2017 May 31
If you’re searching for a well-written romance, then look no further! The beauty of love is explained best through words, as many authors have proven countless times. Listed below are six highly acclaimed romance novels, all of which graced the silver screen at one time or the other!
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Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
Set in England in the early 19th century, Pride and Prejudice tells the story of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet’s five unmarried daughters after the rich and eligible Mr. Bingley and his friend, Mr. Darcy, have moved into their neighbourhood. While Bingley takes an immediate liking to the eldest Bennet daughter, Jane, Darcy has difficulty adapting to local society, resulting in a splendidly civilized sparring between the proud Mr. Darcy and the prejudiced Elizabeth Bennet as they play out their spirited courtship in a series of eighteenth-century drawing-room intrigues.
Universally acknowledged as one of the greatest love stories of all time, the honest reality and witty banter of Austen’s novel has become one of the most popular novels of English literature and has sold more than 20 million copies. This nineteenth century romance is a modern classic, and has resulted in a variety of adaptations in numerous forms. The language remains concise yet compelling and eloquent. The strong personalities of each character are portrayed well, and the use of letters as important devices for communication is well-depicted. Years after its first telling, Pride and Prejudice remains a classic and memorable piece of literature.
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Jane Eyre – Charlotte Brontë
Orphaned into the household of her Aunt Reed at Gateshead and subject to the cruel regime at Lowood charity school, Jane Eyre nonetheless emerges unbroken in spirit and integrity. She takes up the post of governess at Thornfield, falls in love with Mr. Rochester, and discovers the impediment to their lawful marriage in a story that transcends melodrama to portray a woman’s passionate search for a wider and richer life than Victorian society traditionally allowed.
This innovative and enduring novel is continuously capturing the hearts of new readers across the world. The main character is a strong heroine who is forced to battle various obstacles, yet perseveres through her strong spirit, sharp wit, and great courage. ‘Jane Eyre’ preached female empowerment at a period in history when the concept was not popular. A realistic and classic novel, Charlotte Brontë’s inspired work was not lost on its readers. Whether you view it as a love story or a story portraying the development of a strong female character, ‘Jane Eyre’ will entrance you.
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The Notebook – Nicholas Sparks
At thirty-one, Noah Calhoun, back in coastal North Carolina after World War II, is haunted by images of the girl he lost more than a decade earlier. At twenty-nine, socialite Allie Nelson is about to marry a wealthy lawyer, but she cannot stop thinking about the boy who long ago stole her heart. Thus begins the story of a love so enduring and deep it can turn tragedy into triumph, and may even have the power to create a miracle…
The bestselling novel which was adapted into one of the most famous movies of all time, ‘The Notebook’ is a must-have on this list. The love story between Noah and Allie has enchanted many modern readers, and has reached an iconic status among its fans. Readers enjoy the well-rounded story of young love, joy, eventual separation, and a reunion to remember. Sparks has truly written a beautiful love story, with elements and words to make every reader shed a tear or pull at your heartstrings. The romantic suspense and long wait are translated perfectly into words and comes across well to the reader.
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The Time Traveler’s Wife – Audrey Niffenegger
This is the extraordinary love story of Clare and Henry who met when Clare was six and Henry was thirty-six, and were married when Clare was twenty-two and Henry thirty. Impossible but true, because Henry suffers from a rare condition where his genetic clock periodically resets and he finds himself pulled suddenly into his past or future. In the face of this force they can neither prevent nor control, Henry and Clare’s struggle to lead normal lives is both intensely moving and entirely unforgettable.
This novel is a tumultuous and unique love story between interesting and well-painted characters that are determined to live a normal life, even through Henry’s time-traveling disorder. While the continuous time shifts may be confusing at first, the reader will eventually adjust to the flow by connecting the storyline between different points in time. The gradual personality changes depicted in the characters throughout different points in time, and the intricacy and complexity of the novel will keep you hooked.
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Gone with the Wind – Margaret Mitchell
The story is set in Clayton County, Georgia, and Atlanta during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. It depicts the struggles of young Scarlett O’Hara, the spoiled daughter of a well-to-do plantation owner, who must use every means at her disposal to claw her way out of the poverty she finds herself in after Sherman’s March to the Sea.
‘Gone with the Wind’ is an immensely popular novel among Americans, and has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. With two immensely strong characters, the author conveys a timeless story of survival even under the harshest circumstances, and has penned the two most famous lovers since Romeo and Juliet. The book further depicts the brutality of the Civil War better than many other novels. Although an historical fiction, ‘Gone with the Wind’ certainly does most justice towards historical romance and is now a timeless story.
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A Walk to Remember – Nicholas Sparks
Every April, when the wind smells of both the sea and lilacs, Landon Carter remembers 1958, his last year at Beaufort High. Landon had dated a girl or two, and even once sworn that he’d been in love. Certainly the last person he thought he’d fall for was Jamie, the shy, almost ethereal daughter of the town’s Baptist minister….Jamie, who was destined to show him the depths of the human heart-and the joy and pain of living.
‘A Walk to Remember’ is the heart-wrenching story of two young characters, from seemingly opposite worlds, who fall in love against all odds. The pure innocence of their love has transcended the status of this novel and undoubtedly made it a classic. Although many modern books have since attempted to capture this magic in a similar storyline, none will be more timeless than Sparks’ original novel. ‘A Walk to Remember’ gave many young readers their first look into a tragic modern love story. It is an emotional and beautiful tale, and one which will never be forgotten.
