The hit Netflix series Virgin River has captured the hearts of millions worldwide with its compelling portrayal of love, loss, and small-town drama. Fans of the show,

particularly the heart-wrenching romance between Mel Monroe (played by Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson), have found solace and excitement

in the captivating storylines and character dynamics. However, while the television adaptation continues to win over viewers, many are finding the source material,

Robyn Carr’s Virgin River book series, less than palatable.

A growing divide has emerged within the Virgin River fanbase, with a number of viewers openly criticizing the books for their tone and content. For some, the stark contrast between the show’s portrayal of events and Carr’s written words is jarring, with complaints centered around themes of sexism, problematic depictions of relationships, and uncomfortable portrayals of teenage characters. As the show thrives, its literary counterpart has garnered significant backlash, especially regarding its treatment of women and relationships.

The TV Show vs. The Books: A Dramatic Divide

While the Virgin River series on Netflix has enjoyed a warm reception, the books, first published in 2007, have left a bitter taste for some readers. In online discussions, especially on Reddit, fans have expressed disillusionment after diving into the series. One user shared their experience, revealing their frustration after reading up to the fourth book: “I love the show and recently started reading the books. After the fourth book, I just couldn’t take it anymore. How can every single character get widowed or divorced and find the love of their life without any time to grieve in every book?”

The fan went on to express discontent with the way romantic relationships were handled, saying, “I know the show takes liberties with the source material, but I much prefer the series over the books. The idea that everyone needs to be with someone, and the way the men speak to the women… I just can’t read it anymore. Phrases like ‘I put that baby in your belly’… it’s just off-putting. Maybe I’m just too much of a feminist to enjoy these books.”

This critique resonated with many others in the community, who echoed similar sentiments about the problematic portrayals of love and romance. In their eyes, the books veer into troubling territory by focusing on relationships that seem more rooted in outdated gender roles and possessive behaviors than genuine, healthy connections. One Reddit user agreed, stating, “The books are super sexist, and it’s not just the men—it’s the narrator too.”

Sexist Language and Clichéd Tropes: A Feminist’s Nightmare?

The key point of contention among many fans of the Virgin River books revolves around the portrayal of women and relationships. Several readers took to social media to express discomfort over the language used in the books, which some believe objectifies and diminishes women. The phrase “I put that baby in your belly” has been cited as an example of the crude and offensive rhetoric found in Carr’s writing. Critics argue that such language reduces women to mere vessels for reproduction, stripping them of their agency and individuality.

“The way every man talks about the women like possessions and sex objects to satisfy and impregnate them is… off-putting,” one fan lamented. Another pointed out that this narrative didn’t just come from the male characters but from the narrator as well, suggesting that the sexism is ingrained throughout the series. For these readers, the books’ treatment of women felt outdated and, at times, inappropriate. This tone was particularly disturbing in the depiction of characters such as Lizzie, a 14-year-old girl in the first book, who is described in a highly sexualized manner.