Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Although disdained on publication for its “vulgar depravity” and difficult characters, no one can beat the romance between Catherine Earnshaw and the gypsy Heathcliff with whom she feels a love as eternal as the rocks beneath the moor.
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
Murakami’s haunting debut novel is about 37-year-old Toru Watanabe (a man neither uchi or soto — inside or outside — of his milieu), who hears a song which recalls a formative college encounter and the events that follow.
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
An aging butler named Stevens, who has performed his job to perfection for more than three decades, reflects on his life. But underneath his controlled exterior lurks a passionate and romantic soul that has been quashed during his years of unblemished service.
The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
The novel traces the intersection of four damaged lives in an Italian villa at the end of World War II. Hana, the exhausted nurse; the maimed thief, Caravaggio; the wary sapper, Kip: each is haunted by the riddle of the English patient who lies in an upstairs room and whose memories of passion, betrayal and rescue illuminate this book.
Atonement by Ian McEwan
Ian McEwan’s symphonic novel of love and war, childhood and class, guilt and forgiveness provides all the satisfaction of a brilliant narrative and the provocation we have come to expect from this master of English prose.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Strong, beautiful Claire Randall leads a double life, married to a man in one century, with a lover in another century. Filled with humour, passion, wit and wonderful Scottish scenery, this is one fast read.
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Eleanor is the new girl in town, and she’s never felt more alone. Then she takes the seat on the bus next to Park. Slowly, steadily, through late-night conversations and an ever-growing stack of mix tapes, they fall in love.
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Noah Calhoun is a young man working in a lumber yard. One day, he meets Allie Nelson and falls in love with her. The two are irresistibly attracted towards each other, but there is little hope of their love ever having a happy ending.
The Far Pavilions by M M Kaye
British botanist’s son is orphaned in India and raised to believe he’s an Indian boy named Ashok. Anjuli is a neglected princess, condemned first to an unwanted marriage — but happiness beckons Ashok and Anjuli in the “far pavilions” of the Himalayas.