Fated Mates - A Romance Novel Podcast Episode: S07:08 I Read Dead People: Ghosts, Morticians, and the Dead in Romance
Release Date: October 27, 2024
Hosts: Sarah MacLean & Jen Prokop

Introduction

In this poignant and introspective episode of Fated Mates, hosts Sarah MacLean and Jen Prokop delve into the themes of death, dying, grief, and their portrayal in contemporary romance novels. Set against the backdrop of the recent pandemic, the discussion explores how romance literature has evolved to incorporate elements like ghosts, morticians, and the funeral industry, providing a mirror to societal experiences with loss and mourning.

Exploring Death and Grief in Romance Novels

The episode opens with Sarah and Jen acknowledging the somber themes they intend to explore. Sarah (00:00) sets the stage by mentioning, "This week's episode of Fated Mates will include a conversation on death, dying, grief, and the pandemic." Despite the heavy subject matter, Sarah notes the surprising humor found in many of these stories, hinting at a unique blend of emotions within the genre.

Key Trends: Ghosts, Funeral Homes, and Mortuary Settings

Rise of Paranormal and Mortuary Romances

Both hosts observe a noticeable trend in romance novels where the settings and characters are intertwined with death-related professions and supernatural elements. Sarah (09:54) mentions, "Since the pandemic, there's been a growing number of romances set in and around funeral parlors, morgues, and funeral homes." This shift introduces a complex dynamic where love stories unfold amidst the contexts of mortality and the supernatural.

Impact of the Pandemic

Jen (12:11) adds, "I believe almost all of them [...] the pandemic happened. Covid happened in real life, but in these books, it's like the specter of the pandemic is there." The pandemic's pervasive influence is subtly woven into these narratives, reflecting the collective experiences of grief and loss experienced globally.

Book Reviews and Highlights

1. Undertaking of Heart and Mercy

Sarah and Jen discuss Undertaking of Heart and Mercy, highlighting its unique blend of romance and dark humor within the funeral industry. Sarah (14:03) states, "It's a workplace romance in a lot of ways," emphasizing the balance between professional settings and personal relationships.

2. Pumpkin Spice and Poltergeist by Ali Mumford and Elle Morrison

Jen (20:43) reviews this paranormal romantic comedy where ghosts play matchmaker. She explains, "Lou essentially plays ghostly matchmaker to Jordan and Harlow," showcasing how supernatural elements can drive character development and romantic plotlines.

3. Rules for Ghosting by Shelly J. Shore

Sarah (29:07) praises Rules for Ghosting for its rich community depiction and nuanced handling of ghostly interactions. Jen (47:15) adds, "There's a clear point of view," recognizing the book's thoughtful approach to death care within the narrative.

4. A Ghost in Shining Armor by Therese Behari

Jen (71:06) explores this title, detailing how it intertwines family secrets with ghostly romance. She notes, "The romance with him and Jonathan is complicated by this fact that Ben is there," highlighting the complexities ghosts introduce into love stories.

5. Undertaking Love by Megan Montgomery

Sarah (84:54) lauds Undertaking Love for its compelling characters and engaging plot set in the mortuary business. Jen (91:34) emphasizes the book's exploration of patriarchy and respect for death care professionals, stating, "It's a classic contemporary romance journey."

6. Big Witch Energy by Molly Harper

Sarah (78:01) discusses this historical retelling of the Persephone myth, applauding its integration of historical elements with romantic and supernatural themes. Jen (90:47) reflects on the book's portrayal of generational loss and family curses, noting its depth and emotional resonance.

7. Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca

Jen (105:13) reviews this title, focusing on its blend of humor and heartfelt romance amidst a haunted setting. Both hosts appreciate how the book balances light-hearted moments with the heavier themes of loss and moving on.

8. Morning Wood by [Author Not Specified]

Sarah (97:43) shares her enthusiasm for Morning Wood, highlighting its unique approach to romance within the funeral home environment. Jen (96:15) compliments the book's quirky and authentic portrayal of characters dealing with personal loss.

Reflections on the Pandemic's Influence on Romance

Sarah (107:08) and Jen (107:11) reflect on the collective mourning experienced during the pandemic and how romance novels have provided a space for readers to navigate their grief. Sarah observes, "Death is hard and weird and complicated and stupid and also weirdly funny," encapsulating the multifaceted emotions that these novels portray.

Jen (107:37) adds, "I found myself feeling a really deep sense of, like, gratefulness that, like, this genre that we love so much is so expansive and has found ways to provide a way for us collectively to think about what it would mean to say goodbye to over a million people."

Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, Sarah (107:51) and Jen (107:58) express their appreciation for how romance novels have evolved to address profound societal issues like death and grief. They emphasize the importance of storytelling in helping individuals process loss and find solace through relatable narratives. Sarah poignantly states, "If you did lose somebody during the pandemic, we are sorry, and we see you," underscoring the podcast's empathetic connection with its listeners.

As they conclude, the hosts express hope for future episodes to continue exploring meaningful and reflective themes within the romance genre, inviting listeners to engage with the community and discover new literary gems.

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah McLean (03:04): “Remember, remember the 5th of November. The gunpowder, Treason and plot.”

• Jen Prokop (11:44): “I feel this is probably doing the same work, but on an emotional, different emotional register.”

• Sarah McLean (22:19): “There is something very comfortable probably to that. The people who are gone are still with us is the most comforting idea there is.”

• Jen Prokop (27:34): “...the characters in order to help the ghosts move on had to reckon with the way they themselves shared qualities that the ghosts had.”

• Sarah McLean (29:09): “There is something more.”

• Jen Prokop (95:25): “I think the whole idea of, like, the weight of knowing that you can see the dead and you feel this responsibility towards all these ghosts...”

These quotes encapsulate the hosts' exploration of how romance novels are uniquely addressing themes of death and grief, providing both comfort and reflection for readers navigating similar emotions.