Throughout history, love stories have transfixed readers, offering stories encapsulating the beauty of connection, passion, and sacrifice. That being said, with numerous narratives to choose from, which stories are the ones that have stuck out the most?
Here are five classics that you must read.
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Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813):
Starting the list, we have the witty social commentary Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, which is more than just a love story. The book expands upon Elizabeth Bennet’s spirited clashes with the aloof Mr. Darcy. The writing is masterful, and the interactions between the characters are infectious. In the book, Austen delves into societal expectations, blossoming genuine affection, and the eventual declaration of love.
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Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (1847):
Here’s a story of female empowerment blended with a beautiful romance story where the protagonist, Jane Eyre, defies convention. The protagonist is an orphan who falls for her brooding employer, Mr. Rochester. The man harbors a dark secret. The two share a profound connection that transcends social class. Jane’s intelligence and unwavering spirit gradually chip away, and she surrenders to Mr. Rochester’s hardened exterior, which is an absolute treat to bear witness to.
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Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare (1597):
Now, this a book everyone knows about. Romeo and Juliet’s tale is about two star-crossed lovers and a legendary tragedy. Set against a backdrop of feuding families, their love blossoms through adversity, all until the dramatic conclusion. The thrill of forbidden love, the destruction that comes with hate, and the power of passionate love are ingredients of the perfect romance book.
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The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925):
The Great Gatsby takes us back to the roaring 20s. It is a story about lost love and the burden of unfulfilled dreams. Jay Gatsby’s extravagant lifestyle is mirrored by his profound longing for his lover, Daisy Buchanan, a woman that he bid farewell to years ago. Their romance rekindles but succumbs to societal pressures and Gatsby’s inability to recapture the past. The melancholy tale showcases themes of social class, nostalgia, and the resilience of love.
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A Day Between Destinies by Mary Alcock (2023)
And now, last but certainly not least, we have A Day Between Destinies by Mary Alcock. The story revolves around Luke and Isabelle, two strangers traveling to separate destinations. However, destiny has other plans, and soon, they fall for each other in the serendipitous backdrop of Vienna. Alcock’s writing, paired with the couples’ innocence and the aura surrounding the chance encounter, exemplifies the true power of love. A Day Between Destinies is a modern take on love, and we are here for it.
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