5 powerfully romantic novels to read during your retirement
This is a writing sample from Scripted writer Magda Phili
Make your retirement the best time of your life by catching up with some of the world's most powerful and romantic novels ever written. These five classic romantic novels inspired generations of readers across the world and still continue to leave their mark. We picked them because of their timelessness, the fact that they have been adapted for the big screen and the times they appear on the internet. ## Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte "Jane Eyre" is a masterpiece for many reasons. It has inspired not just readers across generations but also writers such as Tracy Chevalier. The protagonist's courage, quest for pure love on equal terms, her audacity are ideal human traits weaved into a story which continues to compel. It is a true page-turner to this day! The story: Jane is an 8 year old orphan living with her severe aunt Mrs. Reed and her arrogant and ill-bred cousins who mistreat and disrespect young Jane. Following a fight, triggered by yet another bullying episode for which she was unfairly punished, Jane's aunt imprisons Jane in the room where Jane's uncle died. Later Mrs. Reed sends Jane sends to a strict religious boarding school where she will learn under harsh conditions what would lay the groundwork for her fearless character. Years later, after departing from the boarding school, where she had become a teacher, she works as a governess and meets the love of her life. But things are not that simple and the road to happiness is obstructed by the dark past of her beloved Mr. Rochester. The book was adapted for the TV and cinema many times beginning in 1910! ## Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen One of Austen's least talked about novels, "Northanger Abbey" is such a fun romantic read! It wouldn't be an understatement to say it's one of her best work combining romance, wit and satire. To read it is to love it! The story: Catherine Morland is addicted to Gothic books. She devours them. When she visits Bath with family friends she meets two families different in many respects. A fine gentleman among these will soon steal her heart. At the same time, her new friend Isabella is trying to match her with her brash and domineering brother. Catherine is too naive to see through the people around her. Catherine's curiosity, naivety and tendency to misread reality will lead her to misunderstandings and awkward situations until she is ready to live the romance she has been dreaming of. As for the book's impact, Ian McEwan's cites a passage from "Northanger Abbey" in his book "Atonement". The novel was adapted for the cinema three times. . ## Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen "Pride & Prejudice" is one of the most famous classic books of all times. It was adapted for cinema and TV at least ten times. The lively and comic plot continues to invoke the imagination of readers into creating new stories and movies based on the original, such as Bridget Jones' Diary. But what's more charming and romantic than the original? The story: With her witty and satirical eye, Jane Austen crafts a comedy of manners on judging by first impressions. The book's initial title was in fact "First Impressions". "Price and Prejudice" is about friendship, courtship, gossip, snobbery and, of course, romance. A portrait of life as we know it. Published for the first time in 1813, the novel follows the life of the Bennet family. Mrs Bennet, mother to five daughters, is anxious to see them married. When Elizabeth, her second daughter, meets the taciturn Mr. Darcy a series of contrasts and misunderstandings will lead to unpredictable events. ## Howard's End by E.M. Foster In this romantic story set at the turn of the 20th century, E.M. Forster follows the interweaving lives of three families, each representing a different social class. It can be said that the novel aims at showing the superiority of intellectualism against materialism, tolerance against arrogance, and compassion against indifference. The story: "Howards End" revolves around the Schlegel sisters who symbolize the world of culture, compassion and refinement, the Basts, a young couple on the bottom rung of the social ladder, and the Wilcox family, which embodies the rich colonial British middle class. The conflict is inevitable but eventually overcome. The movie adaptation (1992) starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson under the direction of James Ivory is considered a masterpiece in its own right and an absolute pleasure to watch. Two of the most memorable scenes to watch is when Helen accidentally takes the umbrella which belonged to Leonard Bast during a concert and when Henry Wilcox when proposes to Margaret. ## The French Lieutenant's Woman by John Fowels In this 1969 novel, different post-modern narrative techniques are fused to give a memorable experience of a passionate romantic tale set in the Victorian era. Mystery, social stigma and passion mingle in this postmodern historical fiction novel by John Fowels. The story: The plot of "The French Lieutenant's Woman" is set in 1867 and centered on Charles Smithson and his stormy affair with the seductive and mysterious Sarah Woodruff. Sarah is an outcast, known by the locals as the lover of a French lieutenant who abandoned her. Charles was engaged to Ernestina Freeman but after falling in love with Sarah, he calls the engagement off. The author gives three different endings to the novel encouraging his readers to reach their own conclusions. The story has been adapted for the big screen starring Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons , directed by Karel Reisz. The script was written by Harold Pinter. The Victorian era and contemporary time overlap in the movie and make it one of the most fascinating romantic novel adaptations on the screen . Everybody knows this movie especially for the scenes with Meryl Streep watching the sea in a black hooded cape. The two protagonists are actors who play the lead characters Charles and Sarah and during the shooting of the film they fall in love. Whether you are an incurable romantic or a resolute realist, reading romantic novels will compel you to keep wanting to turn the next page of the book and - why not - your life.
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