Novels teach us a lot about human interaction: how we behave in particular situations, how we react to crises, and how we deal with our emotions. I have learned so much from fictional characters – thank you to all the authors who have created them.
I have cried while reading many novels. Here are five of them.
The Headmaster’s Wife by Thomas Christopher Greene
This is a beautifully-written story about the grief of the headmaster and his wife, who live in an enclosed world. Their unravelling is harrowing.
Read more about The Headmaster’s Wife on Goodreads.
The Extra Ordinary Life of Frank Derrick, aged 81 by J B Morrison
This provides such a wonderful look into the life of Frank Derrick. It’s a funny, sad, yet uplifting story about an ordinary life. This story shows that everyone responds to a kind gesture.
Read more about The Extra Ordinary Life of Frank Derrick, aged 81 on Goodreads.
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
This is one of my all-time favourite novels. The story of a teenager’s murder, recounted by the dead teenager herself, it could be soppy but it’s not. Beautifully written, it is full of the complexities of family relationships and the need for answers.
Read more about The Lovely Bones on Goodreads.
The Light Between Oceans by M L Stedman
This story combines moral dilemmas with a woman’s urge for fulfilment and her husband’s conflicted desire to understand. It is so easy to be swayed by the decisions each of them makes.
Read more about The Light Between Oceans on Goodreads.
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell
I sobbed, loudly, through several chapters of this novel about marriage and loss. Don’t let that put you off but perhaps wait until you feel strong so that you can appreciate the wonderful writing and can empathise with Agnes as she deals with her loss.
Read more about Hamnet on Goodreads.
What novels made you cry? Please share in the comments section so we can all sob along together!
Oh, Erica! Thank you.
I simply adored hamnet – and yes, tears!
I’ve read, and enjoyed, the lovely bones and Light between Oceans – both very moving.
I will put the other two on my to-read list.