(image Wikipedia Commons)

L is for Love

Aside from tension and character development and all the other essential elements of a good story, I find love is right up there. So, I thought I’d highlight a few novels that speak love to me…just in case you are in need of some titles to add to your reading list.

Love between siblings

The Color Purple by Alice Walker. Celie sacrifices her own happiness to save her beloved sister.

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Love between a parent and child

The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty. All the more poignant since the beloved child came on the Orphan Train.

Love between a guardian and child

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. The runaway slave Jim is loyal and true, ever watchful over Huck’s well-being. His task is made more difficult by the circumstances of his escape and Huck’s vacillating nature.

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park. Crane man is the perfect wise elder.

Love between friends

Emma by Jane Austen.

The Face by Dean Koontz.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. The greatest sacrifice.

Love between spouses

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. A simple (but grumpy) man wants nothing more than to dedicate himself to his wife.

Love for humanity

Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton. Beautiful, lyrical writing. Highly recommended.

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. This epic tale won the Pulitzer.

Falling in love

Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson. This one is perfect for those lovers of a certain age. Love the second time around can be funny, too.

The Paid Companion by Amanda Quick. Sexy and sweet.

Love that transcends time

The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson. A pick from Delia at Postcards from Asia

Moonlight Dancer by Deb Atwood

Unrequited love

Sufferings of Young Werther by Johann Goethe. A recommendation from Delia at Postcards from Asia.

So, what did I miss? Come on, I know I missed a bunch. What are your favorite love stories? I’ll add them to the list.