a conscious decision not to let it overwhelm me. My morning commute used to start with NPR, but I now only turn it on when I’m not filled with a sense of doom and embarrassment. I’ve turned off notifications from CNN, NBC and other news outlets (although I still get my People Magazine and US Weekly notifications — gotta keep up with the celebrity gossip during this mess!).

Books have always been my escape. For as long as I can remember, when I open a book, I’m transported to a different world — whether it’s based on reality or something entirely new created by the author. Lately, I’ve leaned into my love for books more than ever. But not just any books — romance and “romantasy.”

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For those who are unfamiliar, romantasy mixes elements of both fantasy and romance. In a romantasy book, you’ll explore magical worlds just like in traditional fantasy tales, but the main focus is on love.

As someone who grew up devouring young adult dystopian novels like the “Hunger Games” and “Divergent” series in the late 2000s and early 2010s, transitioning into this genre was a natural step for me. The stories of fighting against a corrupt government while finding love in the most unexpected places felt like home.

At the same time, the themes of these books — rebellion against a tyrannical government, paired with the hope of love and romance — seem like the perfect escape during these unsettling times.

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Romance books have long been dismissed as “not real books,” or something only women were allowed to enjoy. And, in a world where anything women enjoy is often criticized, this genre was long seen as lesser. However, since the quarantine and the rise of shows like “Bridgerton” — based on Julia Quinn’s book series — romance has come to represent an escape. People were desperate for that escape during a chaotic time, and these books provided it, guaranteeing an HEA (Happily Ever After). And who doesn’t want that? The certainty that, no matter what, happiness is possible. The increase in romance book sales and the growing number of independent bookstores dedicated solely to this genre prove that we are all searching for that bit of hope and joy in our lives.

The blend of fantasy and romance in romantasy allows readers to escape to a world that’s nothing like our own, yet still reflects many of the struggles we face in real life. From the reign of a tyrannical ruler to fighting for your people, while discovering love in unexpected places, these stories resonate with readers. You might find yourself rooting for the heroine who has to save her world from destruction, while navigating the complexities of a complicated relationship with a captain who definitely doesn’t like her (think of a Mulan and Shang dynamic). Books like “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas, “The Plated Prisoner” series (a retelling of King Midas’ story), and “The Night and Its Moon” by Piper CJ showcase these very struggles.

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These romantasy stories resonate because they let us imagine ourselves as the heroes of our own journeys. There’s a sense of comfort and belonging in the “found family” dynamic that unfolds in every story, mirroring the close-knit circles of friends and loved ones we create in our own lives. We relate to these characters because they sometimes represent the hero we wish to be.

As they face challenges, we cheer for them to find love. We wish to see them loved for who they truly are, not just for their achievements or transformation. This reminds us of the strength of love and acceptance, even before any big victories are achieved. We long to see them loved before they’ve fought for what’s right or unlocked their full potential, reminding us of the power of unconditional love and acceptance.