A love book or love story is usually a powerful and emotional narrative that can move the reader to experience either the pain of love, the joy of love, or sometimes both. Below is a list of the top 10 love books and stories. Some of these books are classics, and some are contemporary works.

10. Michael Ondaatje – “The English Patient” (1992)

The English Patient by Sri Lankan-Canadian author Michael Ondaatje received worldwide acclaim and also won both the Canadian Governor General’s Award and the Booker Prize for fiction. In 1996 the book was made into a very successful film of the same name. The novel deals with the non-linear histories of a seriously burned English man, Almasy (the “English patient”), his Canadian nurse, a thief, and an Indian sapper in the British Army. The story takes place in an Italian villa at the end of World War II, although various flashbacks are set throughout the 1930s and early 1940s.

The English Patient is a beautiful and multi-layered novel that explores the concepts of nationality and identity, as well as love’s ability to transcend time and place.

 

9 Elizabeth Gaskell – “North and South” (1854)

“North and South” was Gaskell’s 9^th literary work, and encompasses the stories of people who have been brought together by life circumstances beyond their immediate control. The book explores the concept of social situation and obedience and delves deeply into the role of the middle class during nineteenth century society. The novel centres on Margaret Hale, a southern woman who moves to the northern industrial town of Milton. The author deftly and thoroughly explores issues of class as well as gender, as Margaret’s sympathy for the mill workers clashes with her affection for the owner of the mill, John Thornton.

 

8. Charlotte Bronte – “Jane Eyre” (1847)

In “Jane Eyre”, Bronte details the refusal of a spirited and intelligent woman to accept her traditional place in society. Jane is an orphan who is raised by her wealthy but unkind aunt. Jane’s only friend growing up is Bessie, the kindly servant who tells her stories and sings her songs. Jane is sent away to Lowood school, which creates more bleak and difficult situations for the young Jane.

Eventually Jane leaves the school and accepts a position as governess at Thornfield Manor, where she develops strong affections for her employer Edward Rochester, a brooding man who seems to hold many dark secrets.

A classic love story that radiates a sense of strength and dignity.

 

7. F.Scott Fitzgerald – “The Great Gatsby” (1925)

The story centres around Nick Carraway, a young man who moves to New York in the summer of 1922. He rents a house in the West Egg district of Long Island, a wealthy area whose inhabitants are primarily the “new rich”. Nick’s next-door neighbour in West Egg is a man named Jay Gatsby, whose home is a Gothic styled mansion. Gatsby throws large and extravagant parties every Saturday night, to which Carraway eventually secures an invitation.

At the party, Carraway meets Jordan and forms an affection for her, while Gatsby himself is revealed to have an unrequited love: Carraway’s cousin Daisy Buchman, who is already married.

Fitzgerald portrays the 1920s as an era of decayed social and moral values, as the desire for money has become the priority at the expense of love and more worthy human virtues.

 

6. Georgette Heyer – “Devils Cub” (1932)

Georgette Heyer is one of the greatest writers of romantic historical fiction, and that talent shows in Devils Cub. It is exciting, dramatic, and also genuinely funny. Dominic, the wild and extravagant Marquis of Vidal is a dark and dangerous, however he also has a more passionate and loving side that is kept well hidden. Mary Challoner, the heroine of the book, is pretty, intelligent, full of life and also boasts a wonderful sense of humour. It is easy for the reader to see why the Marquis fall so intensely in love with her.

A fantastic, fast paced love story. Georgette Heyer at her very best.

 

5. Audrey Niffenegger – The Time Traveller’s Wife (2003)

The Time Traveler’s Wife is the first novel by American author Audrey Niffenegger. It is a story about a man named Henry DeTamble, a man with a genetic disorder that has the unusual effect of causing him to time travel randomly. His artist wife is forced to deal with his frequent absences and dangerous experiences as best she can.

The Time Traveler’s Wife is not a book regarding paradoxes of time travel, but rather a tale of the challenges of a couple trying to life a normal life in difficult circumstances.

 

4. Emily Bronte – “Wuthering Heights” (1847)

One of the most powerful and heartfelt stories ever told, Wuthering Heights portrays the relationship and affection between Cathering Earnshaw and Heathcliff, the orphan boy adopted by her father. Catherine’s brother Hindley despises Heathcliff as a rival, eventually causing Heathcliff to leave Wuthering Heights for several years. During these years Catherine marries, though her love and longing is still for Heathcliff.

A novel of intense emotion and passion, Wuthering Heights is a beautiful and tragic tale of love enduring through hardship.

 

3. Kazuo Ishiguro – “The Remains of the Day” (1989)

Kazuo Ishiguro won the Booker Prize for his novel “The Remains of the Day”, and with good reason. The story centres on Mr Stevens, an English butler in the service of Lord Darlington of Darlington Hall. Upon the Lord Darlington’s death, Mr Stevens looks back on his career, the values he believes in and the choices he has made. It is a story that explores deeply the regrets of a love that was not pursued, due to Steven’s commitment and dedication to his professional station. An engaging and powerful work.

 

2. Jane Austen – “Sense and Sensibility” (1811)

When Mr. Dashwood dies, he is forced to leave the majority of his estate to the son by his first marriage, which leaves his second wife and three daughters (Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret) in difficult circumstances, with very little income. They are taken in by their relatives the Middletons at Barton Park. Their poor financial situation heavily affects the chances for marriage of the sisters. When Elinor develops shared affections for the wealthy Edward Ferrars, his family disapproves. Meanwhile Marianne finds the dashing and Mr Willoughby fascinating. Both relationships are tested, but through all the hardships, true love triumphs.

 

1. William Shakespeare – “Romeo and Juliet” (1595)

The most well known tale of tragic love ever penned. The story focuses on the quarrelling Montague and Capulet families, who have been enemies for as long as anyone can remember. Romeo, son of Lord Montague, finds out about a ball given by Lord Capulet and plans to attend. Romeo and his closest friend friends Mercutio and Benvolio don masks and attend the ball incognito, where Romeo meets Juliet and falls in love. That night Romeo meets Juliet on her balcony, and they exchange vows of eternal love. Knowing that the hatred between the their families would pose difficulties to their marriage, Romeo seeks the help of Friar Laurence, who agrees to marry the young lovers in secret.

Romeo and Juliet is perhaps the greatest and most well known love story ever written.