Love stories touch the heart. Some make us laugh and some make us cry. And whether we are blissfully happy with the one we love or we're still looking for our second half, a great love story will tug on the heart strings. Here are a few of the all-time greats and a couple you may have overlooked.
'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte is among the oldest of the "heart-wrenching, love can turn a good man evil" tales. Set in 1802 on the Wuthering Heights estate, the story is of timeless love. Heathcliff, the leading man becomes best friends with his adopted sister, Catherine, who, of course is also the love of his life. But, their romance is scuttled by a casual comment.
Another novel that has consistently topped the list of the greatest love stories is 'Anna Karenina' by Tolstoy. In every way, this story is a soap opera. Anna is married and privileged to enjoy the highest levels of Russian aristocracy, but when she visits her brother in Moscow, she falls in love with Count Vronsky.
She struggles with her desires but ultimately is overcome by them and leaves her husband, but she is denied a divorce and spends the rest of her life seeking acceptance for her relationship. The stress proves too much for her.
Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' is the classic tale of star-crossed lovers if there ever was such a thing. The story of two young loves desperate for each other but unable to be together because of family feuds and, dare I saw, family dysfunction. I'm sure many teenagers can relate. A tragic ending is inevitable as it's all in the timing when it comes to matters of the heart.
As you may have noticed, the greatest love stories mentioned so far are a bit dated. However, Charles Frazier's 'Cold Mountain' is one of the few literary love stories to make the bestseller lists in recent memory. It's essentially a retelling of 'Romeo and Juliet' set in the desperate Civil War south. It too does not end well for the lovers.
A great love story that is currently making its way up the bestseller lists is the novel 'Some Glad Morning' by Gary C. Horton. The plot is also similar to 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'Cold Mountain.' The two lovers are separated by status and the hero must first establish himself in business and society.
Elizabeth is a Charleston lady and Ransom a poor sharecropper. Unlike 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'Cold Mountain,' 'Some Glad Morning' turns the tale on its head and ends with a mesmerizing scene that will not be easily forgotten.
'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte is among the oldest of the "heart-wrenching, love can turn a good man evil" tales. Set in 1802 on the Wuthering Heights estate, the story is of timeless love. Heathcliff, the leading man becomes best friends with his adopted sister, Catherine, who, of course is also the love of his life. But, their romance is scuttled by a casual comment.
Another novel that has consistently topped the list of the greatest love stories is 'Anna Karenina' by Tolstoy. In every way, this story is a soap opera. Anna is married and privileged to enjoy the highest levels of Russian aristocracy, but when she visits her brother in Moscow, she falls in love with Count Vronsky.
She struggles with her desires but ultimately is overcome by them and leaves her husband, but she is denied a divorce and spends the rest of her life seeking acceptance for her relationship. The stress proves too much for her.
Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' is the classic tale of star-crossed lovers if there ever was such a thing. The story of two young loves desperate for each other but unable to be together because of family feuds and, dare I saw, family dysfunction. I'm sure many teenagers can relate. A tragic ending is inevitable as it's all in the timing when it comes to matters of the heart.
As you may have noticed, the greatest love stories mentioned so far are a bit dated. However, Charles Frazier's 'Cold Mountain' is one of the few literary love stories to make the bestseller lists in recent memory. It's essentially a retelling of 'Romeo and Juliet' set in the desperate Civil War south. It too does not end well for the lovers.
A great love story that is currently making its way up the bestseller lists is the novel 'Some Glad Morning' by Gary C. Horton. The plot is also similar to 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'Cold Mountain.' The two lovers are separated by status and the hero must first establish himself in business and society.
Elizabeth is a Charleston lady and Ransom a poor sharecropper. Unlike 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'Cold Mountain,' 'Some Glad Morning' turns the tale on its head and ends with a mesmerizing scene that will not be easily forgotten.
About the Author:
The author writes extensively on literary trends and popular fiction. To discover more great love stories visit: Authors Like Nicholas Sparks. The featured author is always a great place to start, find them at: Featured Author.