The Top Ten Timeless Tales of Romance
It's simple to feel love, passion, and the full range of emotions and connections, but far more challenging to put those feelings into words. This is likely the reason why some writers take years to complete their work. Perhaps they struggle to find the right train of thought, or they just lack inspiration. So, it’s always an impressive achievement once it’s done! Nonetheless, check out this list of novels that give us access to some of the greatest romance books ever written.
Jane Austen’s Number One Pride
It goes without saying that Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, a classic that has sold over 120 million copies and inspired countless versions, has endured the test of time. It tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet, a young woman who, when she reaches age, finds herself at odds with 19th-century English society due to her unconventional views on love, marriage, and interpersonal etiquette. Due to her headstrong personality, she has a string of bad dates with people like Mr. Darcy, a haughty and socially concerned bachelor to whom she begins to feel a strange attraction. Indeed, it’s a fan favorite amongst ladies everywhere!
Taking Emily Brontë to Greater Heights
While this romantic classic was widely panned upon its initial publication for its allegedly unrealistic portrayal of blind love, it has now gone on to become a literary staple. Published in 1847, Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë has appealed to the masses thanks to its wonderful set of characters. The protagonist of Brontë’s novel, Heathcliff, is a foster youngster who grows to love his foster sister, Catherine. Naturally, the townsfolk were shocked upon hearing about their relationship, thus beginning the drama and scandal surrounding the story.
Charlotte Brontë Gave Us the Most Famous Jane
Charlotte Brontë's work follows the protagonist, Jane Eyre, from her early years until her marriage to the man she falls in love with, Mr. Rochester. Unlike other novels at the time, the book has received widespread recognition for its first-person narrative approach to addressing themes of sexuality, society, feminism, and theology. Amidst their reservations, many reviewers of Jane Eyre concede that the protagonist, Jane, successfully persuades readers to adopt her radical, anti-establishment viewpoints.
Leo Tolstoy’s Mysterious Anna Karenina
Author Leo Tolstoy considered Anna Karenina to be his finest work and considered it to be his first “real novel.” And it seems he’s not the only one who thinks so, as even media outlets called it the best novel ever written. The tale revolves around Karenina, a member of the Russian aristocracy in the 19th century, falls in love with Count Vronsky, even though doing so would cause her to be disgraced and force her to risk losing her marriage.
The Allure of Gone with the Wind
Gone with the Wind is a coming-of-age story which follows the character of Scarlett O’Hara, the spoiled daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, as she navigates marriage, love, and the turbulent times of the American Civil War in the South. It’s worth noting that even if this novel was Margaret Mitchell’s only body of work, it amassed a certain level of success that hasn’t been replicated throughout the years. The title became an instant classic, selling over thirty million copies and earning Mitchell the Pulitzer Prize in 1937.
Boris Pasternak’s Doctor is In
Believe it or not, Boris Pasternak’s Doctor Zhivago, a love story of epic proportions set against the backdrop of the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, was also met with official Soviet disapproval. Pasternak penned a story about Doctor Zhivago, who’s torn between his wife Tonya, and Lara, the wife of a political activist. Despite the initial backlash, it was well-received in many Western countries and even got the green light for a movie adaptation at one point.
The Greatest Love Story Ever
It has been said that Erich Segal’s Love Story is the 20th century’s Romeo and Juliet since it was the most widely read romance novel upon its publication. Why? Well, the fact that it has since been transformed into several media is enough proof of its popularity. The book follows the story of Oliver and Jenifer, a young couple from different walks of life whose love grows stronger and stronger until they are thrown together by unexpected events.
An Out of this World Adventure
Despite Diana Gabaldon's distaste for the romance genre, her 1991 book Outlander was named the most excellent romance of that year by the Romance Writers of America. And yes, it’s the same story that’s been made into a popular TV series today!
It All Began with a Notebook
Here’s a familiar title that fans would surely know of. The Notebook, a bestseller written by Nicholas Sparks and based on an actual event, has been filmed in both Hollywood and Bollywood. After being separated by the war, lovers Noah and Allie spend one brief summer together. They see each other again 14 years later, but the world has changed.
A Love Transcending Time
Audrey Niffenegger's first novel, The Time Traveler’s Wife, is an acclaimed look at the lives of protagonists Henry and Clare, and it's been called "a story unlike any other" for its innovative combination of science fiction and romance. With over 2.5 million copies sold and accolades, including the British Book Award and the Exclusive Books Boeke Prize, as well as a 2009 film version, this existentialist novel is a must-read.
Conclusion
Some may disagree with some of our picks in this short list, but as far as book lovers go, this pretty much sums up the best of the best. Well, there’s a high chance we might add another title here in the future. For now, let’s just sit in a nook and get lost in these timeless tales of romance.