Recommended Romantic Reads
Julie recommends: Anna Karenina
"Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina is a beautifully tragic story set at a time of radical social change in Russia. As a ‘romantic read’, Anna and Vronksy’s turbulent love affair is told alongside a second love story of the novel, between Levin and Kitty – the two counterpart narratives speak volumes about both family life and the wider social changes."
Ali recommends: Pride and Prejudice
"This novel is full of a mixture of characters who complement each other well to make the story dynamic and engaging. The feisty Elizabeth Bennett combined with the proud Mr Darcy and their mutual and utter dislike for each other keep the reader keen to know how they can ever overcome their differences, never mind actually falling in love with each other. They seem such a mismatched pair, from completely different backgrounds with total odds against them (a little like Romeo and Juliet) in a world where titles, wealth and reputation seem to be the only thing important in marriages at that time – never mind love."
Saskia recommends: Sense and Sensibility
"This Jane Austen novel is one of my favourite love dramas. Innocent 16-year-old Marianne falls head over heels with a man who seems to have it all. At the same time, Marianne's sister Elinor is in tears when the man of her dreams moves away. Will the sisters find true love? Sense and Sensibility is one of Austen's best novels."
Carol recommends: Little Women
"Looking for love, waiting for love and heart-breaking love are all found in this classic written during the American Civil War. Through the changing lives of the March sisters, Jo, Beth, Amy and Meg their adventures offer hope, disappointment, joy and fulfilment. Keep the tissues handy, it’s an emotional ride."
Dulcie recommends: A Midsummer Night's Dream
"This is my favourite Shakespeare play and, in my opinion, one of the greatest romantic comedies of all time. From ‘Bottom’ to ‘Titania Queen of Fairies’, the characters are comical and captivating, and it’s got everything you could want from a good romantic read; love, magic and mayhem! In short, it’s an enchanting and iconic depiction of one of its most famous lines; “the course of true love never did run smooth”! Read it and I guarantee you will laugh, cry and then laugh some more!"
Claira recommends: Wuthering Heights
"I like Wuthering Heights because I think it is a true and enduring love story. Cathy and Heathcliff have a wild and all-encompassing love for each other which, set against the backdrop of the harsh Yorkshire moors, makes for a dramatic and engaging read."
Claudia recommends: The Red and the Black
"The Red and the Black is a compelling story about a young man whose main ambition is to rise to the top of French society and follow the steps of his hero and model - Napoleon. The book is divided into two parts, the red, which represents a softer side of the character’s personality and his capacity of having true love, and the black, which represents his more selfish and ambitious self, which will eventually lead up to destruction."