We are wanting to do a themed type of book for a Valentine’s Day. Some women in our group are recently divorced, so I want to come have options that are both traditionally romantic and kind of anti romantic or as well. Or books that are kind of about romance, but not necessarily a “happily ever after” type of romance.
Thanks for the suggestions!
by racheljane
5 Comments
Remains of the Day – Ishiguro (unrequited love)
Ooh! I feel like The Wedding People could be a great pick for this. It’s not primarily a romance, but there are lots of relationships, including romantic ones, and they’re all really beautiful, but the story isn’t really “about” a particular couple. It also deals with divorce directly, and the book is just super positive and uplifting to read.
Hiromi Kawakami’s Strange Weather in Tokyo would be a great choice imo, it’s plenty romantic but in a subtle and quiet and quirky way. I’m not a romance reader but I loved it, and neither in spite of the romance in it or because of it — it’s more a slice of life novelette which also happens to be about a romantic relationship, and imo beautifully written. It’s also quite a short and easy read & highly ‘discussible’ afterwards 🙂
Heart the Lover by Lily King feels perfect for this situation.
Someone in another sub described *Snake-Eater* by T. Kingfisher as anti-romantic, not against romance but like the opposite, like antimatter.