Are you yearning for a book that will touch your soul and make you feel deeply? Look no further! We have curated a list of the 20 best books about longing that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. From heart-wrenching love stories to tales of unfulfilled dreams, these longing books will leave you longing for more. So grab a cozy blanket, a cup of tea, and immerse yourself in these captivating stories that beautifully explore the depths of human longing.
Contents
- 1 Normal People
- 2 The Great Alone
- 3 A Gentleman in Moscow
- 4 The Goldfinch
- 5 The Nightingale
- 6 Educated
- 7 The Alchemist
- 8 The Book Thief
- 9 The Kite Runner
- 10 The Secret Life of Bees
- 11 The Help
- 12 The Catcher in the Rye
- 13 The Bell Jar
- 14 The Picture of Dorian Gray
- 15 The Great Gatsby
- 16 To Kill a Mockingbird
- 17 Pride and Prejudice
- 18 Jane Eyre
- 19 Wuthering Heights
- 20 Frankenstein
- 21 Conclusion
Normal People
by Sally Rooney
Normal People by Sally Rooney is a captivating book about longing that delves into the intricate dynamics of relationships and the complexity of human connection. Set in Ireland, this novel takes readers on a heartfelt journey through the lives of Marianne and Connell, two individuals who navigate the ups and downs of their deep bond. Rooney’s exquisite storytelling and profound exploration of emotions make this a longing book that will resonate with readers on a profound level.
The Great Alone
by Kristin Hannah
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah is a breathtaking journey through the rugged and untamed landscapes of Alaska, intertwined with a powerful story of love, resilience, and the unrelenting desire for something more. Set in the 1970s, this book transports readers to a time when the world was changing, and people were searching for a place to belong.
At its core, The Great Alone is a book about yearning. It delves deep into the human soul, exploring the profound longing for a sense of purpose, adventure, and connection. As readers embark on this literary expedition, they will be captivated by the raw emotions and vivid imagery that Hannah weaves together.
The protagonist, Leni Allbright, is a young girl desperately seeking solace and stability amidst her parents’ volatile relationship. When her father, a Vietnam War veteran, decides to move the family to the remote wilderness of Alaska, Leni sees it as a chance for a fresh start, a chance to escape the suffocating grip of her past.
However, Alaska is a land of extremes, where beauty and danger coexist. As winter approaches, the Allbrights must confront the harsh realities of their new life. The isolation, the brutal climate, and the constant battle for survival push their relationships to the brink. Amidst the hardships, Leni finds solace in the untamed wilderness, discovering a sense of belonging she has always craved.
With her lyrical prose and profound insights, Kristin Hannah paints a vivid portrait of longing, as characters navigate the treacherous terrains of love, loss, and self-discovery. The Great Alone is a masterpiece that will leave readers yearning for more, reminding them of the depths of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope.
A Gentleman in Moscow
by Amor Towles
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles is a captivating book about yearning, desire, and the ache of unfulfilled dreams. Set in the grandeur of a luxurious hotel in 1922 Russia, this novel immerses readers in a world of elegant charm and poignant nostalgia.
The Goldfinch
by Donna Tartt
Are you ready to embark on a journey into the depths of the human soul, exploring the profound yearning that resides within us all? Look no further than The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, a mesmerizing book on longing that will leave you breathless.
The Nightingale
by Kristin Hannah
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a mesmerizing tale that will transport you to a world of yearning, desire, and aching hearts. This poignant and evocative novel is a true masterpiece, a book on yearning that will leave you breathless and longing for more.
Educated
by Tara Westover
Educated by Tara Westover is a captivating memoir that delves into the depths of a young woman’s journey for knowledge and self-discovery. This book is not just a mere memoir, but a profound exploration of the human spirit’s yearning for something more, a book on longing. It unveils the raw and powerful desire for education, for understanding, and for belonging.
The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a mesmerizing book on yearning, a profound exploration of the human soul’s desire to fulfill its deepest longings. It is a literary masterpiece that delves into the depths of the human spirit, captivating readers with its timeless wisdom and enchanting storytelling.
The Book Thief
by Markus Zusak
The Book Thief, written by Markus Zusak, is a captivating novel about yearning. Set during World War II in Nazi Germany, it tells the extraordinary story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl who discovers solace and purpose in the power of words.
The Kite Runner
by Khaled Hosseini
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is an extraordinary book that delves into the depths of human longing and the power of redemption. Set in Afghanistan, this poignant tale takes us on a journey through the life of Amir, a young boy from Kabul.
From the very beginning, the book grips your heart as it explores the profound longing for love, acceptance, and forgiveness. Hosseini’s vivid storytelling paints a haunting picture of a broken world, filled with shattered dreams and unfulfilled desires.
Amir’s longing for his father’s approval and affection forms the core of the story. His relentless pursuit to win his father’s love drives him to make choices that have far-reaching consequences. As the narrative unfolds, we witness the devastating effects of unfulfilled longing and the scars it leaves behind.
But amidst the darkness, there is a glimmer of hope. The kite running tournament, a deeply symbolic event, becomes a turning point in Amir’s life. It is here that he finds a fleeting sense of belonging and a chance for redemption. Through the power of friendship and sacrifice, Amir embarks on a journey to make amends for his past mistakes.
The Kite Runner is a deeply moving and thought-provoking novel that explores universal themes of longing, guilt, and the human capacity for redemption. Hosseini’s exquisite prose captures the raw emotions of his characters, leaving you yearning for more. This book is not just a book about longing; it is a masterpiece that will tug at your heartstrings and stay with you long after you turn the final page.
The Secret Life of Bees
by Sue Monk Kidd
The Secret Life of Bees, written by Sue Monk Kidd, is a captivating book about the yearning for belonging and the search for a place to call home. Set in the 1960s, this poignant novel takes readers on a journey of longing, desire, and the power of love.
The Help
by Kathryn Stockett
The Help by Kathryn Stockett is a captivating book about yearning. Set in 1960s Mississippi, this novel delves into the lives of three women who, despite their differences, share a common longing for change.
The Catcher in the Rye
by J.D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is a mesmerizing book about longing. It delves into the restless mind of Holden Caulfield, a teenage protagonist who is searching for a sense of belonging in a world that feels alienating and superficial.
The Bell Jar
by Sylvia Plath
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is not just another book on longing; it is a mesmerizing journey into the depths of the human psyche. Plath’s novel, often described as a “book about longing,” delves into the tumultuous mental landscape of Esther Greenwood, a young woman grappling with the suffocating expectations of society.
Set in the 1950s, The Bell Jar showcases Esther’s relentless pursuit for fulfillment and purpose, a longing that echoes within the recesses of her soul. Plath masterfully weaves a tale of longing, desire, and the relentless pursuit of identity, creating a narrative that resonates with readers on a profound emotional level.
Through vivid and haunting prose, Plath unravels the complexities of Esther’s mind, painting a picture of a woman trapped in her own bell jar of longing and despair. The novel explores themes of alienation, mental illness, and the societal pressure to conform, all through the lens of Esther’s unyielding longing for something more.
The Bell Jar is a standout in the realm of “longing books,” as it tackles the subject matter with unparalleled honesty and authenticity. Plath’s writing captures the essence of longing in all its forms – the longing for love, success, freedom, and most importantly, the longing to be true to oneself.
With its evocative language and thought-provoking narrative, The Bell Jar is a timeless exploration of the human condition, a testament to the power of longing and the enduring search for meaning in a world that often feels suffocating and unyielding. Plath’s magnum opus will leave readers captivated and contemplating their own deepest longings long after they turn the final page.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
by Oscar Wilde
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a captivating book on longing that delves deep into the dark desires of the human soul. This mesmerizing tale explores the consequences of indulging in one’s deepest longings and the eternal struggle between beauty and morality.
The Great Gatsby
by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby, a mesmerizing tale by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a literary masterpiece that delves deep into the human heart, exploring the depths of desire, yearning, and the insatiable hunger for a love that seems forever out of reach. This poignant novel, often regarded as a quintessential ‘book on longing’, takes us on a captivating journey through the glittering world of the 1920s, where decadence, glamour, and the pursuit of the American Dream collide.
To Kill a Mockingbird
by Harper Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird, a captivating novel by Harper Lee, is a literary masterpiece that delves into the depths of human yearning. Set in the 1930s in a small Southern town, this mesmerizing tale explores the intertwined lives of Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father, the righteous lawyer Atticus Finch. Through the innocent eyes of Scout, we are transported to a world where longing lingers in every corner, where desires and hopes yearn to be fulfilled.
Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen’s timeless masterpiece, is a captivating book about longing, desire, and the complexities of love. Set in 19th century England, this classic novel takes readers on a journey through the lives of the Bennet sisters as they navigate the social expectations and romantic entanglements of their time.
At the heart of the story is Elizabeth Bennet, a spirited and intelligent young woman who grapples with her own pride and prejudice. When Mr. Darcy, a wealthy and seemingly arrogant gentleman, enters her life, their initial encounters are marked by misunderstanding and disdain. But as the story unfolds, their true feelings emerge, and their longing for each other becomes undeniable.
Austen’s exquisite prose and keen observations of human nature bring the characters to life, making Pride and Prejudice a book on longing that continues to resonate with readers today. The novel explores the longing for love, acceptance, and social standing, as well as the yearning for personal growth and self-discovery.
With its witty dialogue, memorable characters, and delightful plot twists, Pride and Prejudice is a true masterpiece of literature. It reminds us that longing is a universal human experience, and that love can triumph over pride and prejudice.
Jane Eyre
by Charlotte Brontë
Discover a mesmerizing tale of passion, resilience, and the undeniable power of the human spirit in Charlotte Brontë’s masterpiece, Jane Eyre. This timeless classic is a book on yearning, an exploration of the depths of one’s desires and the ceaseless search for connection and belonging.
Wuthering Heights
by Emily Brontë
Step into the dark and tumultuous world of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, a mesmerizing masterpiece that delves deep into the human soul, exploring the intricate web of love, passion, and despair. This haunting tale, often hailed as a “book on longing,” immerses readers in a landscape of raw emotions and untamed desires.
Frankenstein
by Mary Shelley
Frankenstein, a mesmerizing tale penned by Mary Shelley, is a literary masterpiece that delves deep into the realm of yearning. This remarkable book on longing takes us on a haunting journey as Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant scientist consumed by his desire for knowledge, strives to create life from death. Shelley’s provocative narrative explores the human longing for power, companionship, and ultimately, the pursuit of immortality. As we immerse ourselves in this gripping tale, we witness the consequences of unchecked ambition and the profound longing for connection that can drive humans to the brink of madness. Prepare to be captivated by this mesmerizing book about longing, as Shelley skillfully weaves a tale that leaves us pondering the depths of our own desires and the cost of fulfilling them.
Conclusion
The longing for something or someone is a powerful emotion that has been explored in literature for centuries. Whether it’s the ache for a lost love, the yearning for a different life, or the desire for connection, these 20 books about longing capture the depths of human longing in all its forms. From classic novels to contemporary works, these books will transport you into the hearts and minds of characters who are searching for something more. So, if you’re ready to delve into the complexities of longing, pick up one of these captivating reads and prepare to be swept away.