10 Awesome Victorian Romance Novels Worth A Read

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Who doesn’t love a good romance novel? They’re the perfect escape from reality, allowing us to dive into a world of love and adventure.

10 Awesome Victorian Romance Novels Worth A Read

Victorian romance novels are especially captivating, as they transport us back to the 19th century where we can explore the lavish lifestyles of England’s elite and give us some insight into the lives of the poor.

If you’re looking for some great Victorian reads, here are 10 novels you won’t want to miss!

Jane Eyre, By Charlotte Bronte

Jane Eyre: The Original 1847 Edition With Illustrations (A Classic Illustrated Novel of Charlotte Brontë)

Jane Eyre is a classic novel written by Charlotte Bronte in 1847. It follows the main character, Jane, as she navigates the Victorian society of England.

The novel has remained popular for centuries and is widely considered to be one of the best novels of its time. It’s a must-read for any fans of Victorian romance novels.

In this timeless story, Jane is an orphaned young woman who is sent to live with her aunt and cousin at Gateshead Hall. After suffering mistreatment there, she moves on to Lowood School where she meets her lifelong friend Helen Burns.

Jane then finds employment as a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she falls in love with the master of the house, Edward Rochester. Despite their differences in social class, they share a passionate love affair that leads to a dramatic climax.

Throughout this story, readers witness Jane’s growth and development from an innocent young girl into a strong and independent woman who learns to stand up for herself despite all odds.

The themes in this novel are still relevant today – social injustice, personal identity, and true love – making it an inspiring read even now. All these elements come together to make Jane Eyre one of the most beloved Victorian romance novels out there.

Wuthering Heights By Emily Bronte

Wuthering Heights (Penguin Classics)

Emily Bronte’s novel Wuthering Heights is a classic in Victorian romance literature. It tells the story of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, two star-crossed lovers whose turbulent relationship has been captivating readers for centuries.

Bronte’s tale of love, obsession, and revenge reveals the far-reaching consequences of our choices and demonstrates the power of love to heal wounds.

The book begins with Lockwood’s visit to Wuthering Heights. He quickly realizes that something isn’t quite right about the place—it’s clear that dark secrets lurk beneath its surface.

We soon learn that Heathcliff was adopted by Mr Earnshaw and raised alongside his daughter Catherine. The two form a strong bond which develops into an intense, passionate love affair—one that is doomed from the start.

Middlemarch By George Eliot

Middlemarch (Penguin Classics)

George Eliot’s Middlemarch is an enduring classic of the Victorian era. Set in the fictional town of Middlemarch, it follows the lives of several characters as they struggle with love, ambition, and morality.

It has been described by many critics as one of the most important novels of the 19th century and continues to be a popular choice for readers today.

The novel centers around Dorothea Brooke, a young woman who dreams of making a difference in the world but is constrained by society’s expectations of her place in it.

Her story intertwines with those of other characters such as Will Ladislaw, whose strong-willed determination to pursue his ambitions leads him into conflict with society.

Far From The Madding Crowd By Thomas Hardy

Far from the Madding Crowd (Penguin Classics)

Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy is a classic Victorian romance novel that tells the story of a young woman who must choose between three suitors.

It follows the life of independent, spirited Bathsheba Everdene as she navigates difficult decisions and learns lessons about love, money, and following her heart.

The novel is set in rural England and follows Bathsheba’s life from her uncle’s death to marriage.

Along the way, she meets Gabriel Oak, an unsuccessful farmer; William Boldwood, a wealthy bachelor; and Sergeant Troy, a dashing soldier. Each of these men has different qualities that appeal to her, but which one will she ultimately choose?

Throughout Far From the Madding Crowd readers experience Bathsheba’s growth as she learns about true love versus passion or convenience.

Hardy’s writing style allows readers to feel like they are right in the middle of the action with his vivid descriptions of characters and settings. The story isn’t just about two people falling in love; it’s also about growing up and making hard choices.

The Tenant Of Wildfell Hall By Anne Bronte

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (Penguin Classics)

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte is an incredible Victorian romance novel that has captivated readers for over a century. It follows the story of Helen Graham, a woman who moves to a rural village and tries to keep her troubled past a secret.

This powerful novel has themes of feminism, social criticism and morality that still resonate today, making it an essential read for anyone interested in Victorian literature.

The novel follows Helen Graham as she moves into Wildfell Hall and attempts to start her new life without revealing her mysterious past.

As time goes on, the locals start to become suspicious, and Helen must find the courage to confront her demons while also falling in love with Gilbert Markham. It’s an emotionally charged story full of unrequited love and heartache that many readers can relate to.

Pride And Prejudice By Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice (Penguin Classics)

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a beloved classic in the realm of Victorian romantic novels. It follows the story of Elizabeth Bennet, a strong-willed woman who faces adversity from her family, society, and her own heart.

Through Elizabeth’s journey, Austen cleverly examines the social norms and expectations of 19th century England.

The novel centers around Elizabeth’s relationships with two potential suitors: Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham.

After many tumultuous circumstances arise between them and various members of her family, readers are left wondering if love can conquer all or if societal conventions will stand in the way of true love.

The novel delves into themes such as class division, wealth disparities, and women’s roles in society.

Tipping The Velvet

Tipping the Velvet: A Novel

Tipping The Velvet is a classic novel written by British author Sarah Waters. It tells the story of Nan King, a young working-class woman living in Victorian England in the late 1800s.

After falling passionately in love with Kitty Butler, a female singer from a thriving music hall, Nan experiences the struggles inherent to being an out lesbian at this time period.

Throughout her journey of self-discovery she uses aliases, works on a boat full of men, joins an all-female troupe and finally makes it big as a transvestite vaudevillian star.

Waters brings readers into a world rarely depicted within historical fiction – that is both filled with love, excitement and tragedy for the bohemian life of turn-of-the-century lesbians struggling against oppressive societal restrictions – whilst also highlighting how social conventions are often used to oppress sexual minorities even today.

Adam Bede By George Eliot

Adam Bede (Oxford World's Classics)

Adam Bede by George Eliot follows the life of Adam, a young carpenter from rural England, and his journey as he falls in love with Hetty Sorrel.

Set in the fictional town of St. Ogg’s, readers are introduced to a world filled with complex characters and relationships.

The story examines themes like morality and hypocrisy within the context of social class, exploring how these ideas shape the lives of the characters and their relationships with each other.

The novel is written in an omniscient third-person point-of-view that allows readers to gain insight into each character’s motivations and thoughts while also providing an understanding of the larger socio-cultural atmosphere surrounding them.

Eliot’s use of natural imagery emphasizes this sense of atmosphere, further immersing readers in the world she has created. Additionally, her writing style conveys a deep appreciation for both human fragility and resilience.

Middlemarch By George Eliot

Middlemarch by George Eliot

When it comes to classic Victorian novels, Middlemarch by George Eliot is a must-read. It’s a story of society in a small town and the characters who inhabit it.

It follows the lives of Dorothea Brooke, a young idealistic woman, and Dr. Tertius Lydgate, an ambitious doctor seeking to make a name for himself in the field of medicine. Through their experiences, readers are presented with themes such as ambition and transformation.

Eliot weaves a compelling story in Middlemarch that sheds light on what life was like during this era.

By focusing on the struggles of individuals fighting for change within their own lives and communities. She creates an immersive experience that allows readers to truly understand what life was like during this time period.

Sense And Sensibility By Jane Austen

Sense and Sensibility (Penguin Classics)

Sense and Sensibility, written by Jane Austen in 1811, is a classic romance novel. It follows two sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, as they navigate life’s complexities and discover true love. This book is especially notable for its portrayal of the British class system during this time period.

The plot revolves around the Dashwood family’s sudden financial crisis following their father’s death. With limited resources and no male heir to inherit the estate, Elinor and Marianne are faced with difficult choices about their future.

As they struggle to make ends meet, their lives become complicated by a number of potential suitors: Edward Ferrars for Elinor, John Willoughby for Marianne, and Colonel Brandon for both sisters.

What makes Sense and Sensibility so captivating is how it captures the nuances of romantic relationships in the Victorian era – from courtship customs to gender roles – while also exploring themes like social class and wealth disparity.

Conclusion

These novels offer beautiful stories of love and romance, making them perfect for those looking for a bit of escapism.

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