In memory of Violet Winspear

[reviews_and_ramblings]

Violet Winspear was born on April 28, 1928 in England and died at the beginning of 1989.

Violet debued with the imprint in 1961 with the title Lucifer's Angel, the first of many "dark and dangerous" titles associated with her work. She caused a big controversy in 1970, when she claimed her heroes should "frighten and fascinate. They must be the sort of men who are capable of rape". This comment caused uproar and lead to her receiving hate mail.

To read more:

http://rosaromance.splinder.com/post/15742364/

Comments

[maximvanziel.livejournal.com]

>They must be the sort of men who are capable of rape
I'm curious to know what she meant exactly.


I'm better now(a bit) and not in Greece.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

I was not born in 1970, so I only know what I read. Violet Winspear's men were very strong and tenebrous, of few words. Usually men of powers, they treated women as property. The "I want you, you are mine" type of men. For an independent woman they could be a troubled relationship.

> I'm better now(a bit) and not in Greece.

I imagined that. Hope everything will be all right. Let me know when (and where) you are up again.

Elisa

[lee-rowan.livejournal.com]

"They must be the sort of men who are capable of rape"

P'tui. I suppose this was in keeping with the time, but still -- p'tui. A rapist--even a potential rapist--is no hero.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

I was really disconcerted when I read it. I read Violet Winspear and I didn't find this type of men in her books... but maybe the Italian translation were censored... Elisa

[lee-rowan.livejournal.com]

It may be that she mostly wrote them in a way that she perceived the men in that light--it might not necessarily translate that way. Or that description might've been a very clever way to get publicity that succeeded a little too well. I know I read one of her books, but don't remember a thing about it.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Well I think better the first thesis. From what I know, she was very popular in her times, even if only in the series market. Elisa

[louisaclark.livejournal.com]

I remember my grandmother who loved her soaps, talking about a soap opera during the 70's (I think and this would be the USA) and of a popular couple from this soap where their relationship started with a rape.

Any woman (or man) who has been raped, will tell you there's nothing attractive about this type of person.

I believe a man can be strong and mysterious, without the fear factor. A person should never have to "fear" their partner.

LouisaClark

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

I begin to think that the second theory of Lee was right. Since 40 years after her comment and almost 20 from her death we are still speaking of it... means it was a controversal matter. I think no one could say to find fascinating a man capable of rape. I can't never think a thing like that. Elisa