Few books have earned a reputation for emotional devastation quite like The Song of Achilles. Madeline Miller reimagines the story of Achilles and Patroclus, creating a sweeping tale of love, friendship, war and loss. Beautifully written and deeply moving, this is a book that many readers finish with tears in their eyes.
Spanning decades of Afghan history, A Thousand Splendid Suns follows two women whose lives become intertwined under heartbreaking circumstances. It's a powerful story about friendship, sacrifice, resilience and love that can survive even the most difficult circumstances.
Set during World War II, The Nightingale follows two sisters in occupied France as they experience the devastating realities of war. Kristin Hannah explores courage, sacrifice and the different ways people fight for the people they love.
Narrated by Death, The Book Thief follows Liesel, a young girl living in Nazi Germany who discovers comfort in books while surrounded by war. It's heartbreaking, hopeful and unforgettable, with a story that demonstrates the power of words and human connection.
A Little Life follows four friends across several decades as their lives change and intertwine. At its centre is Jude, whose traumatic past continues to shape his adult life. This is an extremely heavy and emotionally challenging novel, but its friendships and character relationships have made it an unforgettable read for many readers.
Behind the glamour of old Hollywood lies a story filled with love, ambition, secrets and loss. Evelyn Hugo finally decides to tell the truth about her extraordinary life, but her story is far more complicated than anyone expects.
Louisa Clark's life changes when she becomes a carer for Will Traynor. What begins as an unlikely friendship gradually develops into something much deeper. Funny, romantic and devastating, Me Before You is one of those books that can leave readers thinking about its characters long after the final page.
Hazel and Augustus meet at a cancer support group and develop a relationship that changes both of their lives. John Green balances humour and heartbreak in a story about love, illness, friendship and making the most of the time you have.
The title gives away the destination, but that doesn't make the journey any less emotional. Two strangers discover that they have only one day left to live and decide to spend it together. It's a story about friendship, love, regret and what it means to truly live.
Addie LaRue makes a Faustian bargain that allows her to live forever, but at a devastating cost: everyone she meets forgets her. Spanning centuries, this atmospheric fantasy explores loneliness, memory, love and the desire to leave a mark on the world.