by Jane Sandwood, freelance writer and editor

Readers of romantic historical fiction choose the genre for a variety of reasons. Some see reading a novel which centers female sexual desire in a positive light as a feminist imperative. Others claim that reading historical fiction in particular can allow us to experience history, viewing it firsthand in a way that encourages empathy and open-mindedness. Still, others see romance novels as a guilty pleasure – the sticky gooey sweets of the literary banquet. But whether it is a form of escapism from everyday drudgery or an alternative way of learning about history, most readers would agree that reading historically-based romance novels (or, indeed, picking up any book) has a way of transporting you to another time and place. Certainly there is no ‘wrong’ way of reading, but to really relax into the reality of a historical romance novel, it’s important to hone in on the romance by setting aside time in a place where buzzing cellphones and other reminders of the modern world won’t intrude.

Enjoy A Literal And Figurative Escape on Vacation

What better way is there to make the most of the transformative nature of romance novels than to actually transport yourself to a romantic setting? Obviously, it isn’t possible to cross time and space to take up residency in Regency-era France. But you can immerse yourself into a book and experience something of the pre-technology era by setting aside your cell phone, packing an old-fashioned paper book, and venturing to a setting that’s romantic, like the beach or a campsite.

In addition to providing a beautiful, bucolic environment to relax in similar to the one in the book you’re reading (or writing!), there is a great deal of evidence that taking a vacation in nature can lead to better mental health outcomes. You don’t even need to leave all of the comforts of modern technology behind to enjoy the restorative benefits of a trip in the woods or to the beach. Pack carefully and you and your boo can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate cooked on a camp stove while decompressing with an enjoyable book in nature.

Immerse Yourself In History

In addition to the psychological benefits that you’ll likely experience by leaving your everyday home environment for a visit to the country, trading your electronics for a romance novel can actually boost your health. Researchers have found that picking up a book with paper covers can help you sleep better. What’s more: a book won’t ever run out of batteries (unless you read your romance novels on an e-reader,) so you can truly lose yourself in another era. Writers of romance fiction might also benefit from taking a no-technology camping trip. Even before Henry Thoreau famously retreated to a cabin at Walden Pond to write Walden, writers have made use of a change in situation as inspiration.

For any number of mental and physical health reasons, you might feel inspired to take a trip to the country without electronic devices and enjoy the love of a great romance novel. As an avid reader and writer, you can double down on the enjoyment of escaping the every day by bringing along a regency era novel and visiting another time while you visit another place.