For this week the challenge is to list your ten favourite literary couples, which was a tough one to narrow down. I found it interesting as I was coming up with my answers that by the end, every one of these books has been adapted for the screen. Which perhaps shows just how romantic these couples really are!
[Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly book tag run by That Artsy Reader Girl, which you can read more about here.]
Let’s get going!
Outlander series, Diana Gabaldon: Claire and Jamie
These guys are one of my OTP couples, and I will love and adore them always. I am currently battling my way through Fiery Cross. While the books get denser and harder to read, Claire and Jamie continue to be the guiding light along the way. I think this also shines through in the TV show also (which I also love and recommend a watch – it’s on Amazon Prime). Each story that centres around them is much stronger and more emotional. Their journey is as far from relatable as you can get and yet, you can’t help rooting for them and their incredible love story.
The Notebook, Nicholas Sparks: Allie and Noah
These guys are one of the ultimate romantic couples, and anyone who can’t see that just doesn’t have a heart. In both the film and the book Noah and Allie never fail to break my heart.
Never Let Me Go, Kazuo Ishiguro: Kathy and Tommy
This one may seem a bit odd, as the book itself is sort of science fiction and dystopian. It is the connection between Kathy and Tommy that really grabs you and is why your heart breaks by the end. I’m a big fan of science fiction, but find they only really resonate if there is an emotional connection. I need some real human characters to hold on to. This one is a masterpiece in building tension.
One Day, David Nicholls: Emma and Dexter
Who hasn’t read this one? This book follows Emma and Dexter over the course of twenty years, as each chapter of One Day is the same day, each year. This one is very British, which may be why I related to it so much. It is of two humans, and despite only seeing a glimpse into their lives each year, you really get to know and feel for them. I don’t want to give too much away, but there is a twist. It blew me away the first time I read it, and it continues to send a jolt to the heart. By the way, while good, the film is nowhere near as great as the book. So if you’ve only seen the film, give the book a try.
Call Me By Your Name, Andre Aciman: Elio and Oliver
I fell head over heels for the film, and it is now firmly one of my favourites of all time. I immediately wanted to read the book but was a little apprehensive it would live up to expectations. It absolutely smashed them of course and is somehow even better! I like that it goes in to even more detail and the story carries on long after the film ends. The love story is the most romantic and intense I have ever read. I cannot get enough of both Elio and Oliver as characters.
Time Traveler’s Wife, Audrey Niffenegger: Clare and Henry
Now, I love the film for this. It holds a special place in my heart. But I was lucky to have read the book beforehand, and I think that really heightened the viewing experience. The book is just absolutely heart-breaking. I am a huge time-travel fan, as you may find out throughout reading this blog. Literally, if it has time travel in it – I’m in. But there is definitely a mix of quality when using this trope. Generally, while fun, time travel only works well for me if you have a strong connection to the characters, and the why/how of it. It has to have an integral part of the plot, and be done in an original way. This book ticks all those boxes and more. Beyond the time travel, Clare and Henry are a fantastic couple, which you are rooting for right until the end.
Harry Potter series, JK Rowling: Hermione and Ron
Now this one surprised me. I am naturally a huge Harry Potter fan. Which British 25-year-old isn’t? But it was never really all that romantic. It was more magic, and adventures, and saving the wizarding world, and all that. However, after over twenty years with the characters in both book and film form, Hermione and Ron feel meant to be. I can’t imagine them ending up with anyone else. I love how they balance each other out, and how they build on their friendship over time. They are sweet and wholesome, and it was just what Harry Potter needed by the end.
The Host, Stephenie Meyer: Wanda / Melanie and Jared / Ian
I admit I read this when I was about 15 so my judgement may be clouded by teen hormones. I remember feeling so invested in the relationships in this book and how well it all came together. Again, the film did not do it justice, mainly because the whole premise of having two souls in one body just doesn’t fully translate to film. It is Wanda and Mel’s relationship, as they battle for Mel’s body, that is so fascinating. The concept of both women being in love with separate men is a cool concept, well done. I love the ending and the atmosphere of the book. I think it proves that Stephanie Meyer isn’t a bad writer, at least not all of the time.
Atonement, Ian McEwan: Cecilia and Robbie
This book broke me. The film ripped me apart. I am still not over either of them. It is the ultimate period romance. But with the harsh realities of World War 2, the challenges of being apart, and not being able to be together. It is English, and far from simple, and just a breath-taking read.
All Souls Trilogy, Deborah Harkness: Diane and Matthew
I read the trilogy at the end of last year and really enjoyed it. I mainly wanted to read it as the second book, involves time travelling back to Elizabethan times. And it lived up to expectations! Deborah Harkness is a historian, so the level of detail is excellent, and the story itself is vast and intriguing. However, I think I enjoyed the first book, A Discovery of Witches, the most, and this is down to Diane and Matthew. The central characters and their relationship is captivating and addictive. I raced through these bricks of books so that I could read one more conversation between them. Once again, A Discovery of Witches was recently turned into a TV show. It is a fun watch, but cannot match the intensity and intelligence of the source material.
So that’s it! I actually read most of these before seeing the screen adaptation. Apart from Outlander and CMBYN, which I was inspired to read after viewing. Which is the hazard of having a film degree I suppose!
What did you think? Any couples you agree or disagree with?
I’ve also put together the Places Mentioned in Books I’d Like to Visit.
You can get involved with Top Ten Tuesday too, by having a read here.
