By Neha Mehrotra
Nobody does romance quite like the classics. While there are plenty of modern tales of love available on the shelves, British literature has a way of taking us back to the fluttering hearts of the yesteryears. Authors like Jane Austen, Charlotte Brontë, and D.H Lawrence have penned down stories about tragic, intoxicating, head-over-heels love stories and have tugged at our heartstrings and made us dream of ballroom gowns, picturesque countryside estates, the British terms of endearment, dry-wit humour, and elaborate confessions of love à la Mr. Darcy’s hand flex.
The English romanticism not only immerses the readers in the captivating backdrop of a specific era or period, it also weaves intricate character arcs, descriptive prose, emotional dialogues, and a hint of old-fashioned courtship that immediately transports you back in time.
We have compiled a list of literary masterpieces of love, unrequited feelings, and intimate encounters that will make you want to find a suitor for you ASAP!
1. ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen
This book is the OG romance novel—a delightful blend of romance, social commentary, and wit. A beloved classic set in 19th-century England, ‘Pride and Prejudice’ revolves around the Bennet family, and their desire to find a suitable and wealthy groom for their daughters. The protagonist of the story, Elizabeth Bennet, only wishes to marry for love, not riches. When she first meets Mr. Darcy, she is put off by his aloof and disdainful behaviour, while Darcy sees Elizabeth and her family beneath his social standing. But once they look past their initial impressions, they discover a profound connection that ignites a deep and passionate love.
2. ‘Wuthering Heights’ by Emily Brontë
While ‘Wuthering Heights’ may not conform to conventional ideas of a happily-ever-after, it is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its exploration of love, loss, and tragedy. The book focuses on the tempestuous love affair between Catherine Earnshaw, a free-spirited young woman, and Heathcliff, a brooding and mysterious orphan. Although the book might not swoon you away, it challenges the traditional notions of romance and presents a darker, more complex portrayal of love and uncontrolled passion.
3. ‘Jane Eyre’ by Charlotte Brontë
‘Jane Eyre’ stands as a classic in the realm of romantic literature due to its exploration of emotions and the empowerment of its female protagonist. The story revolves around the independent and resilient Jane Eyre and follows her journey from her challenging childhood to her adult life, where she encounters the enigmatic Mr. Rochester. A deep emotional connection develops between them despite their differences in social status and their personal struggles.
4. ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’ by D.H. Lawrence
If you are up for a rather controversial and explicit read, then this tale of romance is definitely for you. The novel serves as a testament to the importance of emotional connection and personal fulfilment in romantic relationships. Feeling emotionally and physically disconnected from her husband, Constance gets involved in a clandestine affair with Oliver Mellors, the gamekeeper on their estate. Their relationship blossoms into a passionate and deep emotional connection, transcending class differences. ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’ invites readers to reflect on love as a force that has the power to liberate and transform individuals.
5. ‘A Room with a View’ by E.M. Forster
Forster weaves a story that highlights the transformative power of romantic longing and the need to embrace one’s true desires, even if it means defying societal norms. ‘A Room with a View’ is a classic ode to the complexities of the heart. While on a trip to the vibrant and passionate city of Florence, Italy, which is quite contrary to the English society, Lucy is left enchanted, especially now that she has been kissed by an unconventional man, George Emerson. A mutual attraction develops between them and their connection challenges Lucy’s perceptions and societal expectations.
