20 best books on one sided love – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you in the mood for a heart-wrenching tale of unrequited love? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the 20 best books about one sided love that will leave you feeling both empathetic and inspired. Whether you’re looking for a classic romance or a contemporary novel that delves into the complexities of unreciprocated affection, these books are guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings. So grab a box of tissues and prepare to immerse yourself in the world of one sided love.


Normal People

by Sally Rooney

Are you ready to dive into a captivating tale of unrequited affection? Look no further than Sally Rooney’s extraordinary novel, Normal People. This enthralling book explores the intricacies of a one-sided love, a sentiment that many of us can relate to – whether we call it unrequited love, a lopsided affection, or a one-sided infatuation.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine – A Book on Unrequited Love

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

Are you ready to immerse yourself in a heartwarming and poignant story about unrequited love? Look no further than Gail Honeyman’s debut novel, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine. This mesmerizing tale will take you on a journey through the life of a remarkable woman who has experienced the depths of one-sided affection.

Eleanor Oliphant is a socially awkward and isolated individual, struggling to fit into a world that seems foreign to her. While Eleanor finds solace in her routines and her love for literature, her heart longs for a connection that remains elusive.

As you delve deeper into Eleanor’s story, you’ll witness her relentless pursuit of love, despite the constant rejections and disappointments. Honeyman beautifully captures the complexities of unrequited love, demonstrating the power it holds over Eleanor’s life and her unwavering determination to find happiness.

Through Eleanor’s unique perspective, Honeyman explores the raw emotions associated with unreciprocated affection, highlighting the pain, loneliness, and self-doubt that often accompany such experiences. This book offers a compelling portrayal of the human condition, reminding us of our own vulnerabilities and the resilience required to navigate the complexities of love.

Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions as you witness Eleanor’s journey towards self-discovery and the unexpected twists and turns that arise along the way. With its relatable characters and thought-provoking themes, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is a captivating read that will leave you pondering the power of love and the importance of self-acceptance.

The Unrequited

by Saffron A. Kent

Welcome to the world of unrequited love, a place where hearts ache, desires burn, and hope flickers in the shadows. Saffron A. Kent’s mesmerizing novel, The Unrequited, delves deep into the tumultuous realm of one-sided love.

Prepare yourself for a captivating journey as you navigate the intricate web of emotions that surround Layla Robinson, a young woman consumed by an unrequited passion. Set against the backdrop of a prestigious university, this book explores the relentless yearning and raw vulnerability that comes with loving someone who may never love you back.

With her lyrical prose and keen insight into the human psyche, Kent weaves a powerful tale that will leave you breathless. Through Layla’s eyes, you will experience the ecstasy of stolen glances, the torment of unspoken words, and the anguish of unfulfilled desires.

The Unrequited is more than just a book about one-sided love; it is a testament to the resilience of the human heart. Kent’s vivid storytelling will transport you to a world where emotions run high, risks are taken, and boundaries are pushed.

So, if you are yearning for a poignant and deeply emotional read, look no further. The Unrequited is the one-sided love book you’ve been waiting for. Prepare to be enchanted, heartbroken, and ultimately, inspired by this extraordinary tale of unrequited love.

The Rosie Project

by Graeme Simsion

The Rosie Project is a heartwarming and quirky book about one-sided love. Set in a world where love is often unpredictable, this novel follows the journey of Don Tillman, a socially awkward genetics professor who is determined to find a wife.

Don, a brilliant yet socially inept scientist, decides to approach his search for a partner in a methodical and scientific way. He creates a questionnaire called “The Wife Project,” in which he seeks to find the perfect woman based on a set of specific criteria. However, Don’s rigid approach to love quickly becomes complicated when he meets Rosie, a completely unsuitable candidate for his project.

Rosie, a free-spirited and independent woman, captures Don’s attention despite not meeting his initial requirements. As they embark on a series of adventures, Don finds himself questioning his own beliefs about love and relationships. With Rosie’s help, he learns to embrace spontaneity and live outside his comfort zone.

The Rosie Project is a delightful and humorous book on one-sided love that explores the complexities of human connections. It highlights the importance of embracing differences, breaking free from societal norms, and ultimately discovering what truly matters in matters of the heart.

The Great Alone

by Kristin Hannah

Are you ready for an emotional rollercoaster? Look no further than The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, a captivating and heart-wrenching book about unrequited love.

Set in the wild and untamed beauty of Alaska, this novel follows the story of Leni, a young girl who finds herself caught in the web of her father’s one-sided affection. As they move to the rugged and isolated wilderness, Leni’s father’s love for her mother becomes an obsession, blinding him to the reality of their situation.

Amidst the breathtaking landscapes and harsh winters of Alaska, Leni discovers her own path to love. But as she navigates the complexities of her own heart, she also finds herself entangled in the dangers of her father’s delusions.

With vivid descriptions that transport you to the untamed wilderness and a narrative that tugs at your heartstrings, The Great Alone is a powerful and poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Prepare to be swept away by this unforgettable one-sided love book that will keep you turning the pages late into the night, longing for resolution and hoping for redemption.

The Light We Lost

by Jill Santopolo

Discover the heart-wrenching tale of unrequited love in Jill Santopolo’s captivating novel, The Light We Lost. This poignant story delves into the depths of a one-sided love affair, exploring the complexities and emotions that come with it.

Follow the journey of Lucy and Gabe, two college students who meet on September 11th, 2001, and are instantly drawn to each other. However, their lives take different paths, and their connection remains unresolved. Despite their separation, Lucy’s love for Gabe remains steadfast, creating an enduring and unrequited love that spans over a decade.

Through Santopolo’s evocative prose, readers are immersed in the rollercoaster of emotions that come with one-sided love. The author skillfully captures the longing, heartache, and bittersweet moments that define this type of relationship, making it a relatable and emotionally charged read.

With themes of destiny, missed opportunities, and the power of love, The Light We Lost is a mesmerizing tale that explores the complexities of the human heart. Santopolo’s beautiful storytelling will keep you engrossed from beginning to end, leaving you contemplating the nature of love and the choices we make.

If you’re looking for a captivating book about one-sided love, The Light We Lost is a must-read. Get ready to experience a whirlwind of emotions as you embark on this unforgettable journey alongside Lucy and Gabe.

The Fault in Our Stars

by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars is a captivating book about unrequited love that will leave you breathless. It tells the heart-wrenching story of two teenagers, Hazel and Gus, who meet and fall in love at a cancer support group. Despite their illnesses, they embark on an unforgettable journey of love and self-discovery.

One Day

by David Nicholls

One Day is an extraordinary book on unrequited affection that will make your heart ache and soar in equal measure. Written by David Nicholls, this remarkable novel delves deep into the complexities of relationships, capturing the essence of longing, missed opportunities, and the bittersweet nature of love.

The story revolves around Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew, two university graduates who meet on July 15th, 1988, and form an unlikely bond. From that day forward, Nicholls takes us on a journey through their lives, checking in on them every year on the same date for the next two decades.

As the years pass, Emma and Dexter navigate through life’s ups and downs, pursuing their dreams and ambitions, all while grappling with unrequited feelings. Each chapter reveals a snapshot of their lives, capturing their hopes, disappointments, and the lingering spark between them that refuses to fade away.

Nicholls skillfully crafts a poignant narrative, exploring themes of friendship, loss, and the choices we make in the pursuit of happiness. His writing is both witty and profound, allowing readers to connect deeply with Emma and Dexter as they navigate the complexities of their individual lives and their complicated relationship.

With every passing year, the reader becomes more invested in the characters, rooting for them to find their way to each other. The novel’s structure, spanning over two decades, adds depth and authenticity to the story, making it a book about one-sided love that resonates deeply with readers.

Prepare to be captivated by One Day, a one-sided love book that will leave you contemplating the power of missed connections, the fragility of the human heart, and the enduring hope that love can transcend time and circumstance.

The Time Traveler’s Wife

by Audrey Niffenegger

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger is a captivating and heart-wrenching novel that delves into the complexities of a love story like no other. This extraordinary book explores the concept of unrequited love, where one person’s affections are unreciprocated, resulting in a deeply emotional and one-sided connection.

Me Before You

by Jojo Moyes

Me Before You is an emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of an unconventional love story. Set against the backdrop of a small English town, this book explores the profound impact of one-sided affection, unrequited love, and the extraordinary lengths one person will go for the person they adore.

The History of Love

by Nicole Krauss

The History of Love by Nicole Krauss is a captivating book on unrequited love. It weaves together the lives of two characters, Leo Gursky and Alma Singer, who are both longing for love in their own unique ways. Leo, an elderly man, has spent his entire life pining for a lost love, while Alma, a young girl, is searching for a connection with her deceased father.

As the story unfolds, we are taken on a journey through time and across continents, delving into Leo’s past as a young Jewish boy in Poland during World War II, and Alma’s present-day life as a teenager in New York City. Through a series of interconnected narratives and beautifully written passages, Krauss explores the complexities and power of love, loss, and the human spirit.

The History of Love is a book about unreciprocated love that will tug at your heartstrings and make you ponder the nature of love itself. Krauss’s prose is poetic, evoking a sense of longing and yearning that is both melancholic and hopeful. The characters are vividly drawn, their struggles and desires laid bare on the page, making it impossible not to empathize with their plight.

This one-sided love book is not just a story about unrequited love, but also a meditation on the power of literature and the ways in which it can bring people together. It explores the idea that even in the face of heartbreak and loneliness, there is always hope and the possibility of finding love in unexpected places.

So, if you’re in the mood for a poignant and beautifully written book on one-sided love, The History of Love is a must-read. Let yourself be swept away by Krauss’s mesmerizing storytelling and discover the profound impact that love, both requited and unrequited, can have on our lives.

The Lover’s Dictionary

by David Levithan

The Lover’s Dictionary by David Levithan is a captivating book about unrequited love that will leave you breathless with its raw emotion and poignant storytelling. Through the lens of a one-sided love affair, Levithan weaves together a collection of powerful and intimate dictionary entries that beautifully depict the complexities of relationships and the human heart.

The Remains of the Day

by Kazuo Ishiguro

The Remains of the Day: A Poignant Tale of Unrequited Love

Are you aching for a heart-wrenching tale of unrequited affection? Look no further than Kazuo Ishiguro’s mesmerizing novel, The Remains of the Day. This poignant masterpiece delves deep into the realms of one-sided love, capturing the essence of longing, sacrifice, and missed opportunities.

Set in post-World War II England, this spellbinding narrative follows the life of Stevens, a dedicated and stoic butler at Darlington Hall. As an emblem of loyalty and professionalism, Stevens has spent his entire existence in the service of his aristocratic employers, burying his own desires beneath layers of duty and decorum.

But beneath his composed facade lies a heart consumed by unspoken emotions. The object of Stevens’ affection is Miss Kenton, the housekeeper at Darlington Hall. Their interactions are fraught with unspoken words, stolen glances, and subtle gestures, revealing a love that can never be fully expressed.

As the story unfolds, Ishiguro masterfully explores the nuances of one-sided love, evoking empathy and understanding in the reader’s heart. We witness Stevens navigating the complexities of his emotions, torn between his undying devotion to his profession and the yearning for a love he can never fully embrace.

The Remains of the Day is more than just a book about unrequited love; it is a profound exploration of regret, self-discovery, and the human capacity for emotional restraint. Ishiguro’s exquisite prose paints a vivid picture of a man trapped within the confines of his own devotion, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences with love and longing.

So, if you seek a literary journey that will leave you breathless and introspective, dive into The Remains of the Day. Prepare to be captivated by Ishiguro’s masterful storytelling as he unravels the intricacies of one-sided love, leaving an indelible mark on your soul.

The Bridges of Madison County

by Robert James Waller

The Bridges of Madison County is a heart-wrenching book about one-sided love that takes readers on an emotional journey through the power of unexpected connections and unfulfilled desires.

The English Patient

by Michael Ondaatje

The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje is a mesmerizing tale that delves deep into the intricate web of emotions surrounding unrequited love. This poignant and evocative novel explores the depths of longing, desire, and heartbreak, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a captivating story about the complexities of one-sided affection.

The End of the Affair

by Graham Greene

The End of the Affair by Graham Greene is a captivating book about unrequited love, a passionate and heart-wrenching tale that explores the complexities of longing, desire, and sacrifice.

Set in 1940s London during World War II, this compelling story of one-sided love follows the life of Maurice Bendrix, a writer who becomes infatuated with Sarah Miles, a beautiful and enigmatic woman. However, their affair is abruptly halted when Sarah abruptly ends their relationship without any explanation.

Haunted by the memory of their affair, Maurice is consumed by jealousy and suspicion. Determined to uncover the truth behind Sarah’s sudden departure, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and obsession, delving into the depths of his own emotions and the complexities of love.

The novel beautifully captures the anguish and the pain of unrequited love, exploring the themes of faith, redemption, and the power of love. Greene’s masterful storytelling and evocative prose create a vivid and poignant portrayal of the human heart and its capacity for both love and betrayal.

The End of the Affair is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged book on one-sided love that will resonate with readers long after the final page is turned. It is a testament to the enduring power of love, even in the face of heartbreak and loss.

Wuthering Heights

by Emily Brontë

Wuthering Heights is an extraordinary novel that delves into the depths of unrequited passion, unfulfilled longing, and the tumultuous journey of one-sided love. Set against the haunting moors of Yorkshire, this timeless masterpiece by Emily Brontë captures the essence of a love that consumes its protagonist, Heathcliff, in a maelstrom of emotions.

In this remarkable book about one-sided love, Brontë weaves a tale of tormented souls, exploring the depths of human desire and the destructive power of unrequited longing. The story follows the lives of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, two individuals bound together by an intense and all-consuming connection. However, their love is marred by societal expectations, family obligations, and the cruel hand of fate.

As the narrative unfolds, we are transported through time, witnessing the turbulent lives of the characters and the consequences of their unrequited desires. Brontë’s vivid descriptions and hauntingly beautiful prose evoke a sense of longing and despair, drawing readers into the depths of their emotions and the darkness of their souls.

Wuthering Heights is a spellbinding one-sided love book that explores the complexities of human relationships, the power of obsession, and the devastating consequences of unreciprocated love. Brontë’s portrayal of Heathcliff’s relentless pursuit of Catherine and the depths to which he descends in his quest for her love is both tragic and captivating.

This book on one-sided love is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. It serves as a poignant reminder of the power of love, the pain of unrequited affection, and the enduring impact of our deepest desires.

Jane Eyre

by Charlotte Brontë

‘Jane Eyre’ is a captivating book on unrequited love written by Charlotte Brontë. This timeless classic delves into the depths of passion, longing, and heartbreak, making it the perfect book about unreciprocated affection. Brontë’s masterful storytelling paints a vivid picture of Jane Eyre’s journey, as she navigates the complexities of love and relationships in a world that seems determined to keep her from finding true happiness. Prepare to be enthralled by this extraordinary one-sided love book that will leave you pondering the complexities of the human heart.

Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice: A Captivating Tale of Unrequited Affection

Step into the world of Jane Austen’s timeless classic, Pride and Prejudice, and embark on a journey filled with romance, wit, and the complexities of unrequited love.

In this extraordinary novel, Austen weaves a tale that delves deep into the heart, exploring the intricacies of one-sided affection, where hearts yearn for what seems unattainable.

Enter the world of Elizabeth Bennet, a spirited and intelligent young woman, who finds herself entangled in a web of societal expectations, family drama, and, of course, the turbulent throes of love. As Elizabeth navigates the world of Regency England, she encounters the enigmatic and brooding Mr. Darcy, a wealthy and prideful gentleman. Sparks fly as their initial encounter leaves Elizabeth with a strong distaste for Mr. Darcy, and the feeling is mutual.

But as the story unfolds, the layers of pride and prejudice are peeled away, revealing the yearning hearts beneath. As Elizabeth’s affections shift, she realizes that first impressions may not always be accurate and that love can be found in the most unexpected places.

Austen’s masterful storytelling captures the essence of unrequited love, showcasing the longing, heartache, and eventual triumph that accompany such a tumultuous journey. Through her clever dialogue and keen observations of human nature, she explores the complexities of societal expectations, class divisions, and the power of forgiveness.

So, if you are seeking a book that delves deep into the intricacies of one-sided love, where passion and desire intertwine with wit and charm, then Pride and Prejudice is the perfect choice. Join Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy as they navigate the treacherous path of unrequited affection, and discover for yourself why this novel has stood the test of time as a beloved classic.

Cyrano de Bergerac

by Edmond Rostand

Cyrano de Bergerac is a captivating masterpiece that delves into the realm of unrequited love. This timeless classic penned by Edmond Rostand takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster as it explores the depths of a love unreturned.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 books about one sided love take readers on a rollercoaster of emotions, exploring the complexities of unrequited feelings and the bittersweet experiences that come with it. Whether you’ve personally experienced one sided love or simply want to delve into the minds and hearts of those who have, these books offer a deep and captivating exploration of this universal human experience. So, grab a copy of these books and prepare to be immersed in the joys and sorrows of unrequited love.