Classic Romance Books
Love has been written about in various ways in literature, and love affairs are the foundations of many works in classical literature. The storylines in these novels expand the boundaries of consciousness, allowing the reader to invade the inner worlds of strangers, to share experiences with those characters what no-one would want to experience in the real world. The romance novel is not just pleasant conversations and commonality of feelings. This genre envelops the reader into the life, mores and morals of a society at a point in time. It allows the reader to plunge into that past, and learn those life experiences that which is not written in history books. Leopold Classic Library brings to your attention some of the most unforgettable love stories that you will ever find:
Madame Bovary
The debut novel of French writer Gustave Flaubert, published in 1856. The story focuses on a doctor's wife, Emma Bovary, who has adulterous affairs and lives beyond her means in order to get rid of the banalities and emptiness of provincial life. Although the plot of the novel is quite simple and slightly banal, the true value of the novel lies in its intricate details and forms of storytelling. Flaubert as a writer was known for his desire to bring each piece to perfection, always trying to find the right words.
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A Room with a View
'A Room with a View' is a 1908 novel by English writer E. M. Forster, about a young woman in the restrained culture of Edwardian era England. Set in Italy and England, the story is both a romance and a critique of English society at the beginning of the 20th century. The Modern Library ranked 'A Room with a View' 79th on its list of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century. 'A Room with a View' is Forster's most romantic and optimistic book. He utilises many of his trademark techniques, including contrasts between "dynamic" and "static" characters.
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Pride and Prejudice
A novel written by Jane Austen. First published in 1813, the novel provides a portrait of the life of the lesser English nobility in the early 19th century set against the background of the protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet, an intelligent, rational young woman. The story charts her emotional development, how she learns the error of making hasty judgements, and how she comes to appreciate the difference between the superficial and the essential. It has become one of the most popular novels in English literature, with over 20 million copies sold by the 21th century.
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Wuthering Heights
'Wuthering Heights' is Emily Brontë's only novel, published in 1847 under the pseudonym 'Ellis Bell'. Thoughtful story, innovative use of multiple narrators, attention to the details of rural life combined with a romantic interpretation of natural phenomena make 'Wuthering Heights' the standard late romantic novel, and a classic work of early Victorian literature. The novel has inspired adaptations, including film, radio and television dramatisations.
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The Portrait of a Lady
This novel is regarded by critics as one of Henry James' finest works. 'The Portrait of a Lady' is the story of a spirited young American woman, Isabel Archer, who has been left a great legacy. She inherits a large amount of money and subsequently becomes the victim of Machiavellian scheming by two American expatriates. The story explores in a profound way the themes of personal freedom, responsibility, and betrayal.
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Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. A story of two young lovers from feuding families whose love was destined for destruction, it was among Shakespeare's most popular plays during his lifetime and is one of his most frequently performed plays. It is a work that can be read more than once.
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Sense and Sensibility
'Sense and Sensibility' is a novel written by Jane Austen, and published anonymously in 1811. The plot is built around the love stories of two sisters: sensible, discreet Elinor and romantic, passionate Marianne, who are both of marrying age. Jane Austen describes with her inherent humour, and in a light, ironic style, the conventions of English society, duty, honour, caring for relatives and love experiences. Set in southwest England, London and Sussex between 1792 and 1797, the book has been adapted into film on several occasions.
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