Love fills the air this Spring, presenting the perfect opportunity to indulge in the most indulgent of pastimes: romance novels. There’s nothing like escaping into the world of complicated courtship and getting cozy with an enthralling book. Whether you prefer timeless classics like a good Jane Austen story or more modern tales exploring the queer club scene in San Francisco in the 50s, we’ve selected the ideal reads for you to get started on your latest adventure of glancing touches and longing looks. Experience the passion, the heartbreak, and the yearning all from the comfort of your home on a rainy day, maybe with a warm cup of tea by your side.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Recommended by Rivini Madawanarachchi
Spanning across the dazzling 1950s-1990s, Evelyn Hugo, now 79 years old, recounts her seven marriages and how they all began and ended. Her story is told through an interview with Monique, a reporter who Evelyn chooses to tell it to. Though she had seven husbands, her one true love was a woman who no one knew of. This is a story filled with the wonders of old Hollywood, and romance in its midst.
This is one of my favourite books. The stories of Evelyn’s husbands are all enticing, though the romance that takes the cake is the one between Evelyn and Celia. They choose each other over everyone else. It’s theatrical; full of love, heartbreak, and living through it all.
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Recommended by Grazielle Yovendi
Pride & Prejudice is an utterly enchanting and timeless novel written by Jane Austen. A brilliant blend of romance and comedy set in the Regency-era of Britain. Our headstrong and clever heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, stands out in a world that lies through the discussion of social classes, marriage, and manners.
As the novel starts, “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife”. A brilliant setting of tone, blending irony with insight.
When Elizabeth Bennet was introduced to the mysterious and proud Mr. Darcy, a spark ignited, a romance that captivated the hearts of many. This novel beautifully portrays themes of love, prejudice, and personal growth, making it a classic literary masterpiece with their characters and powerful messages. Pride and Prejudice remains as a must-read, celebrated for its rich characters and timeless themes.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Recommended by Rivini Madawanarachchi
Set in San Francisco’s ChinaTown during the Red Scare, Lily Hu finds solace in a lesbian bar called the Telegraph Club. Through being there, she becomes close with new people, including Kathleen Miller, who has sparked something within her. But with outside fear on the rise, and her father’s possible deportation, Lily struggles between being safe with her family, and staying with her lover.
While I felt that Lily and Kath did not have much development or chemistry in their relationship, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book. I thought this book was very enticing, and it really takes you into the atmosphere of 1950s Chinatown and the lesbian bars of the time.
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
Recommended by Grazielle Yovendi
It Ends with Us (2016), a novel written by Colleen Hoover, was a global hit. The story follows Lily Bloom, a strong and resilient woman, who falls for Ryle Kincaid, a neurosurgeon with a painful past. Despite his love for her, Ryle’s aversion to relationships and his troubling behaviour threatened their bond. When Lily reconnected with her first love, Atlas Corrigan, she finds herself torn between her past and present.
The novel tackles about domestic abuse in relationships with raw emotions and honesty, offering a heart-wrenching yet hopeful journey. A quote from the book, “He doesn’t love you the way you deserve to be loved. If Ryle truly loves you, he wouldn’t allow you to take him back,” captures the painful truth at the heart of the journey. For those who enjoy emotional, bitter-sweet tales, It Ends with Us is a must-read.
IF YOU LOVED THE MOVIE, READ THE BOOK
