My Fave Geek Romances from Literature
A conversation with my friend Lorie, who's teaching a class in romance lit, led me to reminiscences of our absolute favorite romance books. And of course our favorite heroes and couples. Among this was one we tagged as the original geek lover, from Louisa May Alcott. No, it's not Prof. Bhaer. Though he was totally "adorkable" in Rep Philippines' production of Little Women a few years back--slightly awkward, with a strong German accent and so sweet and enthusiastic, which must have been just how Louisa May envisioned him. If you didn't see it, what a pity. You'll have to be satisfied with this montage from Youtube
There aren't a lot of geek romances in books, precisely because these types of people go against the romantic ideals of most. But when two of the right type get together, eccentric and awkward though they be, it's just beautiful. That is what romance is about after all. So here are my favorites from least to most beloved:
5.Robbie and Cecilia from Atonement - Two honor grads from Oxford. Robbie is preparing for medical school, Cecilia frustrated with the lack of direction of her life when they fall in love. I have to say I'm not sure they were really in love at first, but circumstances drove them to devotion to each other and to write love letters referring to literary characters as a code. The means by which they maintain their connection is what grabs me.
4. Stargirl and Leo - an openly eccentric girl and a shy would-be film director. They grow close over explorations in the desert and making up stories about people they see.
3. Adam and Vicky from A Ring of Endless Light - Adam is a young marine biology major and shy poet Vicky has a crush on him from the start. They even experience an extrasensory connection. I'd include Meg and Calvin from A Wrinkle in Time too except I can't rightly say that popular Calvin is a geek.
2. Russell and Holmes, whose romance begins in A Monstrous Regiment of Women, second book of the Mary Russell series. Russell is a scholar of history and theology and Holmes is, well, Sherlock Holmes. How they got together and their relationship through the whole series is just amazing.
1. Rose and Mac - Rose of Rose in Bloom, though she enjoys the social life of girls of her class in the 19th century, is different from them as she is a high-minded philanthropist. Mac is a medical student who bonds with Rose over philosophical discussions. This book's what sold me on the geek lover in the first place and yes, it's what my friend and I were gushing over!
Those are the ones I remember and love from books. Do share others with me.
There aren't a lot of geek romances in books, precisely because these types of people go against the romantic ideals of most. But when two of the right type get together, eccentric and awkward though they be, it's just beautiful. That is what romance is about after all. So here are my favorites from least to most beloved:
5.Robbie and Cecilia from Atonement - Two honor grads from Oxford. Robbie is preparing for medical school, Cecilia frustrated with the lack of direction of her life when they fall in love. I have to say I'm not sure they were really in love at first, but circumstances drove them to devotion to each other and to write love letters referring to literary characters as a code. The means by which they maintain their connection is what grabs me.
4. Stargirl and Leo - an openly eccentric girl and a shy would-be film director. They grow close over explorations in the desert and making up stories about people they see.
3. Adam and Vicky from A Ring of Endless Light - Adam is a young marine biology major and shy poet Vicky has a crush on him from the start. They even experience an extrasensory connection. I'd include Meg and Calvin from A Wrinkle in Time too except I can't rightly say that popular Calvin is a geek.
2. Russell and Holmes, whose romance begins in A Monstrous Regiment of Women, second book of the Mary Russell series. Russell is a scholar of history and theology and Holmes is, well, Sherlock Holmes. How they got together and their relationship through the whole series is just amazing.
1. Rose and Mac - Rose of Rose in Bloom, though she enjoys the social life of girls of her class in the 19th century, is different from them as she is a high-minded philanthropist. Mac is a medical student who bonds with Rose over philosophical discussions. This book's what sold me on the geek lover in the first place and yes, it's what my friend and I were gushing over!
Those are the ones I remember and love from books. Do share others with me.
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