Are you familiar with the bittersweet feeling of loving someone you can’t have? It’s a universal experience that has been explored in countless books throughout the years. If you’re seeking solace, understanding, or simply a captivating story that mirrors your own emotions, look no further. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best books about loving someone you can’t have. From heart-wrenching romances to soul-searching self-discovery, these books will surely resonate with anyone who has ever yearned for a love that remains out of reach.
Contents
- 1 Normal People
- 2 Call Me by Your Name
- 3 The Unrequited
- 4 Eleanor & Park
- 5 The Light We Lost
- 6 The Great Alone
- 7 The Fault in Our Stars
- 8 Me Before You
- 9 The Rosie Project
- 10 The Time Traveler’s Wife
- 11 One Day
- 12 The Nightingale
- 13 The Notebook
- 14 The Sun Is Also a Star
- 15 The Remains of the Day
- 16 The Bridges of Madison County
- 17 The Lover’s Dictionary
- 18 The Last Letter from Your Lover
- 19 The Giver of Stars
- 20 The Paris Wife
- 21 Conclusion
Normal People
by Sally Rooney
Normal People by Sally Rooney is a mesmerizing tale of two souls bound together by an unbreakable bond. This poignant novel explores the complexities of human connection, delving deep into the emotional rollercoaster of love, desire, and heartbreak.
Rooney’s masterful storytelling unravels the lives of Marianne and Connell, two individuals from different worlds who find solace and passion in each other’s presence. Their journey is a raw and honest portrayal of the intricacies of relationships, as they navigate the turbulent waters of adolescence and adulthood.
This captivating narrative delves into the universal theme of loving someone you can’t have, beautifully capturing the intensity of unrequited love and the longing for something that seems forever out of reach. Rooney’s prose effortlessly immerses readers in the emotional depths of her characters, making them feel every heartbeat, every stolen glance, and every shattered dream.
Normal People is a book that will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the bittersweet pain of yearning for someone they cannot fully possess. With its exquisite storytelling and profound exploration of the human heart, this novel is a must-read for those seeking a tale that will leave them both heartbroken and hopeful.
Call Me by Your Name
by André Aciman
Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman is a tantalizing exploration of desire, longing, and the complexities of love. Set in the sun-drenched Italian countryside, this book delves deep into the raw emotions and intense passion that arise when two souls connect in a way that society may deem forbidden.
This extraordinary novel takes us on a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, as we follow the protagonist, Elio, on his path of longing for Oliver, an older graduate student who becomes his summer house guest. Aciman’s lyrical prose paints a vivid picture of their blossoming relationship, filled with stolen glances, stolen moments, and stolen hearts.
Call Me by Your Name is not just a book about loving someone you can’t have; it is a symphony of emotions that captures the raw intensity of forbidden desire. Aciman’s words dance off the page, immersing the reader in the heady sensations of first love and the ache of unrequited longing.
With its poetic language and achingly beautiful storytelling, this book transcends the boundaries of traditional romance novels. It delves into the complexities of human connection, the bittersweet nature of desire, and the heart-wrenching reality of loving someone who may never fully be yours.
Call Me by Your Name is a masterpiece that will leave you breathless, yearning for more, and pondering the depths of your own desires. It is a book that will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the exquisite pain and joy of loving someone they can’t have.
The Unrequited
by Saffron A. Kent
The Unrequited by Saffron A. Kent is an extraordinary book that delves deep into the complexities of desire, yearning, and longing. It is a captivating tale of unrequited love, exploring the depths of passion and the struggles of loving someone you can’t have.
Eleanor & Park
by Rainbow Rowell
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell is a captivating and heart-wrenching book about longing for someone you can’t have. Set in the 1980s, the story follows Eleanor, a red-haired misfit with a troubled home life, and Park, a half-Korean boy who feels like an outsider in his own community. As they sit together on the bus, their love story unfolds, showcasing the beauty and pain of yearning for someone out of reach.
The Light We Lost
by Jill Santopolo
The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo is an emotionally charged novel that delves deep into the complexities of a love that cannot be. This poignant story explores the depths of yearning, desire, and heartache when two individuals are destined to be apart. It is a book that encapsulates the anguish and longing that comes with loving someone you can’t have, leaving readers captivated and emotionally invested from start to finish.
The Great Alone
by Kristin Hannah
Step into the wild and rugged terrain of Alaska in Kristin Hannah’s extraordinary novel, The Great Alone. This gripping tale is not just a book on loving someone you can’t have, but rather a heart-wrenching exploration of the relentless power of love and the strength of the human spirit.
The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is a heart-wrenching book about loving someone you can’t have. It tells the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster, a sixteen-year-old girl living with terminal cancer. Despite the challenges that her illness presents, Hazel meets and falls in love with Augustus Waters, a charming and witty boy who also has a history with cancer. Their relationship blossoms as they navigate the ups and downs of life, grappling with the inevitable reality that their time together may be limited. Through their shared experiences, Hazel and Augustus learn the true meaning of love, sacrifice, and the power of living life to the fullest, even in the face of adversity. With its poignant storytelling and relatable characters, The Fault in Our Stars is a captivating book on loving someone you can’t have that will leave readers both deeply moved and forever changed.
Me Before You
by Jojo Moyes
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes is a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss, a book on adoring someone you simply can’t possess. This poignant story follows Louisa Clark, a quirky and ordinary young woman, as she becomes the caretaker for Will Traynor, a wealthy and adventurous man who is now paralyzed from the neck down. As Louisa and Will spend more time together, they form an unexpected bond, filled with laughter, tears, and a deep understanding of each other’s desires and limitations.
Me Before You is not just a book about adoring someone you can’t have; it delves into the complexities of life, showcasing the power of human connection and the choices we make. Moyes beautifully explores themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the pursuit of happiness, even in the face of immense challenges. With her compelling writing style and unforgettable characters, Moyes takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, leaving them breathless and yearning for more.
This loving someone you can’t have book will make you laugh, cry, and question your own beliefs about love and sacrifice. It reminds us that sometimes, love transcends traditional boundaries and that the most profound connections can be found in the most unexpected places. Me Before You is a must-read for anyone who craves a thought-provoking and deeply moving novel that will stay with them long after the final page is turned.
The Rosie Project
by Graeme Simsion
The Rosie Project is a heartwarming and hilarious book about yearning for someone you can’t have. This captivating story follows the journey of Don Tillman, a socially awkward genetics professor who embarks on a quest to find the perfect wife. With his logical and meticulous approach to life, Don creates a scientifically designed questionnaire, known as the Wife Project, to filter out unsuitable candidates.
However, Don’s predictable world is turned upside down when he meets Rosie, a free-spirited and spontaneous woman who fails to meet his Wife Project criteria. Despite their obvious incompatibility, Don finds himself irresistibly drawn to Rosie and is willing to break all his self-imposed rules to be with her.
As Don navigates through the complexities of love and relationships, readers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, alternating between laughter and empathy. Graeme Simsion’s witty writing style and clever humor make The Rosie Project a delightful read, inviting readers to reflect on the unpredictability and irrationality of love.
Through Don’s endearing narration, the novel explores the universal theme of longing for someone you cannot have, capturing the essence of unrequited love in a refreshing and entertaining way. The Rosie Project is a charming and insightful story that reminds us that sometimes, the heart wants what it wants, even if it defies all logic and reason.
The Time Traveler’s Wife
by Audrey Niffenegger
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger is a mesmerizing tale that delves into the complexities of loving someone you can’t possess. This extraordinary novel explores the profound connection between Clare and Henry, whose relationship is plagued by the unique circumstance of Henry involuntarily time traveling.
One Day
by David Nicholls
One Day by David Nicholls is a captivating book on yearning for someone you can’t have. It follows the lives of Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew, who meet on July 15th, 1988, the day of their graduation. From that moment on, the story unfolds on the same date each year, spanning over two decades.
Emma and Dexter couldn’t be more different. Emma is intelligent, ambitious, and has dreams of changing the world. Dexter, on the other hand, is charming, carefree, and lives life on the edge. Despite their contrasting personalities, they develop a deep connection that defies categorization.
The novel explores the complexities of their relationship as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of adulthood. As the years pass, they embark on separate paths, yet their bond remains unbreakable. They share laughter, tears, and confessions, always holding onto the hope that one day, their timing will align.
One Day is a book about longing for someone you can’t have, capturing the essence of unrequited love in a way that resonates with readers. Nicholls’ writing beautifully illustrates the rollercoaster of emotions that come with this predicament, making it a relatable and heartfelt read.
Through his skillful storytelling, Nicholls explores themes of friendship, missed opportunities, and the profound impact one person can have on another’s life. One Day is not just a love story; it’s a reflection on the choices we make and the lasting effects they can have on our lives and the lives of those we hold dear.
So, if you’re looking for a loving someone you can’t have book that will tug at your heartstrings and keep you captivated until the very last page, One Day is a must-read. Prepare to be swept away by the bittersweet beauty of Emma and Dexter’s journey.
The Nightingale
by Kristin Hannah
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a heart-wrenching tale of unrequited love, a book that delves deep into the complexities of yearning for someone you cannot possess. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this mesmerizing novel explores the profound emotions that arise when one’s heart is consumed by an unattainable love.
The Notebook
by Nicholas Sparks
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks is a captivating tale that delves into the depths of a forbidden love. This heart-wrenching novel explores the intricacies of adoring someone who is seemingly unattainable. It is a book on cherishing the unattainable, a story about yearning for someone you cannot possess. Sparks weaves a mesmerizing narrative that will leave you breathless, as you join the characters on their tumultuous journey of love and sacrifice. Prepare to be swept away by the bittersweet symphony of emotions in this unforgettable book about adoring someone you cannot have.
The Sun Is Also a Star
by Nicola Yoon
The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon is a spellbinding love story that explores the heart-wrenching theme of loving someone you can’t have. Set in New York City, this captivating novel follows two teenagers, Natasha and Daniel, who cross paths on a fateful day. Natasha is a practical girl who believes in science and facts, while Daniel is a dreamer and a poet. As they spend a single day together, their connection deepens, and they find themselves falling in love despite the obstacles that stand in their way. With exquisite prose, Yoon delves into the complexities of fate, family, and the power of love, leaving readers with a poignant reminder that sometimes, even against all odds, love can conquer all.
The Remains of the Day
by Kazuo Ishiguro
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro is a mesmerizing tale that delves into the depths of unrequited affection, exploring the complex emotions that arise when one longs for someone they cannot have. This poignant novel takes readers on a compelling journey through the intricate web of a butler’s heart, as he grapples with his repressed feelings and the consequences of a lifetime spent serving others.
The Bridges of Madison County
by Robert James Waller
The Bridges of Madison County is a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of a forbidden love. Set in the picturesque countryside of Iowa, this book explores the profound connection and longing that can arise when two souls come together, despite the obstacles that fate has placed in their path.
At its core, The Bridges of Madison County is a story about yearning for someone you cannot be with. It beautifully captures the bittersweet essence of loving someone you can’t have, immersing readers in the emotional turmoil and heartache that accompanies such a predicament.
Through the pages of this novel, readers are transported into the lives of Francesca Johnson, a passionate Italian woman, and Robert Kincaid, a free-spirited photographer. Their encounter is brief but profound, and it becomes a catalyst for a love affair that defies societal norms and obligations.
Waller’s evocative prose paints a vivid picture of the idyllic countryside and the bridges that symbolize the connection between Francesca and Robert. As the story unfolds, readers are swept away by the intensity of their emotions, rooting for their happiness while simultaneously understanding the heart-wrenching reality of their situation.
The Bridges of Madison County is a tale that resonates with anyone who has experienced the agony of unrequited love or the ache of longing for someone they cannot have. It serves as a poignant reminder of the power of human connection and the profound impact that a fleeting encounter can have on our lives.
With its timeless themes and unforgettable characters, The Bridges of Madison County is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. It is a testament to the strength of the human heart and the indomitable spirit of love, even in the face of insurmountable obstacles. Get ready to embark on an emotional rollercoaster as you immerse yourself in this captivating story of loving someone you can’t have.
The Lover’s Dictionary
by David Levithan
The Lover’s Dictionary by David Levithan is a captivating and poignant ode to the complexities of unrequited love.
Through a unique narrative structure, Levithan crafts a heartrending exploration of what it means to long for someone you cannot have. Rather than a traditional novel, this literary gem takes the form of a dictionary, with each entry representing a word that holds significance in the narrator’s relationship.
The words become windows into the intimate moments, struggles, and revelations that accompany the yearning for unattainable affection. With each entry, Levithan unveils a snapshot of the narrator’s emotions, thoughts, and experiences, allowing the reader to intimately connect with their journey.
From ‘abeyance’ to ‘zenith,’ Levithan’s prose delicately weaves together moments of joy, vulnerability, and heartache. Through his poetic language, he captures the euphoria of love, the frustration of longing, and the desperation of unrequited passion in a way that resonates with readers on a profound level.
This exquisite exploration of unattainable love is a must-read for anyone who has ever experienced the pain of longing for someone they cannot have. Levithan’s unforgettable storytelling and lyrical prose will leave you breathless, as you navigate the complexities of the human heart and reflect on the universal experience of loving someone you cannot truly call your own.
The Last Letter from Your Lover
by Jojo Moyes
Are you ready to embark on an emotional rollercoaster through the pages of a book about yearning for someone you can never truly have? Look no further than Jojo Moyes’ captivating novel, The Last Letter from Your Lover.
This heart-wrenching tale delves deep into the complexities of forbidden love, weaving together two parallel stories set in different eras. The narrative effortlessly switches between the 1960s and the present day, leaving readers on the edge of their seats as the characters navigate the bittersweet waters of love and longing.
Set against the backdrop of a London newspaper office in the 1960s, we meet Jennifer Stirling, a married woman who finds herself falling head over heels for a journalist named Anthony O’Hare. Their illicit affair, filled with stolen moments and secret rendezvous, is beautifully captured in a series of passionate letters that form the heart of the story.
Fast forward to the present day, where Ellie Haworth, a young journalist, stumbles upon these letters and becomes determined to uncover the truth behind Jennifer and Anthony’s ill-fated love affair. As Ellie delves deeper into their story, she finds herself questioning her own relationships and what it means to truly follow one’s heart.
The Last Letter from Your Lover is a poignant exploration of the universal themes of love, loss, and missed opportunities. Moyes’ exquisite prose breathes life into her characters, capturing their desires, regrets, and the undeniable power of a love that transcends time.
Prepare to be swept away by this emotionally charged novel, as you embark on a journey of love, longing, and the enduring hope that true love can conquer all, even when it seems impossible to attain.
The Giver of Stars
by Jojo Moyes
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes is an extraordinary tale that unravels the complexities of yearning for someone you can never call your own. Set against the backdrop of 1930s Kentucky, this mesmerizing book takes readers on a journey filled with love, desire, and the indomitable spirit of five courageous women.
The Paris Wife
by Paula McLain
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain is a captivating novel that delves into the bittersweet world of unrequited love. Set in the vibrant backdrop of 1920s Paris, the story follows the life of Hadley Richardson, a young woman who finds herself irresistibly drawn to the enigmatic and charismatic writer, Ernest Hemingway.
As Hadley becomes Hemingway’s first wife, she embarks on a tumultuous journey of passion, heartbreak, and sacrifice. McLain beautifully captures the essence of their relationship, illuminating the complexities of loving someone you cannot fully possess. Through her vivid prose, she explores the intense emotions that arise when desire clashes with reality, and the painful consequences that follow.
The Paris Wife is not just a book about loving someone you can’t have; it is a poignant exploration of the human heart and the universal longing for connection. McLain’s masterful storytelling transports readers to a bygone era, where they will be swept away by the passion, glamour, and heartache that define Hadley and Ernest’s unconventional love affair.
With its rich historical detail and compelling characters, The Paris Wife is a must-read for anyone who has ever experienced the anguish of loving someone they cannot fully possess. It is a mesmerizing journey of love, loss, and self-discovery that will leave readers spellbound until the very last page.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 20 books about loving someone you can’t have offer a deep exploration of the complexities and struggles that come with unrequited love. Whether you’re seeking solace in the stories of others or looking for guidance on how to navigate this challenging emotion, these books provide a poignant and relatable perspective. From heart-wrenching novels to insightful memoirs, each book on this list captures the raw emotions and longing that accompany loving someone you can’t have. So, grab a copy of these books, and immerse yourself in the profound journeys of unrequited love.