OMG you are incredibly eloquent! As a Chinese speaker, I can't even describe my feeling so accurately about Half a Lifelong Romance and I didn't realize it's a doomed sad story from the first page until your mentioning. To be honest, I m the verge of tears when you name the twist "nightmare", though it's a book I read a long time ago.
@@ClaireReadsBooks Spoiler but I also can't get over the psychology inside Manzhen’s sister on her part of the perpetration😭I think it's so cruel and yet so realistic that people sometimes become unbelievably vicious just because they think their pathetic little dream is deprived of by another person, regardless who they are. Yet I find it hard to blame her sister because she is also such a tragedic figure.
I just finished The Idiot today. I’m Turkish-Danish, I could relate to Selin - but not as much being a woman with Turkish background who grew up outside the borders of her parents’ home country (as I am a religious Muslim and a little more interested in my roots and traditions than Selin is), but more so because her first year in college reminded me of the 5 month student exchange programme I was on in Belgium when I was 20-21. But mostly because of her crush on and non-relationship with Ivan, the Russian connection, the summer in European cities: it reminded me of my own crush (who is from a republic in Russia which my own great-great grandfather fled in the 19th century), whom I have yet to see whether I do have a future with him or not - or whether I’ve already “fallen out of narrative” as Elif Batuman describes the change we see in Selin’s story in the final half of the book (the part in Hungary/the village and Turkey). If you haven’t stumbled upon it already, you might want to read how Elif Batuman describes this “falling out of narrative”-condition herself in an interview: "It’s like, you have a story about your life, but somehow the story stops. It’s the reason breakups are so painful, the feeling the other person is taking the story and had gone off and left you just falling through space, and I think there’s some cognitive thing about the need to make a story. The feeling of falling out of narrative can be painful and, I’ve realized, lonely, in more recent years." Finally, I want to say I really liked your review of the novel - both the one in this video and the one you made in another video. Your takeaways from the novel were similar to my own. I really liked the book too and didn’t struggle to finish it, as I’ve read in some reviews that others have. As with any other novel, I think it’s got to do with perspective and the personal experiences of each reader prior to reading.
I know there is a thing called common human feeling, or sympathy or empathy. But still, it's astonishing and moving to witness it when an English speaker expresses her inward feeling towards a Chinese writer's work through a foreign language. It feels like you command the invisible language behind the lines. It seems our hearts were tuned to the same frequency, although you read it in English 'Half a lifelong romance' and I Chinese '半生缘'. Great comment and recommendation!
This is one of the nicest comments I've ever gotten-thank you so much! I'm so happy to have found Eileen Chang (where has she been all my life?!), and I feel lucky that so much of her work has been translated into English...I know there are things you miss out on when you read works in translation, but her books and stories are still so powerful and so moving to me, so I feel lucky to be able to read them at all...she's wonderful, and one of my new favorite writers! I hope more English-speaking readers discover her work because it's just so fantastic. xx
You made me so curious with this chang book that I have to read it.unfortunately its not translated in german,sothat I think that I will not be able to read through the lines...but I'll give it a try.
Okay, you've sold me on 'Half A Lifelong Romance.' The way you described it, I have no choice but to read it. I love your reviews and channel. Also, thank you for the link to the Munro story.
Thanks so much, Darryl! 😀 I really hope you like Half A Lifelong Romance-you'll definitely have to let me know what you think if you end up reading it.
I have one... It s like so fricken sad it hurts. But it has a happy ending I don't know if ur interested. And it s not a book. It s a webnovel. It s called Bringing the nations husband home by Ye Fei Ye. It s about a girl and a boy who met in high-school and fell in love but there were like a 1000 misunderstandings wich lead to a love of 13 years. But they weren't together in these 13 years. I truly love this one. I even have read it three times already. ^^
Just finished Half a Lifelong Romance & now I understand your review. Ugh! My poor heart. Really kept me reading, I had to find out what happened. Like Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy, Gone with the Wind, rolled into one. What a classic writer she is. Yet, how much did I miss from not being familiar with all the cultural factors? But we're still people. Kind of nice how chaste the love was: the focus wasn't on the physical but on the emotional, & lust (in the worst sense) being presented as a form of evil. I'm going to steal your "thwarted love" phrase -- perfect! I was so hopeful for them ...
Ahhh, this makes me so happy! After you left this comment, I immediately headed over to Goodreads to see if you had posted your thoughts there (and you had!). The Jane Austen/Thomas Hardy comparison is so apt-after this book and Love in a Fallen City, Eileen Chang is one of my new favorites. I actually fell into a bit of a reading slump when I tried to move on to other books this month, so I just went and picked up a copy of her book Naked Earth, which will be my next read :)
This is a great list, and I highly appreciate your indepth explanation why each book is on the list. Tin man sounds amazing, I could feel the emotions just by listening to you talk about it :D
That's what I call talent..u explain the story to the extent I don't even need to read it coz I fl that everything is sufficiently explained..and due to the fact that Ugandans we are so much interested in reading, u v made my day 💖💖💖💖💖 thx dea
I reserved The Idiot at my local library, thank you for all of these recommendations. Thank you for the link to the Alice Munro story. Your review of the Tin Man reminded me of one of my favorite books - Remains of the Day. It may not qualify as a heartbreaker, but your comment about things left unsaid until it’s too late reminded me of the Miss Kenton, Mr. Stevens relationship in that book. I really enjoy listening to you talk about books, Claire. Thank you for these excellent reviews.
I hope you like The Idiot! You'll have to let me know what you think of it. And I've heard so many good things about The Remains of the Day-it's sitting on my shelf, and I'm hoping to get to it soon. It really sounds like my kind of book :)
A Place Called Winter by Patrick Gale gutted me so hard. I loved it very much. Tin Man didn't really speak to me at all, but I am hoping to read The Idiot soon and am happy that it is available at my library :)
Ahh, I'll have to check that one out! Thanks for the recommendation. And The Idiot is so great but I can see how it might not be everyone's cup of tea - so I'd be really curious to hear your thoughts if you read it! :)
It's definitely on my goodreads list, but I don't think I'll be able to get to it before the prize is finished. I will definitely keep it on my radar though! :)
I loved this video of yours. I read The Idiot and did a very short review on my channel. I totally agree with all that you said about the book and you said it more eloquently. A book I'd recommend is One day in December by Josie Silver, heart-wrenching but it has a happy ending.
Four of these were on my TBR and I was actually planning on reading Villette this year so did skip the bit on that but a great video! The Time Travellers Wife did me in but that’s all I can think of off the top of my head. (Oh and like the haircut!)
They're all great - I'm excited to hear what you think of Villette whenever you read it! And I read The Time Traveler's Wife a long time ago and remember finding it really sad as well (although I'm also pretty sure I was a little too young to be reading it at the time, haha) :)
Thanks so much, Katie :) I loved Half a Lifelong Romance and am now reading Eileen Chang's short story/novella collection, Love in a Fallen City-she's fantastic!
I haven't read any of these except The Idiot. But Tin Man has been on my radar for months now. I don't think I've read Villette, although I could have many years ago and just can't remember it.
I love unrequited love stories too! They seem more real to me lol. This reminds me to keep reading Villette, which I started months ago while on my trip to California :D
I totally agree! They're painful but really satisfying because they feel so true to life :') And I definitely recommend that you keep reading Villette! What a great book :D
I looooved this video. Half a Lifelong Romance has been on my shelf for a couple of years now. I definitely need to pick it up soon. A book that I loved and that would fit PERFECTLY in this video is Madonna in a Fur Coat by Sabahattin Ali. Just thinking about that book makes my heart ache all over again 💔💔💔
I just ordered The Idiot and Tin Man, I keep thinking about them so it must mean I should get to reading them! These were both books on my radar when they came out but I was too wary of its hype, I think I’ll really enjoy them
Perfect thumbnail! Great topic! More Munro is always good. Hoping to read Villette in Victober. Must read Eileen Chang! These kind of stories just break me. Why do i read them? One that did was In the Woods by Tana French, even tho it's a mystery (Dublin Murder Squad#1). Love these omnibus type videos!
Thanks so much! I would so love to hear your thoughts on Villette-and Eileen Chang! (I'm now reading her Love in a Fallen City collection, and it's fantastic-she might be a new favorite!) I have heard lots of good things about Tana French but have always been wary of her books because I don't tend to like mysteries-but I trust your taste, so I might have to give her a try sometime! :)
I'm a fan of books of eileen chang. Quite a lots of chinese book writters、books readers and film directors like eileen chang's books。 Half a lifelong romance is very popular to chinese book reader.
Devastating love stories just break your heart and I agree, they just stay with you for a long time! I've never seen someone do a list like this before and I think it's so interesting!! The short story by Alice Munro sounds really good. I think a short sad love story is an interesting short story idea to write about. I think it would be captivating however short it is. I wanted to let you know that I tagged you in the Unpopular Opinions book tag. I'm really interested to hear what some of your unpopular opinions are! I love when people discuss what they don't like, haha. It's an addicting type of video to watch :P
Thanks so much, Kristen-the Alice Munro short story is so great (as are most of her short stories! she's fab). And thanks for the tag!! I can't wait to check out your video :)
Claire, I just want to say thanks for your recommendation of ‘Half a Lifelong Romance. It was an absolute soul destroying read for me and I cherished every moment of it. Eileen Chang definitely has a fan for life 💕
What flavour Ben and Jerry’s ? Half Baked for me. It is sooooo hard to find here in Australia. The Idiot is polarising. I have it on reserve at the library. I’m looking forward to reading it. Villette is simply stunning. Sad and unassuming. Tin Man is calling my name. I don’t know why I haven’t picked it up yet. It is sitting on my shelves staring at me. Must just finally read it. Claire says “Rip your heart out, the stomp on it, then throw it in the garbage disposal” Lia goes straight to Book Depository to order it. ☺️
Half Baked all the way!! And I love Mint Chip, too 😀 The Idiot *is* polarizing! I'm considering doing a full review just so I can defend it more, haha - I'll be curious to hear what you think of it. And Tin Man and Half a Lifelong Romance are both so good-definitely worth the read whenever you find you're in the mood for them :)
You talk so well about books, Claire, and I can’t wait to get to The Idiot. I must admit it, the US cover first got me to consider getting it. Are you going to read many from the Women’s Prize? I’m looking forward to the Meena Kandasamy book, When I Hit You and Home Fire. ☺️
Thanks so much, Jessica! I hope you like The Idiot (and I agree-I think the US cover is so good! and the UK one makes me sad, haha). I don't know that I have any plans to read the Women's Prize books, but I'm looking forward to hearing more about them from the rest of Booktube (and then adding a few to my TBR based on that! 😀).
Thanks so much for these recommendations, I just placed a hold on The Idiot in my library, and your video makes me look forward to it even more. The story by Alice Munro sounds fascinating! And I agree with everything you said about Half a Lifelong Romance, such a heartbreaking book.
I'll be eager to hear what you think of The Idiot! And Alice Munro is so great-I love that story in particular, but I really like almost all of her stuff (she's the true queen of short stories!). And Half a Lifelong Romance was so, so good-what a trip! I'm currently reading Love in a Fallen City and am really liking it...Eileen Chang is a new favorite for sure :)
Great reviews💔 I was thinking 'The Age of Innocence' by Edith Wharton, the ending 💫. I have 'Lifelong Romance' due to Matthew but haven't read it yet. I will have to pick up soon 😢 + 'Moonlight Shadow' sounds amazing.
Thanks, Sandra! And you're so right-The Age of Innocence would totally fit on this list (that last scene where he doesn't go upstairs really fits the "things left unsaid," "can't reclaim lost time" type themes that I love! haha)...and in some ways, I think The House of Mirth might fit with that, too (that one is more about Lily Bart, but the stuff with her and Selden also leaves you thinking "ugh, if only!"). And I can't recommend Half a Lifelong Romance and Moonlight Shadow enough-they're both great!
Oooh, I haven't read any Kent Haruf yet, but one of my friends really loves him, so I'll definitely have to check out Our Souls At Night :D Thanks so much for the recommendation!
'Grab a tub of Ben & Jerry's' hahaha. You've made me really consider picking up The Idiot, i've been unsure about it! for a while. I love sad love stories too, I only just realised that when watching this video!
Oh, I hadn’t come across that Munro story and you’ve provided a link to a PDF? How lovely! Just a few minutes ago I watched Laura Frey’s Future Classics tag video and she talks about a book that certainly qualifies as a tragic love story: The Story of a Brief Marriage by Anuk Arudpragasam. I thought it was extremely powerful, albeit ever so slightly over-written in places. Have you read that one?
Alice Munro is the best! :D And I haven't heard of The Story of a Brief Marriage before-but I will definitely have to check it out! And I have Laura's video in my "watch later" queue, too :)
Hi :) loved your video and great recommendations. I have read Tin Man and Vilette from your list and I loved them so much. You are right, those books really made me feel so sad. I'm planning to read The idiot by Elif Batuman and my name is also Selin. it is pronounced how you would pronounce Celine normally. It's the turkish version of that name :D Have a great day and thanks for the video :)
The Idiot is fantastic! It was one of my favorite reads of last year :) And thank you for the correction on the name pronunciation! I’m so sorry I botched it but will fix that going forward ☺️
Damn im now half way thru half a lifelong romance (in chinese) and i alrdy feel something so bad is gonna happen. I kinda know wt it is and i hope it wont come. But after watching ur review im well assured dat its gonna happen. Fookin eileen chang did her characters dirty ffs. Hate and LOVE eileen at the same time damn.
You're so eloquent! You form your opinions so clearly and beautifully and it immediately makes me care about whatever text you're talking about 👍🏻
Thanks so much, Anna! This comment totally made my day :)
OMG you are incredibly eloquent! As a Chinese speaker, I can't even describe my feeling so accurately about Half a Lifelong Romance and I didn't realize it's a doomed sad story from the first page until your mentioning. To be honest, I m the verge of tears when you name the twist "nightmare", though it's a book I read a long time ago.
I love that book and Eileen Chang so much 🥺🥺
@@ClaireReadsBooks Spoiler but I also can't get over the psychology inside Manzhen’s sister on her part of the perpetration😭I think it's so cruel and yet so realistic that people sometimes become unbelievably vicious just because they think their pathetic little dream is deprived of by another person, regardless who they are. Yet I find it hard to blame her sister because she is also such a tragedic figure.
I just finished The Idiot today. I’m Turkish-Danish, I could relate to Selin - but not as much being a woman with Turkish background who grew up outside the borders of her parents’ home country (as I am a religious Muslim and a little more interested in my roots and traditions than Selin is), but more so because her first year in college reminded me of the 5 month student exchange programme I was on in Belgium when I was 20-21. But mostly because of her crush on and non-relationship with Ivan, the Russian connection, the summer in European cities: it reminded me of my own crush (who is from a republic in Russia which my own great-great grandfather fled in the 19th century), whom I have yet to see whether I do have a future with him or not - or whether I’ve already “fallen out of narrative” as Elif Batuman describes the change we see in Selin’s story in the final half of the book (the part in Hungary/the village and Turkey). If you haven’t stumbled upon it already, you might want to read how Elif Batuman describes this “falling out of narrative”-condition herself in an interview:
"It’s like, you have a story about your life, but somehow the story stops. It’s the reason breakups are so painful, the feeling the other person is taking the story and had gone off and left you just falling through space, and I think there’s some cognitive thing about the need to make a story. The feeling of falling out of narrative can be painful and, I’ve realized, lonely, in more recent years."
Finally, I want to say I really liked your review of the novel - both the one in this video and the one you made in another video. Your takeaways from the novel were similar to my own. I really liked the book too and didn’t struggle to finish it, as I’ve read in some reviews that others have. As with any other novel, I think it’s got to do with perspective and the personal experiences of each reader prior to reading.
I know there is a thing called common human feeling, or sympathy or empathy. But still, it's astonishing and moving to witness it when an English speaker expresses her inward feeling towards a Chinese writer's work through a foreign language. It feels like you command the invisible language behind the lines. It seems our hearts were tuned to the same frequency, although you read it in English 'Half a lifelong romance' and I Chinese '半生缘'. Great comment and recommendation!
This is one of the nicest comments I've ever gotten-thank you so much! I'm so happy to have found Eileen Chang (where has she been all my life?!), and I feel lucky that so much of her work has been translated into English...I know there are things you miss out on when you read works in translation, but her books and stories are still so powerful and so moving to me, so I feel lucky to be able to read them at all...she's wonderful, and one of my new favorite writers! I hope more English-speaking readers discover her work because it's just so fantastic. xx
You made me so curious with this chang book that I have to read it.unfortunately its not translated in german,sothat I think that I will not be able to read through the lines...but I'll give it a try.
Okay, you've sold me on 'Half A Lifelong Romance.' The way you described it, I have no choice but to read it. I love your reviews and channel. Also, thank you for the link to the Munro story.
Thanks so much, Darryl! 😀 I really hope you like Half A Lifelong Romance-you'll definitely have to let me know what you think if you end up reading it.
I have one...
It s like so fricken sad it hurts. But it has a happy ending I don't know if ur interested. And it s not a book. It s a webnovel.
It s called
Bringing the nations husband home by Ye Fei Ye.
It s about a girl and a boy who met in high-school and fell in love but there were like a 1000 misunderstandings wich lead to a love of 13 years. But they weren't together in these 13 years.
I truly love this one. I even have read it three times already.
^^
Just finished Half a Lifelong Romance & now I understand your review. Ugh! My poor heart. Really kept me reading, I had to find out what happened. Like Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy, Gone with the Wind, rolled into one. What a classic writer she is. Yet, how much did I miss from not being familiar with all the cultural factors? But we're still people. Kind of nice how chaste the love was: the focus wasn't on the physical but on the emotional, & lust (in the worst sense) being presented as a form of evil. I'm going to steal your "thwarted love" phrase -- perfect! I was so hopeful for them ...
Ahhh, this makes me so happy! After you left this comment, I immediately headed over to Goodreads to see if you had posted your thoughts there (and you had!). The Jane Austen/Thomas Hardy comparison is so apt-after this book and Love in a Fallen City, Eileen Chang is one of my new favorites. I actually fell into a bit of a reading slump when I tried to move on to other books this month, so I just went and picked up a copy of her book Naked Earth, which will be my next read :)
This is a great list, and I highly appreciate your indepth explanation why each book is on the list. Tin man sounds amazing, I could feel the emotions just by listening to you talk about it :D
Thanks so much! Tin Man was a really lovely book - definitely one of those that hits you where it hurts! :)
That's what I call talent..u explain the story to the extent I don't even need to read it coz I fl that everything is sufficiently explained..and due to the fact that Ugandans we are so much interested in reading, u v made my day 💖💖💖💖💖 thx dea
I reserved The Idiot at my local library, thank you for all of these recommendations. Thank you for the link to the Alice Munro story. Your review of the Tin Man reminded me of one of my favorite books - Remains of the Day. It may not qualify as a heartbreaker, but your comment about things left unsaid until it’s too late reminded me of the Miss Kenton, Mr. Stevens relationship in that book. I really enjoy listening to you talk about books, Claire. Thank you for these excellent reviews.
I hope you like The Idiot! You'll have to let me know what you think of it. And I've heard so many good things about The Remains of the Day-it's sitting on my shelf, and I'm hoping to get to it soon. It really sounds like my kind of book :)
A Place Called Winter by Patrick Gale gutted me so hard. I loved it very much. Tin Man didn't really speak to me at all, but I am hoping to read The Idiot soon and am happy that it is available at my library :)
Ahh, I'll have to check that one out! Thanks for the recommendation. And The Idiot is so great but I can see how it might not be everyone's cup of tea - so I'd be really curious to hear your thoughts if you read it! :)
It's definitely on my goodreads list, but I don't think I'll be able to get to it before the prize is finished. I will definitely keep it on my radar though! :)
I loved this video of yours. I read The Idiot and did a very short review on my channel. I totally agree with all that you said about the book and you said it more eloquently. A book I'd recommend is One day in December by Josie Silver, heart-wrenching but it has a happy ending.
thanks so much for this rec! :)
Four of these were on my TBR and I was actually planning on reading Villette this year so did skip the bit on that but a great video! The Time Travellers Wife did me in but that’s all I can think of off the top of my head. (Oh and like the haircut!)
They're all great - I'm excited to hear what you think of Villette whenever you read it! And I read The Time Traveler's Wife a long time ago and remember finding it really sad as well (although I'm also pretty sure I was a little too young to be reading it at the time, haha) :)
Claire you're making me feel old ;)
😆 I was definitely at least like 12 when I read it, haha
What a wonderful video! So many great books and a few I really need to get there! Half a Lifelong Romance sounds wonderful.
Thanks so much, Katie :) I loved Half a Lifelong Romance and am now reading Eileen Chang's short story/novella collection, Love in a Fallen City-she's fantastic!
Your review makes me want to read The Idiot even more! I love a book with epistolary bits. I do have Villette on my TBR ..... one of these days!
I'm so glad you liked the sample of The Idiot that you read - I hope you enjoy the rest of the book! And Villette, too (someday!) ;)
I haven't read any of these except The Idiot. But Tin Man has been on my radar for months now. I don't think I've read Villette, although I could have many years ago and just can't remember it.
Oooh, Villette is really fantastic! Especially if you already like the Brontës (it's definitely my favorite Brontë book!) :)
I love unrequited love stories too! They seem more real to me lol. This reminds me to keep reading Villette, which I started months ago while on my trip to California :D
I totally agree! They're painful but really satisfying because they feel so true to life :') And I definitely recommend that you keep reading Villette! What a great book :D
I looooved this video. Half a Lifelong Romance has been on my shelf for a couple of years now. I definitely need to pick it up soon. A book that I loved and that would fit PERFECTLY in this video is Madonna in a Fur Coat by Sabahattin Ali. Just thinking about that book makes my heart ache all over again 💔💔💔
I just ordered The Idiot and Tin Man, I keep thinking about them so it must mean I should get to reading them! These were both books on my radar when they came out but I was too wary of its hype, I think I’ll really enjoy them
Ahhh, I hope you like both of them! Definitely looking forward to hearing your thoughts whenever you get around to them :)
Just finished half a lifelong romance...thanks for ur recommedation
Perfect thumbnail! Great topic! More Munro is always good. Hoping to read Villette in Victober. Must read Eileen Chang! These kind of stories just break me. Why do i read them? One that did was In the Woods by Tana French, even tho it's a mystery (Dublin Murder Squad#1). Love these omnibus type videos!
Thanks so much! I would so love to hear your thoughts on Villette-and Eileen Chang! (I'm now reading her Love in a Fallen City collection, and it's fantastic-she might be a new favorite!) I have heard lots of good things about Tana French but have always been wary of her books because I don't tend to like mysteries-but I trust your taste, so I might have to give her a try sometime! :)
I'm a fan of books of eileen chang.
Quite a lots of chinese book writters、books readers and film directors like eileen chang's books。
Half a lifelong romance is very popular to chinese book reader.
Devastating love stories just break your heart and I agree, they just stay with you for a long time! I've never seen someone do a list like this before and I think it's so interesting!! The short story by Alice Munro sounds really good. I think a short sad love story is an interesting short story idea to write about. I think it would be captivating however short it is. I wanted to let you know that I tagged you in the Unpopular Opinions book tag. I'm really interested to hear what some of your unpopular opinions are! I love when people discuss what they don't like, haha. It's an addicting type of video to watch :P
Thanks so much, Kristen-the Alice Munro short story is so great (as are most of her short stories! she's fab). And thanks for the tag!! I can't wait to check out your video :)
I liked how you understand the human spirit, subscribing today 🌻
Claire, I just want to say thanks for your recommendation of ‘Half a Lifelong Romance. It was an absolute soul destroying read for me and I cherished every moment of it. Eileen Chang definitely has a fan for life 💕
I'm so, so thrilled to hear this!! Queen Eileen! I love her so much
I love Moonlight Shadow a lot..
I do, too
What flavour Ben and Jerry’s ? Half Baked for me. It is sooooo hard to find here in Australia.
The Idiot is polarising. I have it on reserve at the library. I’m looking forward to reading it.
Villette is simply stunning. Sad and unassuming.
Tin Man is calling my name. I don’t know why I haven’t picked it up yet. It is sitting on my shelves staring at me. Must just finally read it.
Claire says “Rip your heart out, the stomp on it, then throw it in the garbage disposal”
Lia goes straight to Book Depository to order it. ☺️
Half Baked all the way!! And I love Mint Chip, too 😀 The Idiot *is* polarizing! I'm considering doing a full review just so I can defend it more, haha - I'll be curious to hear what you think of it. And Tin Man and Half a Lifelong Romance are both so good-definitely worth the read whenever you find you're in the mood for them :)
You talk so well about books, Claire, and I can’t wait to get to The Idiot. I must admit it, the US cover first got me to consider getting it. Are you going to read many from the Women’s Prize? I’m looking forward to the Meena Kandasamy book, When I Hit You and Home Fire. ☺️
Thanks so much, Jessica! I hope you like The Idiot (and I agree-I think the US cover is so good! and the UK one makes me sad, haha). I don't know that I have any plans to read the Women's Prize books, but I'm looking forward to hearing more about them from the rest of Booktube (and then adding a few to my TBR based on that! 😀).
Oh yes, Villette... That book just breaks me whenever I think about it.
Same! 😭❤️
Thanks so much for these recommendations, I just placed a hold on The Idiot in my library, and your video makes me look forward to it even more. The story by Alice Munro sounds fascinating! And I agree with everything you said about Half a Lifelong Romance, such a heartbreaking book.
I'll be eager to hear what you think of The Idiot! And Alice Munro is so great-I love that story in particular, but I really like almost all of her stuff (she's the true queen of short stories!). And Half a Lifelong Romance was so, so good-what a trip! I'm currently reading Love in a Fallen City and am really liking it...Eileen Chang is a new favorite for sure :)
Great reviews💔
I was thinking 'The Age of Innocence' by Edith Wharton, the ending 💫.
I have 'Lifelong Romance' due to Matthew but haven't read it yet. I will have to pick up soon 😢 + 'Moonlight Shadow' sounds amazing.
Thanks, Sandra! And you're so right-The Age of Innocence would totally fit on this list (that last scene where he doesn't go upstairs really fits the "things left unsaid," "can't reclaim lost time" type themes that I love! haha)...and in some ways, I think The House of Mirth might fit with that, too (that one is more about Lily Bart, but the stuff with her and Selden also leaves you thinking "ugh, if only!"). And I can't recommend Half a Lifelong Romance and Moonlight Shadow enough-they're both great!
Claire Reads Books Okay, will check out 'House of Mirth', although it doesn't sound very happy😉.
It is definitely a bummer read, haha, but it's very, very good (I actually like it more than The Age of Innocence!) :)
The thumbnail is perfection! 🤣
Any Kent Haruf novel might fall into this category, but especially Our Souls at Night will give you that three-tissue feeling.
Oooh, I haven't read any Kent Haruf yet, but one of my friends really loves him, so I'll definitely have to check out Our Souls At Night :D Thanks so much for the recommendation!
'Grab a tub of Ben & Jerry's' hahaha. You've made me really consider picking up The Idiot, i've been unsure about it! for a while. I love sad love stories too, I only just realised that when watching this video!
The Idiot does seem to be a really polarizing book, but I loved it so much. :)
Oh, I hadn’t come across that Munro story and you’ve provided a link to a PDF? How lovely!
Just a few minutes ago I watched Laura Frey’s Future Classics tag video and she talks about a book that certainly qualifies as a tragic love story: The Story of a Brief Marriage by Anuk Arudpragasam. I thought it was extremely powerful, albeit ever so slightly over-written in places. Have you read that one?
Alice Munro is the best! :D
And I haven't heard of The Story of a Brief Marriage before-but I will definitely have to check it out! And I have Laura's video in my "watch later" queue, too :)
The love in Villette you mentioned is sad, but the other one is sadder.
The Trail of Your Blood in the Snow
by Gabriel García Márquez
Whats the book that you read that made you recommend these books?
Hi :) loved your video and great recommendations. I have read Tin Man and Vilette from your list and I loved them so much. You are right, those books really made me feel so sad. I'm planning to read The idiot by Elif Batuman and my name is also Selin. it is pronounced how you would pronounce Celine normally. It's the turkish version of that name :D Have a great day and thanks for the video :)
The Idiot is fantastic! It was one of my favorite reads of last year :) And thank you for the correction on the name pronunciation! I’m so sorry I botched it but will fix that going forward ☺️
Claire Reads Books oh no don't apologize. I would probably pronounce the same if it wasn't my own name 😊 I can't wait to read the idiot!!
Definitely let me know what you think of it whenever you read it! I’d love to hear your thoughts 😀
I have a recommendation for you
You should read Frances and Bernard! (If you haven't already)
I'll check it out!
Damn im now half way thru half a lifelong romance (in chinese) and i alrdy feel something so bad is gonna happen. I kinda know wt it is and i hope it wont come. But after watching ur review im well assured dat its gonna happen. Fookin eileen chang did her characters dirty ffs. Hate and LOVE eileen at the same time damn.
So true!!
Why no men books👏💔