Thursday, 24 March 2011

The Epic "Love Story" By Erich Segal

Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous, love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offense, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes. Love does not come to an end.”




Erich Segal’s Love Story won millions and millions of hearts and souls.  As quoted by St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Love story is truly ’For someone who is in love, was in love, or hopes to be in love.’ Love Story by Erich Segal is one of the finest love story that I have ever read. It is so amazingly written that the reader is indulged into pure love thought the reading. The title itself scores 10/10 because I don't think any other title would have described the book any better. 


It features two characters who are students at Harvard University. Oliver Barrett, heir to the Barrett fortune and legacy and Jennifer Cavilleri, daughter of a poor baker who does not own a huge bank account but has lots of love. Oliver was expected by his rich family to follow in his father's footsteps, while Jennifer was a music major and aspired to go on and study in Paris. But when they meet, they fall in love, and so do we as their love grows deep and strong. The witty banter between the two characters is highly enjoyable.


Jennifer Cavalieri: You look stupid and rich.
Oliver Barrett IV: Well, what if I'm smart and poor?
Jennifer Cavalieri: *I'm* smart and poor.
Oliver Barrett IV: Well what makes you so smart?
Jennifer Cavalieri: I wouldn't go out for coffee with you that's what.
Oliver Barrett IV: Well what if I wasn't even gonna ask you to go out for coffee with me?

 Jennifer Cavalieri: Well that's what makes you stupid.  


Jenny and Oliver in "Love Story" Movie



They both give up so much to be together. They are happy with each other in their lives and the stable flow of income that is enough to sustain them. But tragedy strikes. The novel speaks about the emotional pain they both go through. The novel portrays that love has no language but feelings. 


Love Story moves the compassion of love in you.The characters are just perfect. I am sure Jenny will last forever in every reader’s mind and Oliver will be every reader's favorite forever. The novel was also adapted into a movie in 1970. It is a highly captivating book and a must read for everyone :)



Tuesday, 22 March 2011

Magic of Romance in "Paradise" By Judith McNaught

I am a fan of Regency Romances. There is something beautiful about a romance written amongst the sparkle and glitter of balls, dashing gentlemen in formal dress and beautiful women in stunning gowns. Add to that, the pleasure of following a group of characters and how they become a part of my life!


Paradise is a mesmerizing novel written by Judith McNaught. It entails a beautiful love story between Meredith Bancroft, a retail heiress, who meets Matt Ferrell, an ambitious steel worker. Meredith has spent her life under the strict rules of her father. After she meets Matt, she falls in love with him. Brought together in a hasty marriage, the couple is then broken apart by Meredith's father's interference and both leave each other despite the fact that they are hurt.

Years later, they are brought together by business and they discover the deception that was played out on both of them while they were young. Gradually, they become friends again despite other romantic relationships that both Meredith and Matt are involved in at that point in time. 

Friendship isn't enough for Matt who realizes he's always loved Meredith and still wants her. Now, a powerful affluent business tycoon himself, Matt gets what he wants and he goes after reclaiming Meredith as his wife.

The novel depicts the chemistry between the two characters very beautifully. While I was reading the novel, I was constantly lost in this imaginary world where love took over these two souls and bound them together despite all their differences. Judith McNaught is an amazing writer and I love how she gives attention to every minute detail and makes the reader relate to and get emotional about the characters as if they were real. In short, a must read for all the romance lovers.

Judith McNaught