My curiosity into Beverly Jenkins’ work
In Beverly Jenkins’ novels, dozens written over three decades, Black women come first in their work, personal life, and pleasure. Jenkins’ mostly historical romances are typically set during periods of American history which tend to exclude the perspective and voice of Black people. Her novels provide deeper complexities and triumph in a time when women were deemed only good for marriage and childbearing. In an NPR profile from 2015, NPR shadows Jenkins at the Romance Writers of America (who recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy citing years of division among its authors regarding racism, unethical behavior from its members, and general shenanigans) convention, after watching white readers pass her by the majority of the day Jenkins wryly observed:
“People say, ‘Well, I can’t relate.’ But you can relate to shapeshifters, you can relate to vampires, you can relate to werewolves, but you can’t relate to a story written by and about black Americans? I got a problem with that.”
I must confess that I had not read a Beverly Jenkins novel prior to writing this piece. When I found out how many books she has written, I was even more intrigued to begin reading her work. My curiosity continued to spark because she is an author I feel does not get the full recognition for being an influential romance novelist.
An author who dares
Beverly Jenkins has eight book series so far. I began reading the Women Who Dare Series, unintentionally. The novel titles include Rebel, Wild Rain, and To Catch a Raven. As the stories are set in the 19th century, there is a striking resonance with who women are today; not that society has not changed significantly but that Black women continue to honor their voice and interests. I nodded and even cheered when I responded to the story. Each main character was definitively compelling.
In Rebel, Valinda is daring to accept Drake’s love even as she is tethered to another for a comfortable life. The patriarchy exists yet is dismantled by main characters who are not just the hunky love interest or a damsel-in-distress. Not everyone has to be married even at a time when marriage was vital. Valinda is educated and an advocate for Black people to become educated. She furthers her advocacy through her teaching.
Black men have spaces to not find love as a consideration but as a vital piece of life. I found that the men have an arc to be vulnerable, desirable, and loving. The relationships are not burdened by arguments, trials, and tribulations. Conflict is a part of life but not a way of life.
I also found that self-exploration and self-love are paramount. Pleasure is also supreme. Beverly Jenkins writes sensual scenes that are almost too hot to handle. Describing a woman’s warmth and core as a blushing rose. The scenes compliment the story.
The book covers are full of lust. They are remarkable and passionate. They are a portal into what the story will be. The head back, the lift of the leg, the closeness of the lovers. The book covers open a portal for a breath of Jenkins’ words on the page.
Beverly Jenkins and beyond
As I continue to read Beverly Jenkins’ stories, I am excited for the worlds I will continue to delve into. The tender moments into each character’s life will be a throughline for the books I have read by Jenkins. Her words do not shy away from the atrocities of racism and sexism. Yet there is vibrancy in what love can achieve and be used as a rebellious motivator. It provides a scope into what the world can be.
Further Reading & Listening
NPR’s podcast Code Sw!tch interviewed Beverly Jenkins in this 27-minute segment.
A huge name in contemporary romance Jasmine Guillory (covered previously by Tayler), Ali Hazlewood (interviewed by Jordy), and of course Beverly Jenkins sat down with WBUR’s Here and Now to discuss all things romance in this 10-minute segment.
Jenkins was interviewed by her hometown paper, the Detroit Free Press, in 2018 (soft paywall). We love local media covering their own!
