Valentine’s Day is coming right up and once again it’s time to plan something romantic for that special person! This year, why not go the simple and sweet route? Some candles, put on your best romantic playlist and a book to share; that’s all you need for a nice quiet night in to really enjoy each other’s company without any distractions. Here are 6 books perfect for a cosy night!
1. The Beatrice Letters – Lemony Snicket
We all know and love Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events which chronicles the Baudelaire orphans’ tragic adventures. The Beatrice Letters ties in with the series, revealing to us a little more about the mysterious author Snicket. While perhaps a little less-known, it is nonetheless a fantastic read. While not exactly a romance novel, The Beatrice Letters contains arguably one of the most touching love letters in modern literature.
“I will love you as we find ourselves farther and farther from one another, where we once we were so close that we could slip the curved straw, and the long, slender spoon, between our lips and fingers respectively.”
Snicket’s uniquely stunning prose delivers many gems of lost love and desire, guaranteed to wring a few sighs from even the hardest of hearts. Not a big fan of romance? That’s okay; the book follows a fascinating mystery which is sure to reel you in anyway!
2. Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
With so many adaptations and works inspired by it, this book needs no further introduction. Austen presents an otherwise cliche story with fantastic characters that simply keep you enchanted with their dynamics. With the lovable Elizabeth Bennett and swoon-worthy Mr Darcy, this love story certainly deserves its place among the classics. Pick up some of the screen adaptations for movie night as well! (The 1995 BBC TV series is our favourite!) Not too sure about buying the book? No worries; download the ebook and read it on InkCase for free!
3. Norwegian Wood – Haruki Murakami
Get your tissues ready for this emotional rollercoaster! This book is sure to start a thought-provoking discussion about love and life with lots of cuddling needed to soothe those sad thoughts away. Murakami takes you into the world of Toru Watanabe and his journey through friendship, loss and love, keeping you hooked till the last page! While some may find his writing style a little unorthodox, this novel presents Murakami at his best and most emotional.
4. Bright Star: Love Letters and Poems of John Keats to Fanny Brawne – John Keats
Need ideas for your Valentine’s Day card? Well, find some inspiration from the literary icon John Keats by reading his own words about love on Inkcase!
Often named as one of the greatest poets of his time, Keats’ own love story ended sadly as he passed away young, leaving his lover Fanny Brawne in mourning for six years after his passing. Now all that remains of that tragic romance are these letters… What better way to celebrate the day of love by reading actual love letters by one of the world’s most renown Romantic poets?
5. The Remains of the Day – Kazuo Ishiguro
Kazuo Ishiguro paints a mesmerising picture of unspoken love and murky memories of a life gone by in this wonderfully written book. After all, who hasn’t wondered about all the possible futures, good or bad, with that certain somebody? This book is bound to help those of you still struggling with your crush to find your courage to take that final step towards your own happiness! For happy couples, Ishiguro’s work is definitely going to make you cherish each other and your happiness together more.
6. Twenty Love Poems and A Song of Despair – Pablo Neruda
Maybe Keats isn’t really your style with his gentle and melancholy words. If you’re looking for something more passionate, look no further. Neruda’s poems are seemingly succinct but yet enthrallingly melodramatic. His writing is unabashedly sensual and yet delivered in such a sweet manner. This book is bound to send tingles down your back with the way he captures the bittersweet emotions of love in just a few lines.
