best american romantic novels

One of the well - known ones is 'Love Medicine' by Louise Erdrich. It weaves together the stories of multiple generations in a Native American community, with love, family, and cultural elements intertwined in a very romantic and poignant way.

A beginner could start with 'The Wedding' by Dorothy West. It's a charming story about love and family. The relationships are well - developed and it gives a good sense of the African American experience in relation to love. Another option could be 'Sassafrass, Cypress & Indigo' which shows different forms of love within a family setting.

One great African American romantic novel is 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker. It tells a powerful story of love, abuse, and resilience. The relationship between Celie and Shug Avery is complex and deeply moving. Another is 'Waiting to Exhale' by Terry McMillan. It explores the love lives of four African American women, dealing with issues like heartbreak, new love, and self - discovery. And 'For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf' by Ntozake Shange also contains elements of romantic relationships within the context of the experiences of African American women.

One of the best is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. Although Austen is British, this novel has had a huge impact on American romantic literature. It tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, with their initial misunderstandings and the gradual growth of love. Another great one is 'Gone with the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell. Set during the American Civil War, it shows the complex relationship between Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler. There is also 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks, a very touching love story about a couple's love that endures through time.

For beginners, 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks is a great choice. It has a simple and straightforward love story that is easy to follow and very heartwarming. Another good one is 'Dear John' by the same author. It's about a soldier and his long - distance relationship, which is a common theme that is easy to understand.

I'd also recommend 'Garden in the Dunes' by Leslie Marmon Silko. It's a story that combines elements of Native American culture with a love story. The main character, Indigo, experiences love and loss while also being connected to her Native American roots. The descriptions of the landscape and the cultural traditions add to the overall romantic and engaging nature of the novel.

One characteristic is the focus on individualism. Characters often strive to break free from society's norms to follow their own desires. For example, in 'The Scarlet Letter', Hester Prynne defies the Puritan community's rules.

Romantic American novels influenced American culture in many ways. For example, 'The Scarlet Letter' made people think about moral and social values. It showed how society can be cruel in dealing with those who are different. 'Moby - Dick' gave Americans a sense of adventure and the idea of man's fight against nature. And 'Leaves of Grass' inspired a sense of national pride and a celebration of the individual.

One characteristic is the use of gloomy and mysterious settings like old castles or desolate landscapes. Another is the presence of complex, often tormented characters. For example, in 'The Fall of the House of Usher' by Edgar Allan Poe, the decaying mansion sets a spooky mood, and the characters are psychologically troubled.

One characteristic is the emphasis on nature. Writers often depicted the beauty and power of nature, like in James Fenimore Cooper's works where the wilderness was a central element. Another is the focus on individualism. Characters in these novels tended to be strong - willed individuals breaking free from social constraints.