Why readers still LOVE Barbara Cartland 100 years after her first publication 

“As always, my favorite author. Collected her books since young and her story […] allows me to escape into the 18th century”  

– Reader review of a Barbara Cartland novel 

Barbara Cartlands very first novel “Jigsaw” was presented to the English readers in 1925. A hundred years ago. Since then, she has published 723 books that have been translated into 38 different languages – and readers keep loving the books.  

Romance

A century after her first publication, readers still find themselves captivated by the works of Barbara Cartland: The undisputed queen of romance. Known for her optimistic and inspirational narratives and strong female characters, each Cartland novel provides a comforting experience. 

While some authors may decrease in popularity over time, Barbara Cartland’s fan base keeps growing – showcasing the timeless appeal of her works. 

“Cozy! A wonderful pastime, slipping back in time to beautiful scenes and brave heroes and heroines.” 

– Reader review of a Barbara Cartland novel 

A glance at the reactions from Cartland readers underlines the enduring appeal her works hold.  

One reader describes her books as “timeless and romantic,” capturing the very essence of her appeal. Another online reviewer has also noted that Cartland’s books consist of an interesting combination of genres, stating: “this is the whole package: Murder, mystery, excitement, and romance.”  

Consistent feel-good fiction

From Audible to Storytel and Bookbeat, reviewers praise Cartland’s books as “outstanding,” “lovely,” and “captivating.” And the reviewers seem to have one opinion in common, “they are books that make you feel good”.  

Consistency is one of the traits that make Cartland dear to her readers. Cartland’s world of romance and adventure, embedded in historical settings, invites the reader into friendly and comfortable landscapes. Her great output – with over 700 books under her belt – continues to provide readers with a never-ending source of comfort and entertainment for their binge reading sessions. 

Readers also appreciate the quality of the writing itself. The stories are not just romantic, but they are also well-articulated and thoughtfully plotted. The literary craftsmanship factors significantly into her ongoing popularity and is clearly shown in her continuously high ratings on different reading platforms. 

“The richness of the verbiage enhances the drama and descriptions (…) Well described MCs plus good dialogue allows full enjoyment of their actions/interactions (…) If you enjoy Georgette Heyer, you will enjoy this. Really enjoyable.” 

 – Online review from reader rewarding 5/5 stars 

Escapism

The love for Barbara Cartland’s books isn’t merely about romance. It’s about escapism. Cartland’s novels offer an escape into a world that’s intriguing yet comforting. A journey from the fast-paced, often overwhelming life into a carefully curated world of engaging personal dynamics, slow-burn romances, societal expectations, and yes, the quintessential ‘happily ever after.’ For many, it’s like stepping back in time, which is a refreshing variation from today’s literature, “it’s so nice to go back and be lost in history” one reader states.  

Even in the face of changing literary trends and reading patterns, Barbara Cartland continues to command a substantial fanbase. There is something profoundly comforting in the escapist DNA of Cartlands novels. Even though you never know how the adventure will unfold, you can be sure it will sweep you off your feet and pull you out of the hassle of everyday life. Each story is unique – but all with a similar promise of an immersive experience. 

So, here’s to celebrating the century-long romance with Barbara Cartland. A hundred years later, Cartland is still gaining new readers and there is no doubt that Cartland’s legacy will continue to entertain, comfort, and engage readers for years to come. As one reviewer beautifully summed it up, “can’t wait to listen to more by Barbara Cartland.” 

Barbara Cartlands catalogue offers a wide range of variety of genres within the Romance genre. Read more about her different sub-genres here.