Have you ever been so emotionally overwhelmed by a novel that you found yourself shedding a few tears? Some stories are so powerful, they leave a lasting impression on your heart. Brace yourself, because we challenge you to remain indifferent while reading these 5 tear-jerking novels.
5 Novels That Will Touch You Deeply
Don’t get it twisted; these novels are not just about making you cry. They dive deep into the human experience, touching on themes of love, loss, and resilience. Grab your tissues, and let’s dive in.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Enthusiastically received by the public and critics alike, ‘The Road’ was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2007 and was adapted for the big screen in 2009 by John Hillcoat.
This minimalist tale follows a father and son navigating a post-apocalyptic world. A nuclear winter has obscured the sun, covering the landscape with ash. Humanity is nearly extinct, with survivors reduced to a savage state, resorting to murder and cannibalism. The bond between the father and son offers a glimmer of hope in this bleak world, making it impossible not to be moved.
What I Loved by Siri Hustvedt
Two inseparable couples in 1970s New York face unimaginable tragedy. One couple loses their son in a tragic accident, while the other sees their son spiral into drug addiction. Unpredictable fates alter the course of their lives forever. Hustvedt’s poignant narrative explores the depths of grief and the strength of love, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates emotional storytelling.
The Lily of the Valley by Honoré de Balzac
“She was, as you already know, without knowing anything yet, the lily of this valley where she grew for heaven, filling it with the perfume of her virtues.”
In ‘The Lily of the Valley,’ Balzac draws inspiration from his younger years. The novel is presented as a confession, where Félix de Vandenesse recounts his past love affair with the Countess of Manerville before marrying someone else. He falls deeply in love with this “celestial creature,” only to leave her for a political and social career in Paris. Passion triumphs in the end, but it is too late and painfully brief. Balzac’s exploration of unfulfilled love and lost opportunities will leave you aching.
The Life Before Us by Romain Gary
Published under the pseudonym Ajar, this novel received the Goncourt Prize in 1975. The story revolves around Momo, a young Arab boy living with Madame Rosa, an aging Jewish woman and Auschwitz survivor who takes care of the children of prostitutes. As Madame Rosa’s health deteriorates, Momo becomes her caretaker. Their unlikely bond and the looming specter of her past hardships create a heart-wrenching tale of love, sacrifice, and endurance.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Khaled Hosseini’s autobiographical tale takes readers from the United States, where he has been exiled since 1980, back to his birthplace in Afghanistan. ‘The Kite Runner’ chronicles the heartbreak of exile and the weight of betrayal. Amir and Hassan are milk brothers from different social classes until a devastating betrayal rips them apart. Hosseini captures the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and the haunting nature of the past in a narrative that’s as poignant as it is compelling.
**A vos mouchoirs ! Ces 5 romans à l’histoire déchirante laisseront en larmes même la plus cynique d’entre nous**
This article first appeared on grazia.fr – Author: Sara Ahmadvand
