Top Classical Romance Novels Around the World (2026)

Why to read it

“Anna Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy, often finds its way onto lists of the world’s greatest novels. While “War and Peace” is undeniably his most famous work, I find myself drawn to “Anna Karenina” even more than his other books.

In “Anna Karenina,” Tolstoy paints a vivid picture of Russian society in the 19th century, where a woman’s reputation often overshadowed her happiness. Anna’s decision to leave her unfulfilling life with her husband, Karenin, and her passionate affair with Count Vronsky creates a gripping narrative that raises poignant questions about personal choice and societal expectations. But what are the real consequences of her decision?

What I love most about “Anna Karenina” is that Tolstoy doesn’t impose any moral judgments; instead, he allows us as readers to draw our own conclusions. He shines a light on the unfairness of the era, where the burden of shame often fell solely on the woman, despite both parties being involved in the relationship. It’s a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of human emotions that continues to resonate with me long after I’ve turned the last page.

More Russian classical romance books:

“Home of the Gentry” by Ivan Turgenev
“Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakov
“Doctor Zhivago” by Boris Pasternak
“Two Captains” by Veniamin Kaverin

2. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen – United Kingdom

Why to read it

Since 1813, “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen has always been one of the most popular novels ever written in English.

The center of the book is a beautiful romance that evolves from initial antipathy to epic love. Flirtation, intrigue, a bit of humor – “Pride and Prejudice” is a book that has it all. Reading Jane Austen is your first stop on the way to discovering the world of Britain´s manners and etiquette of the XIXth century.

By the way, there´s also a “Pride and Prejudice” (2005 ) movie starring Keira Knightley (which I liked a lot), so if you´re already familiar with the story, you can always pick another one of Jane Austen´s masterpieces: “Sense and Sensibility“, “Mansfield Park“, “Emma“, or “Northanger Abbey“. Do not miss my list of Romantic Travel Movies to watch with your loved one.

More British classical romance books:

“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte, “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte
“Theatre” by William Somerset Maugham
“The Gadfly” by Ethel Lilian Voynich
“Vanity Fair” by William Thackeray
“North and South” by Elizabeth Gaskell
“Rebecca” Daphne du Maurier

3. “Heaven has no favorites” by Erich Maria Remarque – Germany

Why to read it

“Heaven has no favorites” by German novelist Erich Maria Remarque is one of my all-time favorite books. Although it is not actually set in Germany, like for instance, another Remarque novel “The Black Obelisk“.

Two main characters of “Heaven has no favorites”, Clerfayt and Lillian, prove that opposites often attract and make the most unique love stories. By and large, it is a bittersweet story about living only in the moment, without regard for the future. “Heaven has no favorites” is also a never-ending source of beautiful quotes that inspire you to think about life and all the things that really matter in it.

4. “The Autobiography Of A Turkish Girl” (also called The Wren) by Resat Nuri Güntekin – Turkey

Why to read it

Ever since my first layover in Istanbul, Turkey has been one of my favorite travel destinations. In search of intriguing historical insights and details about the Ottoman descendants, I’ve devoured hundreds of books, movies, documentaries, and TV series. Nevertheless, I still remember the first book that marked my Turkish cultural journey – “The Autobiography Of A Turkish Girl” (also called The Wren) by Resat Nuri Güntekin.

The story is brought to a reader in the form of a diary, written by a Turkish girl Feride. This very personal story immediately consumes you and it´s impossible to set this book aside before you flip its last pages. Feride breaks an engagement and leaves Kamran, the only man she ever loved, upon discovering that he´s been unfaithful to her. She runs away to follow her teaching career and finds happiness and peace. But can we really start over after losing the love of our life and are there those second chances in relationships?

Alongside the engaging storyline, “The Autobiography Of A Turkish Girl” also shows life in Turkey in the early XXth century, while giving its readers the scoop on Turkish customs and traditions. “The Autobiography Of A Turkish Girl” by Resat Nuri Güntekin was turned into a TV series twice, in 1986 and 2013.

More Turkish classical romance books:

“The Museum of Innocence” by Orhan Pamuk
“Bliss” by Zülfü

My favorite

Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice is an 1813 romantic novel by Jane Austen that follows the character development of Elizabeth Bennet, the dynamic protagonist of the book who learns about the repercussions of hasty judgments and comes to appreciate the difference between superficial goodness and actual goodness.

My favorite

Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina is one of the most loved and memorable heroines of literature. Her overwhelming charm dominates a novel of unparalleled richness and density. Tolstoy considered this book to be his first real attempt at a novel form, and it addresses the very nature of society at all levels,- of destiny, death, human relationships and the irreconcilable contradictions of existence. It ends tragically, and there is much that evokes despair, yet set beside this is an abounding joy in life''s many ephemeral pleasures, and a profusion of comic relief.

My favorite

North and South

As relevant now as when it was first published, Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South skilfully weaves a compelling love story into a clash between the pursuit of profit and humanitarian ideals.

5. “Madame Bovary” by Gustave Flaubert – France

Why to read it

“Madame Bovary” is a scandalous debut novel of the French writer Gustave Flaubert. The storyline was considered controversial for its time and has been attacked by public prosecutors for obscenity. Yet it´s been an absolute bestseller worldwide ever since.

The book reveals the story of Emma Bovary, trapped in her marriage and bored with the banality of provincial life. Her unhappiness makes her search for love outside of her family alliance, but the real life continues to fail to live up to her romantic expectations.

“Madame Bovary” makes you realize that life is about the journey itself. We are the first ones in charge of loving ourselves and trying to find happiness within. Because if you leave it to other people – you might as well be unhappy for the rest of your life.

More French classical romance books:

“The Red and the Black” by Stendhal
“The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas
“Hello Sadness” by Françoise Sagan
“Germinal” by Emile Zola

6. “Love in the Time of Cholera” by Gabriel García Márquez – Colombia

Why to read it

“Love in the Time of Cholera” is a masterpiece of Colombian novelist Gabriel García Márquez, one of the most famous writers in Latin America and a Nobel Prize Winner.

The main characters of “Love in the Time of Cholera” fall passionately in love in their youth, but life drifts them apart. So, do second chances in relationships really exist and can we keep the internal flame of love forever?

“Love in the Time of Cholera” is one of the classical romance novels that show us fondness beyond the common concepts of age, marriage, faith, and life´s possibilities.

7. “The little lady of the big house” by Jack London – America

Why to read it

Despite my love for Ernest Hemingway´s books, I´ve decided to pick “The little lady of the big house” by Jack London in order to bring some love-triangle drama into this list of classical romance novels.

As an American writer, journalist, and social activist, Jack London has quite a novel portfolio: just take his “The Call of the Wild“, “Martin Eden“, or “Hearts of Three“. But I love the fact that “The little lady of the big house” is one of his lesser-known novels, plus it was also the last book published during Jack London´s lifetime.

Biographers claim that “The little lady of the big house” is not an autobiographical piece. Although quite a few characters in it were most likely inspired by the author´s personal life.

More American classical romance books

“A Farewell to Arms” by Ernest Hemingway
“Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell
“The Great Gatsby” by Francis Scott Fitzgerald

8. “Ali and Nino” by Kurban Said – Caucasus

Why to read it

“Ali and Nino” is a romantic novel Kurban Said, the author whose true identity is still a matter of dispute. It is a captivating romance about two people pulled apart by culture, religion, and war. “Ali and Nino” tells the story of a Muslim boy and a Christian girl who defy their parents and marry. But will their all-consuming love be enough to overcome the differences in their backgrounds? Plus, as if it was not enough, things get turned upside down by the arrival of World War I. The story of “Ali and Nino” made it to the screen in 2006. The movie was directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Asif Kapadia.

9. “The God of Small Things” by Arundhati Roy – India

Why to read it

“The God of Small Things” is a relatively modern novel (published in 1997) by an Indian author Arundhati Roy. Nevertheless, it already belongs on the list of classical romance novels, as it was awarded The Booker Prize for Fiction and has become an absolute best-seller worldwide.

The story is set in Kerala, India in 1969. The plot rolls around the lives of twins Rahel and Estha and their mother Ammu, all sharing a secret dramatic past. It´s really hard to reveal more without giving away any spoilers.

When you follow the storyline, you can´t help the feeling that there are quite a few pieces of the puzzle missing there. Then you unexpectedly come across a beautiful and tragic love story that starts shedding some light on the life of the main characters, their relationships, and personalities. I feel like “The God of Small Things” is different from anything I´ve ever read.

Check out more interesting books and movies about India here.

My favorite

Heaven Has No Favorites

Heaven Has No Favorites by Erich Maria Remarque is a poignant novel that explores the themes of love, loss, and the transient nature of life set against the glamorous backdrop of auto racing. The story revolves around the passionate romance between a wealthy socialite, who is battling illness, and a daring race car driver, highlighting the complexities of their relationship amid the harsh realities of their world.

The Little Lady of the Big House

My favorite

The Little Lady of the Big House by Jack London tells the story of a young woman named Joan who struggles to balance her love for the outdoors with her desire for a stable domestic life. Set against the backdrop of a grand estate in California, the novel explores themes of love, ambition, and the complexities of human relationships. Through Joan's journey, London beautifully captures the tension between the allure of adventure and the responsibilities of adulthood, offering readers a poignant reflection on the choices that define our lives.

My favorite

Çalikuşu (the Wren)

Reşat Nuri Güntekin's 1922 novel Çalıkuşu tells the poignant story of Feride, a spirited and independent young woman who becomes a teacher in a remote village after the upheaval of World War I. As she navigates the challenges of love, duty, and societal expectations, Feride's journey reflects the struggles of modern Turkish society in the early 20th century.

10. “The Girl Who Played Go” by Shan Sa – China

Why to read it

No list of love novels around the world can be complete without a touch of Asian literature. “The Girl Who Played Go” is a novel by Shan Sa, a Bejing-born French writer.

It is another relatively modern pick for this list (published in 2001) due to its uniqueness and award-winning profile. “The Girl Who Played Go” has won a number of international prizes, including Prix Goncourt des Lyceens and Kiriyama Prize.

The plot is set during the Japanese occupation of China. A local Chinese girl is exceptional at playing Go and her most frequent opponent is a Japanese soldier, captivated by her beauty and unpredictable approach to the game strategy. In tough times of war, falling in love with an enemy is one of the most rebellious acts of human nature, don´t you think?