The 10 best romantic books of all time
It’s that time of the year again when love is in the air, and hearts and roses seem to be all around us. Literature and love are inextricably entwined. There are a multitude of novels that are guaranteed to make hearts beat faster and bring tears to our eyes. Here are the 10 best romantic books of all time. Make yourself comfortable and keep that pack of tissues handy!
Pride and Prejudice — Jane Austen
For those who love a historical novel and hanker for a more genteel time, then Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a must. Mrs Bennet’s efforts to marry off her five daughters is an amusing read and the girls’ travails in the world of love transcend time and are relevant even today. The book provides a perfect snapshot of life in Britain during the Regency period and continues to fascinate modern readers.
Outlander — Diana Gabaldon
Outlander is the first in a series of books that have recently been serialised into one of the most popular current television series. The story is mainly historical fiction with elements of time travel mixed in with plenty of romance and adventure. It is 1945 and our feisty heroine, Claire Randall, finds herself travelling through time to 18th century Scotland where she meets Highland warrier, Jamie Fraser who becomes the great love of her life.
Gone with the Wind — Margaret Mitchell
This novel became a huge blockbuster movie. Rhett Butler’s immortal line, “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn”, will go down in history as one of the great cinematic one-liners. The story is set during America’s civil war and is an epic tale of war and death, love and redemption. The heroine, Scarlett, is a pretty and ruthless Southern belle whose life is suddenly ripped apart by the onset of the war and whose steely determination stands her in good stead in her fight for her land and her man.
Jane Eyre — Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte’s most loved novel about the courageous orphan, Jane Eyre, who falls in love with her employer, the dark, brooding and domineering Rochester, must count amongst one of the greatest love stories of all time. Jane’s horrific childhood experiences serve her well in adult life as she encounters many obstacles. It is a moving and unforgettable portrayal of a woman’s quest for love and self-respect.
The Notebook — Nicholas Sparks
Die-hard romantics and those who love to sniffle their way through a book will find themselves reaching out for The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. It is a tender love story about the enduring power of love and the moments and fundamental changes that affect us all. This book has been made into a major movie and has topped the romantic book and film category for many years.
The Princess Bride — William Goldman
The Princess Bride is a fantasy romance novel which weaves together elements of comedy, adventure, fantasy, romance and fairy tale to produce a thrilling and timeless tale about quests for riches, revenge, power and, of course, true love.
The Duke and I — Julia Quinn
This novel is the first book in the Bridgerton series and is a charming, funny and witty tale of the fourth Bridgerton sibling, Daphne. As in every love story, the course of true love does not run smooth. Daphne and the duke find that their clever plan has consequences that neither of them could have envisaged. The protagonists are surrounded by a warm and lovable cast of characters that is present throughout the entire series.
Eleanor & Park — Rainbow Rowell
Eleanor and Park is a coming-of-age novel suitable for mature teens and young adults about two high-school misfits who meet and fall in love. The book explores themes of poverty, domestic violence and emotional instability, as well as the challenges of being “different” and falling in love for the first time.
The Time Traveler’s Wife — Audrey Niffenegger
The Time Traveler’s Wife is a poignant tale written with a twist. It is definitely not your usual boy meets girl novel. This is a highly original and innovative book that raises questions about life, love and the effects of time on relationships. Definitely one for those who prefer a more cerebral read.
One Day — David Nicholls
One Day by David Nicholls is not a classic love story in that it is written using an unusual format. The author provides snapshots of the protagonists’ lives on a specific day for twenty consecutive years. Each chapter covers their lives on 15 July, St Swithin’s Day, for twenty years. The characters feel contemporary and authentic and readers will quickly get drawn in and identify with their complex emotions.
Agenda Bookshop has all of the above and more. Grab a copy and channel your inner romantic.
