9 Must-Read Novels for Hopeless Romantics

Jul 24, 2023, 06:10 IST

Trisha Pathak

The Pisces: A Novel, by Melissa Border 

The book depicts an unconventional love story between Lucy, a woman going through a breakup, and a merman she meets while swimming at the Venice beach.

American Wife, by Curtis Sittenfeld 

Loosely inspired by the life of Laura Bush, the book tells how imperfect love unfolds over a long time and locks you in twists and turns.

Normal People, by Sally Rooney

The Malayalam romantic comedy is about a middle-aged couple, an archaeologist and a dubbing artist, who bond over their love for food.

Eleanor & Park, by Rainbow Rowell

The book is young adult fiction. The story begins when Eleanor and Park strike up an unlikely connection after sitting together on a school bus.

The Argonauts, by Maggie Nelson

The book is well-researched, heartbreaking, thought-provoking and joyful. It explores sexuality, gender, and parenthood.

Call Me By Your Name, by André Aciman

The book transports you to an Italian villa in the summer of 1983. It beautifully describes the relationship between Elio and Oliver.

Standard Deviation, by Katherine Heiny 

It is a divinely funny book about the challenges of a good marriage and the delight and heartache of raising children. The story revolves around Graham Cavanaugh’s second wife, Audra, who is everything his first wife was not.

Just Kids, by Patti Smith

The memoir beautifully describes the magic and mayhem of New York in the 60s. Patti Smith, writer and poet, narrates her friendship and romance with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.

The Notebook, by Nicholas Sparks

The classic romance novel turned into the 2004 movie by the same name is a must-read for romance fanatics. 

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