Classic Literary Love Stories & Quotes to Celebrate This Valentines’ Day
Valentine's Day is fast approaching!
No matter your plans - the 14th of February is the perfect date to celebrate the work of some of our most beloved authors.
Whether you enjoy the rich, romantic language of Tolstoy, the quick-witted plots of Austen or the legendary love affairs of Shakespeare; this list has something for everyone.
So kick back, pour yourself a cup of tea (or wine) and delve into your favourite tale of love and charm.
This is a romance that will last a lifetime...
Classic Love Stories To Read
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY
Author: Jane Austen
Sense and Sensibility is a comedy of manners about the lives and loves of the Elinor and Marianne - the Dashwood sisters. The girls are the personifications of common sense (sense) and emotionality (sensibility). This tale of love, romance and heartbreak sold out its first print run of 750 copies in the middle of 1813 and has since been adored by all generations.
“If I could but know his heart, everything would become easy.”
GONE WITH THE WIND
Author: Margaret Mitchell
Gone With The Wind is thought to be the greatest American novel ever written. Mitchell’s novel has been made into one of the most successful movies of all time. Set during the American Civil War, this popular story is a chaotic tale of love and survival.
“Well, my dear, take heart. Someday, I will kiss you and you will like it. But not now, so I beg you not to be too impatient.”
THE AGE OF INNOCENCE
Author: Edith Wharton
This wonderful but heart-breaking book has inspired many film and theatrical adaptations. The Age of Innocence is Edith Wharton's 12th novel and was the first novel written by a woman to ever win a Pulitzer.
It tells the story of a society wedding. The couple’s happiness is threatened by a beautiful, captivating cousin of the bride, as she pulls the attention of the groom
“And you'll sit beside me, and we'll look, not at visions, but at realities”
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
Author: Charles Dickens
Widely regarded as Dickens' best novel, this story follows the young orphan Pip through great success, romance and heartbreak.
“Love her, love her, love her! If she favours you, love her. If she wounds you, love her. If she tears your heart to pieces – and as it gets older and stronger, it will tear deeper – love her, love her, love her!”
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME
Author: Victor Hugo
The famous tale of the “man in the bell tower”- The Hunchback of Notre Dame has been enjoyed by many. The original story is much darker than portrayed in the well-known Disney movie. Victor Hugo’s novel is a gothic tale, telling a story of power, torture, human nature and horror of love.
“Love is like a tree: it grows by itself, roots itself deeply in our being and continues to flourish over a heart in ruin. The inexplicable fact is that the blinder it is, the more tenacious it is. It is never stronger than when it is completely unreasonable.”
WUTHERING HEIGHTS
Author: Emily Brontë
This wonderful book is Emily Brontë’s one and only novel!
This is a passionate tale of intense love and obsession between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. As a young boy, Heathcliff is bullied (by Catherine’s brother) into believing Catherine does not care for him. He leaves their home of Wuthering Heights, returning later in life as a wealthy man.
This eerie story of love and revenge is beautifully poetic and shockingly violent. Considered a masterpiece of English Literature, it shows how the wildness of love can be dangerous to a young heart.
THE PRINCESS BRIDE
Author: William Goldman
From a farm boy to a Prince - a beautiful, young girl called Buttercup charms the most opposite of men. When faced with the reality of her true love's death, she must find other ways to achieve happiness.
A captivating tale of passion, fighting, torture, beasts and miracles; Goldman’s story is certainly not one to miss.
“Do I love you? My God, if your love were a grain of sand, mine would be a universe of beaches.”
ROMEO & JULIET
Author: William Shakespeare
No list would be complete without this classic!
The most romantic tale of all time. Follow the two star-crossed lovers as love turns to tragedy with Shakespeare's masterpiece.
NORTH AND SOUTH
Author: Elisabeth Gaskell
A journey from hate to love. Gaskell’s first novel follows the protagonist Margaret and her growing understanding of the working world; most specifically labour within Northern mills. Her journey leads her to a complex and stormy relationship with mill-owner John Thornton, with whom she begins to fall for unintentionally.
“Margaret was not a ready lover, but where she loved she loved passionately, and with no small degree of jealousy.”
PRIDE & PREJUDICE
Author: Jane Austen
One of the world’s most beloved stories.
Austen’s novel follows the intriguing relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and the mysterious My Darcy, a rich landowner. The five girls of the Bennet family encounter many matches, love triangles and interesting gentlemen as they discover the pressures of not only marrying for love but social status and wealth.
REBECCA
Author: Daphne du Maurier
This ghostly tale follows the life of a young woman as she is overwhelmed by the memory of her husband's deceased lover. Haunted in the halls of her new home Maderley, by figures past and present, this young woman must decide whether love is more important than fear.
“I am glad it cannot happen twice, the fever of first love. For it is a fever, and a burden, too, whatever the poets may say.”
JANE EYRE
Author: Charlotte Brontë
Poor Jane has to overcome a cruel upbringing and employment, all whilst fighting against a rigid social ladder. When she becomes governess to the daughter of Mr Rochester, things begin to change. This mysterious man holds a strange secret, one which Jane will be sure to discover. A tragic tale made warm by the true qualities of selfless love and care. As a stong feminist symbol - Jane Eyre is one of the best-loved heroines of all time.
“I would always rather be happy than dignified.”
WOMEN IN LOVE
Author: D H Lawrence
A tale that questions society, politics, and the relationship between men and women. Set in Britain before the first world war, Lawrence’s forward-thinking tale questions the trueness of love as it weaves through emotions of hatred, despair and violence.
“They stood together in a false intimacy, a nervous contact. And he was in love with her.”
EMMA
Author: Jane Austen
As a keen matchmaker for others, the beautiful, wealthy and intelligent Emma is certain she will never marry. This funny and imaginative tale follows the life of Emma as she weaves in and out of society, creating chaos and social mayhem. But will she ever fall in love herself? Austen’s novel is quick-witted and fast-paced, leaving you warm with the traces of love and friendship.
“If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.”
ANNA KARENINA
Author: Leo Tolstoy
This Russian novel is an epic tale of love and self-destruction. The beautiful and wealthy Anna Karenina is the idol of many eyes, until her scandalous affair with a Count turns society, her family and friends against her. Tolstoy’s well-loved classic proves that nothing can stop the heart.
“If you look for perfection, you’ll never be content.”
I hope you love these romantic classics as much as I do!
PS - For the ultimate romantic treat, make sure to check out my literary wall art. Beautifully illustrated quotes for use all over the home!
