BL novellas: What they are, who should read them and the best works

What are BL novels?

BL novels, also known as yaoi, are a genre of literature that focuses on romantic and sexual relationships between men. The genre originated in Japan in the 1970s and quickly gained popularity, first in manga and later in animation and prose. BL novellas are usually written by women for female audiences, although over time they have become popular with male audiences as well.

The main feature of BL novels is the emphasis on the emotional and psychological aspects of relationships, which distinguishes them from purely erotic works. The focus is on the feelings, experiences and character development of the main characters. Such stories often explore themes of self-identity, self-acceptance and the struggle against societal prejudices.

Best BL novellas

1. "Heaven Official's Blessing" (天官赐福) by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu: This Chinese novella tells the adventures and romance between an exiled god and a mysterious ghost leader. Its deep plot, rich mythology and emotional moments have made it one of the most popular BL novellas.

2. "The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System" (人渣反派自救系统) by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu: A story about a modern man who enters the world of a BL novella and must use his knowledge of the plot to survive. It's a fun and original story with elements of parody and romance.

3. "Given" by Natsuki Kizu: This is a Japanese manga that also has a novella. It tells the story of a music band and the romantic relationships between its members. "Given" explores themes of loss, healing, and new love through music.

4. "SOTUS: The Series" by BitterSweet: A Thai novella that gained popularity due to its adaptation into a TV series. The story centres on the relationship between two university students going through the SOTUS mentoring system.

5. "Antique Bakery" by Fumi Yoshinaga: This is a manga adapted into a novella about a group of men who run a pastry shop. A light but deep story with elements of drama and comedy.

Why read BL novellas?

BL novellas provide a unique opportunity to explore a variety of aspects of human relationships through the lens of romance between men. They provide a new perspective on love and affection, often breaking stereotypes and broadening horizons. Reading BL novellas can be not only entertaining but also educational, helping you to better understand and accept the diversity of human feelings and relationships.

Who should read BL novellas?

Overall, BL novellas are not just a genre of literature, but an entire cultural phenomenon that deserves attention and respect. Regardless of your reading preferences, this genre has something new and inspiring to offer. BL novellas may interest you if you are:

1. Aromance lover: If you enjoy love stories, BL novellas offer a variety of plots, from sweet and tender to dramatic and suspenseful.

2. Looking for diversity in literature: BL novellas often feature a variety of characters and plots that allow readers to experience different cultures and social contexts.

3. LGBTQ+ woman: For many members of the LGBTQ+ community, BL novels can be a source of inspiration and affirmation that their feelings and relationships are valid and can be beautiful.

4. Genre Literature Researchers: If you are interested in various literary genres and their development, BL novels are an interesting subject to study.