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Love Story #1
Love Story
Oliver Barrett IV, a wealthy jock from a stuffy WASP family on his way to a Harvard degree and a career in law . . . Jenny Cavilleri, a sharp-tongued, working-class beauty studying music at Radcliffe . . .
Opposites in nearly every way, Oliver and Jenny are kindred spirits from vastly different worlds. Falling deeply and powerfully, their attraction to one another defies everything they have ever believed—as they share a passion far greater than anything they dreamed possible . . . and explore the wonder of a love that must end too soon.
One of the most adored novels of our time, this is the book that defined a generation—a story of uncompromising devotion, of life as it really is . . . and love that changes everything.
Opposites in nearly every way, Oliver and Jenny are kindred spirits from vastly different worlds. Falling deeply and powerfully, their attraction to one another defies everything they have ever believed—as they share a passion far greater than anything they dreamed possible . . . and explore the wonder of a love that must end too soon.
One of the most adored novels of our time, this is the book that defined a generation—a story of uncompromising devotion, of life as it really is . . . and love that changes everything.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1969
About the author
Erich Segal
71 books1,157 followersErich Wolf Segal was an American author, screenwriter, and educator. He was best-known for writing the novel Love Story, a bestseller, and writing the motion picture of the same name, which was a major hit.
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April 26, 2023
"Love means never having to say you're sorry"
is probably among some of the most ridiculous statements ever.
Luckily it's a rare blemish on a simple but beautiful story. Plus it's cheesy, corny, and insanely quotable, so I'll have to give it a pass on that.
A girl and a boy meet and fall in love. Jenny is a poor artistic sorta-Catholic Radcliffe-educated Italian-American brainiac with a razor-sharp tongue. Oliver is a rich WASPy Harvard "Preppy" jock with a slew of Daddy issues and a Roman numeral after his name. They fall in love despite the huge social gap between them. Few more Daddy issues ensue, a fight or two happens, the cheesy phrase (see above) is uttered to my sheer mortification. They may or may not name their future kid Bozo the Clown. Then Jenny dies *gasp*. And I bawl my eyes out.
No worries, no spoiler tags were needed. We are warned about her death in the very first (and famous) paragraph.
This book is written in a fresh and honest voice. The characters feel truly alive. It is beautiful, simple, short and funny. It is sweet and touching but not overly melodramatic. It is a quintessential love story and is fully worth the few well-spent reading hours. I've read it several times since age 12, and every time it melts my stony callousy heart.
Luckily it's a rare blemish on a simple but beautiful story. Plus it's cheesy, corny, and insanely quotable, so I'll have to give it a pass on that.
A girl and a boy meet and fall in love. Jenny is a poor artistic sorta-Catholic Radcliffe-educated Italian-American brainiac with a razor-sharp tongue. Oliver is a rich WASPy Harvard "Preppy" jock with a slew of Daddy issues and a Roman numeral after his name. They fall in love despite the huge social gap between them. Few more Daddy issues ensue, a fight or two happens, the cheesy phrase (see above) is uttered to my sheer mortification. They may or may not name their future kid Bozo the Clown. Then Jenny dies *gasp*. And I bawl my eyes out.
No worries, no spoiler tags were needed. We are warned about her death in the very first (and famous) paragraph.
"What can you say about a twenty-five-year-old girl who died? That she was beautiful and brilliant. That she loved Mozart and Bach. The Beatles. And me."We know about Jenny's death from the start, and it is a true testament to Segal's brilliant characterization and narrative skills that her death still hits home, still leaves all but the most heartless readers a bawling blob of tears and snot. It did so for me, and I am a self-proclaimed cold-hearted cynic.
This book is written in a fresh and honest voice. The characters feel truly alive. It is beautiful, simple, short and funny. It is sweet and touching but not overly melodramatic. It is a quintessential love story and is fully worth the few well-spent reading hours. I've read it several times since age 12, and every time it melts my stony callousy heart.
"What the hell makes you so smart?" I asked.
"I wouldn't go for coffee with you," she answered.
"Listen - I wouldn't ask you."
"That," she replied, "is what makes you stupid."
February 9, 2023
This is one of the most celebrated love stories ever.
Erich Segal tells us the story of Oliver Barrett IV and Jenny Cavilleri, who are different in every way but immediately falls in love with each other. This love story that defied the social hierarchies between the characters and the generation gap between the readers is still considered one of the favorites of many readers.
What I learned from this book
1) What does it mean to be a winner?
Even if this book is mainly a romantic story, the author is, directly and indirectly, mentioning his views of different spheres and aspects of life through the characters in his book. He delineates why it is important for you to bounce back from your failures.
2) What is the difference between a friend and a fan?
This one quote will help you to easily differentiate between a friend and a fan. It might appear ludicrous to some people initially. But I think Eric Segal is so accurate in his observation here.
3) Can acceptance by your partner be painful, like rejection?
When you are searching for your soulmate it is very important that you find the right person who is compatible with your personality. Acceptance by the wrong person or due to the wrong reasons will turn out to be equally painful or even more painful in many cases.
My favourite three lines from this book
What could have been better?
This is one of those rare novels whose most celebrated lines when they were published didn’t age well and started to invite criticisms from every corner after a few years.
The above line is one of the most ridiculous statements I have ever read in any romantic novel. This novel was published in 1970. But I think even in 1970, the above line should have been considered inappropriate as love should never be taken for granted and forgiveness and the ability to say sorry are the first qualities that everyone would love to see in their lover.
Rating
4/5 It doesn't matter how many times you have read it; it still brings tears to your eyes when you reread this book each time in your life.
Erich Segal tells us the story of Oliver Barrett IV and Jenny Cavilleri, who are different in every way but immediately falls in love with each other. This love story that defied the social hierarchies between the characters and the generation gap between the readers is still considered one of the favorites of many readers.
What I learned from this book
1) What does it mean to be a winner?
Even if this book is mainly a romantic story, the author is, directly and indirectly, mentioning his views of different spheres and aspects of life through the characters in his book. He delineates why it is important for you to bounce back from your failures.
"Part of being a big winner is the ability to be a good loser. There's no paradox involved. It's a distinctly Harvard
thing to be able to turn any defeat into victory.
Of course, an out-and-out triumph is better. I mean, if you have the option, the last-minute score is preferable."
2) What is the difference between a friend and a fan?
This one quote will help you to easily differentiate between a friend and a fan. It might appear ludicrous to some people initially. But I think Eric Segal is so accurate in his observation here.
"The difference between a friend and a fan is that with the latter you quickly run out of conversation."
3) Can acceptance by your partner be painful, like rejection?
When you are searching for your soulmate it is very important that you find the right person who is compatible with your personality. Acceptance by the wrong person or due to the wrong reasons will turn out to be equally painful or even more painful in many cases.
"I was afraid of being rejected, yes. I was also afraid of being accepted for the wrong reasons."
My favourite three lines from this book
"Please, if one of us cries, let both of us cry. But preferably neither of us."
"'Hey,' I said, 'anything special you want to take
along?'
'Uh uh.' She nodded no, then added as an afterthought,
'You.'”
"Harvard is like Santa's Christmas bag."
What could have been better?
This is one of those rare novels whose most celebrated lines when they were published didn’t age well and started to invite criticisms from every corner after a few years.
"Love means never having to say you're sorry."
The above line is one of the most ridiculous statements I have ever read in any romantic novel. This novel was published in 1970. But I think even in 1970, the above line should have been considered inappropriate as love should never be taken for granted and forgiveness and the ability to say sorry are the first qualities that everyone would love to see in their lover.
Rating
4/5 It doesn't matter how many times you have read it; it still brings tears to your eyes when you reread this book each time in your life.
August 22, 2024
CHE FINE HA FATTO LOVE STORY?
Ali McGraw e Ryan O’Neal protagonisti del film omonimo di Arthur Hiller.
Erich Segal è morto da pochi giorni e mi sono ricordato che anch'io sono uno fra i tanti che ha letto questo libro.
Rimosso per vergogna?
Possibile.
Ma sicuramente, rimosso perché non è più presente fisicamente nella mia libreria: l'ho perso nel corso del tempo e non me ne sono mai accorto.
Secondo me vuol dire qualcosa, giustifica questa singola stella.
Se si aggiunge poi il fatto che dopo aver letto il libro non ho mai avuto voglia di vedere il film, la singola stella è più che mai giustificata.
2018, 26 marzo
E quindi anche per Love Story ci sono anniversari, commemorazioni et similia.
Sono passati cinquant’anni da quando l’esimio professor Segal (laureato a Harvard e insegnante a Yale, e alla stessa Harvard, a Princeton, al Wolfson College di Oxford!!!), che aveva già alle spalle la partecipazione, in ricca compagnia, alla sceneggiatura del film Yellow Submarine (quello di animazione su musica dei Beatles), dedicò le vacanze di natale di quell’anno, 1968, a scrivere il suo romanzo, del quale aveva prevenduto i diritti cinematografici (il romanzo uscì il 14 febbraio del 1970, e il film il 16 dicembre dello stesso anno).
Irene Bignardi, con la quale condivido grande amore per la settima arte, pur se con tonalità diverse, spende parole preziose in difesa del libro:
Il libro è meglio della sua fama. Soprattutto perché è un interessante osservatorio della cultura umana e dell’organizzazione sociale della East Coast negli anni Sessanta, alla vigilia del Movement e dei moti studenteschi, nei luoghi privilegiati della cultura e dello sport, nei paradisi della Ivy League.
Nonostante la generosità di Irene Bignardi, continuo a credere che il suo unico merito sia che passati cinquant’anni suo malgrado possa essere ormai considerato un ‘classico’: un classico della lacrima.
PS
Il titolo del mio commento è la citazione di un magnifico film di Robert Aldrich, 1962, con una strepitosa Bette Davis e una grande Joan Crawford. Roba seria, questa.
Ali McGraw e Ryan O’Neal protagonisti del film omonimo di Arthur Hiller.
Erich Segal è morto da pochi giorni e mi sono ricordato che anch'io sono uno fra i tanti che ha letto questo libro.
Rimosso per vergogna?
Possibile.
Ma sicuramente, rimosso perché non è più presente fisicamente nella mia libreria: l'ho perso nel corso del tempo e non me ne sono mai accorto.
Secondo me vuol dire qualcosa, giustifica questa singola stella.
Se si aggiunge poi il fatto che dopo aver letto il libro non ho mai avuto voglia di vedere il film, la singola stella è più che mai giustificata.
2018, 26 marzo
E quindi anche per Love Story ci sono anniversari, commemorazioni et similia.
Sono passati cinquant’anni da quando l’esimio professor Segal (laureato a Harvard e insegnante a Yale, e alla stessa Harvard, a Princeton, al Wolfson College di Oxford!!!), che aveva già alle spalle la partecipazione, in ricca compagnia, alla sceneggiatura del film Yellow Submarine (quello di animazione su musica dei Beatles), dedicò le vacanze di natale di quell’anno, 1968, a scrivere il suo romanzo, del quale aveva prevenduto i diritti cinematografici (il romanzo uscì il 14 febbraio del 1970, e il film il 16 dicembre dello stesso anno).
Irene Bignardi, con la quale condivido grande amore per la settima arte, pur se con tonalità diverse, spende parole preziose in difesa del libro:
Il libro è meglio della sua fama. Soprattutto perché è un interessante osservatorio della cultura umana e dell’organizzazione sociale della East Coast negli anni Sessanta, alla vigilia del Movement e dei moti studenteschi, nei luoghi privilegiati della cultura e dello sport, nei paradisi della Ivy League.
Nonostante la generosità di Irene Bignardi, continuo a credere che il suo unico merito sia che passati cinquant’anni suo malgrado possa essere ormai considerato un ‘classico’: un classico della lacrima.
PS
Il titolo del mio commento è la citazione di un magnifico film di Robert Aldrich, 1962, con una strepitosa Bette Davis e una grande Joan Crawford. Roba seria, questa.
October 2, 2008
I read Love Story because I didn't want to see the movie, but I wanted to know what everyone was talking about. While it was an affecting and sentimental little story, even at that young age I felt that it was trying too hard to tug on my heartstrings. It seemed, somehow, too juvenile, even to my then very juvenile mind. In later years, I came to realize that the movie's oft quoted line, "Love means never having to say you're sorry" is a complete falsehood. In fact, love means always being willing to say your sorry, and to mean it. Love grows stronger with humility, and the height of pride is the belief that a union can survive an unrepentant attitude.
October 4, 2024
O mon amour - Mon doux, mon tendre
Mon merveilleux amour -
De l'Aube Clair jusqu'a le fin du jour
Je t'aime encore, tu sais je t'aime.
Jacques Brel, Chanson des Vieux Amants.
Well, for me love doesn't mean never having to say I'm sorry - I ALWAYS apologize to my wife for my many Aspie snits! You see, she's infinitely more neurotypical and polite.
But it's exactly what Oliver discovers Jenny expects of him. Jenny teaches uptight Oliver to spill his guts to her openly and ingenuously.
Oliver’s a “Preppy.” But even Preppies fall. And Oliver fell hard.
Four months before I knew that, I too - also a preppy-like guy - fell hard.
And I, too, spilled my guts.
And ingenuousness is a trait we, too, must now prize - my good manners or my ill manners notwithstanding.
This is the perfect love story, if you've never read it.
It even ends in tears.
But after Jenny dies tragically young, Oliver teaches forgiveness to the Ice Man that is his rich old father.
What comes around, goes around.
***
I'm an old softie. My grandmother taught me that...
In 1970, when this book and the concurrent Ryan O'Neil/Ali McGraw film were released, I thought I'd take her to a matinee screening at the Elgin Theatre.
She was then nearly 71, and frail. I told her we were going for a drive, en route to giving her a Christmas present.
When she saw the theatre marquee where I pulled up, she was teary-eyed. She hugged me.
And we of course wept our buckets throughout...
***
Gotta tell you, when I start each day I'm neurodivergent. At the end of each day, however - once my meds do their work - I'm more neurotypical.
I've been taking advantage of that latter effect by mainly writing new reviews at night, when all's quiet.
But today we mark the close of another International Neurodiversity Week (I've now signed up for 2024, and I'll celebrate it here on Goodreads).
And so perhaps, time permitting, I'll try to review new books in the morning, in future!
***
This is a wonderful story. And now, saying I'm sorry sounds worn and trite when, like me, you have the dwindling energy of a creaky septuagenarian.
So Jenny's right.
And what comes around, goes around. Quiet attentive forgiveness is natural to us both now.
And it happens naturally when you approach the fifty year milestone of your marriage.
Just OPEN YOUR HEART AND STAY THE COURSE!
Five Stars, kids - for the BEST GOLDARNED LOVE STORY OF OUR TIME!
Mon merveilleux amour -
De l'Aube Clair jusqu'a le fin du jour
Je t'aime encore, tu sais je t'aime.
Jacques Brel, Chanson des Vieux Amants.
Well, for me love doesn't mean never having to say I'm sorry - I ALWAYS apologize to my wife for my many Aspie snits! You see, she's infinitely more neurotypical and polite.
But it's exactly what Oliver discovers Jenny expects of him. Jenny teaches uptight Oliver to spill his guts to her openly and ingenuously.
Oliver’s a “Preppy.” But even Preppies fall. And Oliver fell hard.
Four months before I knew that, I too - also a preppy-like guy - fell hard.
And I, too, spilled my guts.
And ingenuousness is a trait we, too, must now prize - my good manners or my ill manners notwithstanding.
This is the perfect love story, if you've never read it.
It even ends in tears.
But after Jenny dies tragically young, Oliver teaches forgiveness to the Ice Man that is his rich old father.
What comes around, goes around.
***
I'm an old softie. My grandmother taught me that...
In 1970, when this book and the concurrent Ryan O'Neil/Ali McGraw film were released, I thought I'd take her to a matinee screening at the Elgin Theatre.
She was then nearly 71, and frail. I told her we were going for a drive, en route to giving her a Christmas present.
When she saw the theatre marquee where I pulled up, she was teary-eyed. She hugged me.
And we of course wept our buckets throughout...
***
Gotta tell you, when I start each day I'm neurodivergent. At the end of each day, however - once my meds do their work - I'm more neurotypical.
I've been taking advantage of that latter effect by mainly writing new reviews at night, when all's quiet.
But today we mark the close of another International Neurodiversity Week (I've now signed up for 2024, and I'll celebrate it here on Goodreads).
And so perhaps, time permitting, I'll try to review new books in the morning, in future!
***
This is a wonderful story. And now, saying I'm sorry sounds worn and trite when, like me, you have the dwindling energy of a creaky septuagenarian.
So Jenny's right.
And what comes around, goes around. Quiet attentive forgiveness is natural to us both now.
And it happens naturally when you approach the fifty year milestone of your marriage.
Just OPEN YOUR HEART AND STAY THE COURSE!
Five Stars, kids - for the BEST GOLDARNED LOVE STORY OF OUR TIME!
September 2, 2020
Love Story, Erich Segal
Love Story is a 1970 romance novel by American writer Erich Segal. The book's origins lay in a screenplay that Segal wrote, and that was subsequently approved for production by Paramount Pictures. Paramount requested that Segal adapt the story into novel form as a preview of sorts for the film. The novel was released on February 14, 1970, Valentine's Day.
Love Story is romantic and funny, yet tragic. It is the tale of two college students whose love enables them to overcome the adversities they encounter in life: Oliver Barrett IV, a Harvard jock and heir to the Barrett fortune and legacy, and Jennifer Cavilleri, the quick-witted daughter of a Rhode Island baker.
Oliver (Ollie) was expected to assume control of his father's business empire, while Jennifer (Jenny) was a music major studying at Radcliffe College and planning to study in Paris. From very different worlds, Oliver and Jenny are immediately attracted to each other and their love deepens.
The story of Jenny and Ollie is a story of two young people who come from two separate worlds and are brought together in the unlikeliest of ways. ...
عنوانها: داستان عشق؛ قصه عشق؛ اثر: اریک سگال؛ تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز سی و یکم ماه می سال 1991میلادی
عنوان: داستا�� عشق؛ اثر: اریک سگال؛ مترجم: ناصر قاسمی؛ مشخصات نشر تهران، دماوند، 1369، در 183ص، چاپ دوم 1370؛ موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان امریکایی - سده 20م
عنوان: قصه عشق؛ اثر: اریک سگال؛ مترجم: پروین قائمی؛ مشخصات نشر تهران، کتاب درنا، 1379، در 144ص، شابک ایکس - 964610536؛
عنوان: قصه عشق؛ اثر: اریک سگال؛ مترجم افشین هاشمی فشارکی؛ تهران، نشر علم، 1393، در 197ص، شابک 9789644058158؛
عنوان: قصه عشق؛ اثر: اریک سگال؛ مترجم: سودابه پرتوی؛ مشخصات نشر تهران، در 142ص؛
این کتاب با عنوان «داستان عشق»، نخستین بار و با برگردان جناب آقای: «ناصر قاسمی، انتشارات دماوند، در سال 1369هجری خورشیدی»؛ و با برگردان جناب آقای: «افشین هاشمی فشارکی، توسط: نشر علم، در سال 1393هجری خورشیدی» نیز منتشر شده است
اولیور بارت، جوانی ثروتمند و خوشحال و موفق است؛ او راگبی بازی میکند، و قیافه ی جذابی دارد؛ وی با پدرش، «اولیور بارت چهارم»، ارتباط خوبی ندارد، چون میاندیشد: او مرد سردی است، که تنها به آبروی خویش اهمیت میدهد؛ با اینحال، پدرش همیشه سعی بر سخن گفتن، و نزدیکتر شدن به او را دارد؛ وی روزی آنگاه که به کتابخانه میرود، با «جنیفر کاویلری» دانشجو، و یکی از دو مسئول کتابخانه، روبرو میشود؛ هنگامیکه «جنیفر» کتاب «اولیور» را به او میدهد، آنها با هم گفتگو میکنند؛ «جنیفر» او را مسخره میکند، و او را پرپای (کسی که در یک مدرسه خصوصی درس میخواند) صدا میکند، و میگوید: او ثروتمند و ابله است؛ «اولیور» که از آن حرف خشمگین شده، میگوید: «من باهوش، ولی فقیرم؛ اینکه باهوشم دلیل بر ابلهی من نیست»؛ و «جنیفر»، پاسخ میدهد: «نه، پرپای؛ این منم که باهوش ولی فقیرم»؛ آنها کم کم به یکدیگر علاقه پیدا میکنند، و تصمیم بر ازدواج میگیرند؛ پدر «اولیور» باور دارد، او بایستی چند سال دیگر تا ��زدواج صبر کند، و وقتی «اولیور» اصرار میکند، میگوید: «از هرگونه کمک مالی به او معذور است»؛ «اولیور» و «جنیفر»، با یکدیگر ازدواج میکنند؛ با کار سخت، سرمایه ی خود را تأمین میکنند؛ میخندند؛ گریه میکنند؛ بحث میکنند؛ دعوا میکنند؛ میفهمند که چقدر یکدیگر را دوست میدارند؛ سپس، متوجه میشوند که زمان زیادی برایشان باقی نمانده...؛
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 11/06/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
Love Story is a 1970 romance novel by American writer Erich Segal. The book's origins lay in a screenplay that Segal wrote, and that was subsequently approved for production by Paramount Pictures. Paramount requested that Segal adapt the story into novel form as a preview of sorts for the film. The novel was released on February 14, 1970, Valentine's Day.
Love Story is romantic and funny, yet tragic. It is the tale of two college students whose love enables them to overcome the adversities they encounter in life: Oliver Barrett IV, a Harvard jock and heir to the Barrett fortune and legacy, and Jennifer Cavilleri, the quick-witted daughter of a Rhode Island baker.
Oliver (Ollie) was expected to assume control of his father's business empire, while Jennifer (Jenny) was a music major studying at Radcliffe College and planning to study in Paris. From very different worlds, Oliver and Jenny are immediately attracted to each other and their love deepens.
The story of Jenny and Ollie is a story of two young people who come from two separate worlds and are brought together in the unlikeliest of ways. ...
عنوانها: داستان عشق؛ قصه عشق؛ اثر: اریک سگال؛ تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز سی و یکم ماه می سال 1991میلادی
عنوان: داستا�� عشق؛ اثر: اریک سگال؛ مترجم: ناصر قاسمی؛ مشخصات نشر تهران، دماوند، 1369، در 183ص، چاپ دوم 1370؛ موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان امریکایی - سده 20م
عنوان: قصه عشق؛ اثر: اریک سگال؛ مترجم: پروین قائمی؛ مشخصات نشر تهران، کتاب درنا، 1379، در 144ص، شابک ایکس - 964610536؛
عنوان: قصه عشق؛ اثر: اریک سگال؛ مترجم افشین هاشمی فشارکی؛ تهران، نشر علم، 1393، در 197ص، شابک 9789644058158؛
عنوان: قصه عشق؛ اثر: اریک سگال؛ مترجم: سودابه پرتوی؛ مشخصات نشر تهران، در 142ص؛
این کتاب با عنوان «داستان عشق»، نخستین بار و با برگردان جناب آقای: «ناصر قاسمی، انتشارات دماوند، در سال 1369هجری خورشیدی»؛ و با برگردان جناب آقای: «افشین هاشمی فشارکی، توسط: نشر علم، در سال 1393هجری خورشیدی» نیز منتشر شده است
اولیور بارت، جوانی ثروتمند و خوشحال و موفق است؛ او راگبی بازی میکند، و قیافه ی جذابی دارد؛ وی با پدرش، «اولیور بارت چهارم»، ارتباط خوبی ندارد، چون میاندیشد: او مرد سردی است، که تنها به آبروی خویش اهمیت میدهد؛ با اینحال، پدرش همیشه سعی بر سخن گفتن، و نزدیکتر شدن به او را دارد؛ وی روزی آنگاه که به کتابخانه میرود، با «جنیفر کاویلری» دانشجو، و یکی از دو مسئول کتابخانه، روبرو میشود؛ هنگامیکه «جنیفر» کتاب «اولیور» را به او میدهد، آنها با هم گفتگو میکنند؛ «جنیفر» او را مسخره میکند، و او را پرپای (کسی که در یک مدرسه خصوصی درس میخواند) صدا میکند، و میگوید: او ثروتمند و ابله است؛ «اولیور» که از آن حرف خشمگین شده، میگوید: «من باهوش، ولی فقیرم؛ اینکه باهوشم دلیل بر ابلهی من نیست»؛ و «جنیفر»، پاسخ میدهد: «نه، پرپای؛ این منم که باهوش ولی فقیرم»؛ آنها کم کم به یکدیگر علاقه پیدا میکنند، و تصمیم بر ازدواج میگیرند؛ پدر «اولیور» باور دارد، او بایستی چند سال دیگر تا ��زدواج صبر کند، و وقتی «اولیور» اصرار میکند، میگوید: «از هرگونه کمک مالی به او معذور است»؛ «اولیور» و «جنیفر»، با یکدیگر ازدواج میکنند؛ با کار سخت، سرمایه ی خود را تأمین میکنند؛ میخندند؛ گریه میکنند؛ بحث میکنند؛ دعوا میکنند؛ میفهمند که چقدر یکدیگر را دوست میدارند؛ سپس، متوجه میشوند که زمان زیادی برایشان باقی نمانده...؛
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 11/06/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
December 13, 2022
“Love means never having to say you're sorry
الحب يعني ألا تضطر أبدًا للاعتذار
اشهر كليشيهات الُمُحن و العشق خرجت من فيلم قصة حب
Love story 1970
مر عليه اكثر من نصف قرن
و لكنه مازال ايقونة عشق لا تبطل؛ رغم قصته التقليدية البلهاء المتكررة المأخوذة بتصرف عن ميلودراما غادة الكاميليا؛ ببطليه جيني و اوليفر و هم المعادلين لأحمد و مني عندنا
ما بين متاهات الخوف من الرفض و الرعب مما بعد القبول؛ حماقات البدايات و مرارة النهايات؛ تقسيم الدموع بين الاربع عيون لتخف وطأتها؛ثم مرارة الفقد التي تأبي الزوال والذي تم عرضها في جزء ٢؛ قصة اوليفر
الا انه صنع لأبطاله:الي ماكجرو و ريان اونيل؛ و لكاتبه اريك سيجل فقاعة شهرة دامت لفترة لا بأس بها و تم تنفيذه هنا في فيلم حبيبي دائما
May 31, 2012
I appreciate a good love story. No, don’t give me THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY—that book was crap. Give me a story where the characters are more aligned with Holden Caulfield or Pookie from Nichol’s THE STERILE CUCKOO. I want smart-assy and witty banter. I want characters that play by their own rules or make them up as they go along. I want the possibility of real life. Enter Erich Segal and LOVE STORY. Published in 1970, this short—133 page—novel is relatively obscure today. That’s a shame. Segal created wonderful characters in Jenny and Oliver. Sure, they were from Harvard and Radcliffe; they have the all-too-common poor girl and rich boy histories; but, Segal was wise with his characters. He gives the readers just enough to know them, all the while making the reader fall in love with them. Before becoming a novel, this story was intended to be a script. No one bought it. When asked to rewrite it and submit it to a publisher, instant success ensued. (It was eventually made into a movie with Segal writing the script…oh, did I mention it was nominated for seven Oscars?)
So the story is simple: Rich boy falls in love with poor girl. Poor girl opens the eyes of rich boy to the nuances and beauty of life. Poor girl dies. This is all told in the opening of the book, so I’m not spoiling anything. But the emotional impact (I) you might get while reading this book is beyond words. I knew Jenny was destined to die. I knew there would be revelations about class and family. But I never expected a sparsely written book to pierce me as quickly as or as deeply as this one did. Books don’t make me cry. This one did. I transposed this love story to my wife’s and my love story. I thought about all I would have never experienced if I lost her at such an early stage of marriage. All of our inside jokes. All of the fights and I’m sorrys. All of the times when we made our happiness. Man, I sound gushy. But that is the power of this book. It awakens feelings in you. At least it did for me.
Read the book. It’s short. It’s sparsely written. (Which isn’t to suggest that it lacks depth!) It’s a book that deserves to be remembered. Hey, you might even get that wonderful feeling you once had with your special someone. Perhaps I am just a hopeless romantic.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
So the story is simple: Rich boy falls in love with poor girl. Poor girl opens the eyes of rich boy to the nuances and beauty of life. Poor girl dies. This is all told in the opening of the book, so I’m not spoiling anything. But the emotional impact (I) you might get while reading this book is beyond words. I knew Jenny was destined to die. I knew there would be revelations about class and family. But I never expected a sparsely written book to pierce me as quickly as or as deeply as this one did. Books don’t make me cry. This one did. I transposed this love story to my wife’s and my love story. I thought about all I would have never experienced if I lost her at such an early stage of marriage. All of our inside jokes. All of the fights and I’m sorrys. All of the times when we made our happiness. Man, I sound gushy. But that is the power of this book. It awakens feelings in you. At least it did for me.
Read the book. It’s short. It’s sparsely written. (Which isn’t to suggest that it lacks depth!) It’s a book that deserves to be remembered. Hey, you might even get that wonderful feeling you once had with your special someone. Perhaps I am just a hopeless romantic.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
August 25, 2010
Shallow, contrived pseudo-tearjerker. I read this many years ago when it came out, and even though I was much younger and not as wise and mature as I am now, I realized how meaningless was the by-word of the book, "Love means not having to say you're sorry." Love actually means being constantly ready to ask for, give, and receive forgiveness.
April 12, 2012
I laughed. I cried (and believe me. i cried a lot!). I fell in love. I learned. I simply love the book. It was indeed beautifully written and it reached out into the depths of my soul. My heart just poured out as I read the last few pages of the book. Such a tiny book to stir such great emotions in me.
beautiful.
beautiful.
May 16, 2023
I thought Erich Segal's "Love Story" would be great. I really did, considering all the hype that has lasted for decades. But...
There was no chemistry at all between Oliver and Jenny--The Couple. The only thing they have in common is they like to swear a lot--which got too old too soon in the book. I mean, Oliver had way more chemistry with Phil, his wife's dad, than with his own wife.
Neither characters were likable or relatable. We don't get to know them at all. All we know is that Oliver is a rich kid who loves Jenny more than money or his own father. And Jenny is this poor, smart musician who became a teacher and calls her dad by his first name.
The only actual loving relationship I cared about was not the one between the couple but between the dad and son--and that was the relationship that wasn't explored at all except for when Segal sneaks in a lame attempt at reconciliation on the last page.
If love means not ever having to say you're sorry, then it's good that I don't love this book because I am sorry for having read it.
There was no chemistry at all between Oliver and Jenny--The Couple. The only thing they have in common is they like to swear a lot--which got too old too soon in the book. I mean, Oliver had way more chemistry with Phil, his wife's dad, than with his own wife.
Neither characters were likable or relatable. We don't get to know them at all. All we know is that Oliver is a rich kid who loves Jenny more than money or his own father. And Jenny is this poor, smart musician who became a teacher and calls her dad by his first name.
The only actual loving relationship I cared about was not the one between the couple but between the dad and son--and that was the relationship that wasn't explored at all except for when Segal sneaks in a lame attempt at reconciliation on the last page.
If love means not ever having to say you're sorry, then it's good that I don't love this book because I am sorry for having read it.
November 9, 2019
It may be that you need "Super Sad True" in the title, for this is the only way the tale could be made relevant & contemporary in the year 2017. The jock-&-Italian-girl thing may of once been deemed, you know, sultry. As exotic for this WASP-y crowd as anything else. (Right now, 20-yr olds getting married seems a bigger, more exotic, waaaay rarer occurrence.)
Snarky and sexy teens? ALWAYS in vogue. & tales of new-but-doomed love? Hella DITTO.
Snarky and sexy teens? ALWAYS in vogue. & tales of new-but-doomed love? Hella DITTO.
November 2, 2020
Q:
'On the water too?' she asked. (c)
Q:
Don't bullshit me, Preppie.' (c)
Q:
'What the hell makes you so smart?' I asked.
'I wouldn't go for coffee with you,' she answered.
'Listen — I wouldn't ask you.'
'That,' she replied, 'is what makes you stupid.'
Let me explain why I took her for coffee. (c)
The Waning of the Middle Ages is the opener here. Both for the exam and for the relationship in question.
The MCs are initially off on all the wrong notes:
Q:
And she was taking some pretty snowy courses: Comp. Lit. 105,
Music 150, Music 201 —
'Music 201? Isn't that a graduate course?'
She nodded yes, and was not very good at masking her pride.
'Renaissance polyphony.'
'What's polyphony?'
'Nothing sexual, Preppie.' (c)
Q:
'Jenny, if you're so convinced I'm a loser, why did you bulldoze me into buying you coffee?'
She looked me straight in the eye and smiled.
'I like your body,' she said.
Part of being a big winner is the ability to be a good loser. There's no paradox involved. It's a distinctly Harvard thing to be able to turn any defeat into victory. (c)
Q:
Listen, you snotty Radcliffe bitch, Friday night is the Dartmouth hockey game.'
'So?'
'So I'd like you to come.'
She replied with the usual Radcliffe reverence for sport:
'Why the hell should I come to a lousy hockey game?'
I answered casually:
'Because I'm playing.'
There was a brief silence. I think I heard snow falling.
'For which side?' she asked. (c)
At some point it does get better. But not by much since, eh.. all the 'narcissistic bitch' vs 'Preppy' references are quite jarring. Can 2 magna cum laude almost-graduates not talk to each other a bit more, I dunno, civilly? Tenderly?
Q:
'Oliver, you're gonna flunk out if you just sit there watching me study.'
'I'm not watching you study. I'm studying.'
'Bullshit. You're looking at my legs.'
'Only once in a while. Every chapter.'
'.'That book has extremely short chapters.'
'Listen, you narcissistic bitch, you're not that great-looking! '
'I know. But can I help it if you think so?' (c)
At some point they turn down on mutual naggling and the whole affair seems to become more organic. And less made up by someone's inflamed imagination.
The son-dad relationship is so-so, full of 'simplistic sermonettes', posturing and 'steak' discussions. I'm not persuaded that the father is as dreadfully horrible as Ollie makes him seem to be. Maybe he's emotinally unavailable but in epoch everyone was like that and even this phrase had not yet been coined.
Q:
'And there's always the Peace Corps,' he remarked, completely out of the blue.
'Sir?' I asked, not quite sure whether he was making a statement or asking a question.
'I think the Peace Corps is a fine thing, don't you?' he said.
'Well,' I replied, 'it's certainly better than the War Corps.'
We were even. I didn't know what he meant and vice versa. (c) Their communication skills could do with some development.
Looking for job & salary:
Q:
Allow me to mention, however, that Jonas and Marsh paid Oliver Barrett IV $11,800, the absolute highest
salary received by any member of our graduating class.
So you see I was only third academically. (c)
Overall, I think I'm mildly disappointed here. The whole thing is so lukewarm... Or maybe it's just me not getting things here. Maybe....
The father-son reconciliation thing was good, at least.
Other fun:
Q:
'What's wrong with the 'right things'?' she asked, delighting in the apparent paradox. (c)
Q:
'You'll kill us before your parents can murder us.' (c)
Q:
After the debacle of introducing Jennifer to her potential in-laws ('Do I call them
outlaws now?' she asked) ... (c)
Q:
'The bride speaks too?' he asked, almost as if this — of all things — might be the coup de grace.
'Philip,' said his daughter, 'could you imagine any situation in which I would shut up?' (c)
Q:
Jenny, we're legally married!'
'Yeah, now I can be a bitch.' (c)
Q:
I allowed that a Radcliffe music major could probably compose a nice little negative RSVP without
professional guidance. (c)
Q:
'Love means not ever having to say you're sorry.' (c) Overboard much too much?
'On the water too?' she asked. (c)
Q:
Don't bullshit me, Preppie.' (c)
Q:
'What the hell makes you so smart?' I asked.
'I wouldn't go for coffee with you,' she answered.
'Listen — I wouldn't ask you.'
'That,' she replied, 'is what makes you stupid.'
Let me explain why I took her for coffee. (c)
The Waning of the Middle Ages is the opener here. Both for the exam and for the relationship in question.
The MCs are initially off on all the wrong notes:
Q:
And she was taking some pretty snowy courses: Comp. Lit. 105,
Music 150, Music 201 —
'Music 201? Isn't that a graduate course?'
She nodded yes, and was not very good at masking her pride.
'Renaissance polyphony.'
'What's polyphony?'
'Nothing sexual, Preppie.' (c)
Q:
'Jenny, if you're so convinced I'm a loser, why did you bulldoze me into buying you coffee?'
She looked me straight in the eye and smiled.
'I like your body,' she said.
Part of being a big winner is the ability to be a good loser. There's no paradox involved. It's a distinctly Harvard thing to be able to turn any defeat into victory. (c)
Q:
Listen, you snotty Radcliffe bitch, Friday night is the Dartmouth hockey game.'
'So?'
'So I'd like you to come.'
She replied with the usual Radcliffe reverence for sport:
'Why the hell should I come to a lousy hockey game?'
I answered casually:
'Because I'm playing.'
There was a brief silence. I think I heard snow falling.
'For which side?' she asked. (c)
At some point it does get better. But not by much since, eh.. all the 'narcissistic bitch' vs 'Preppy' references are quite jarring. Can 2 magna cum laude almost-graduates not talk to each other a bit more, I dunno, civilly? Tenderly?
Q:
'Oliver, you're gonna flunk out if you just sit there watching me study.'
'I'm not watching you study. I'm studying.'
'Bullshit. You're looking at my legs.'
'Only once in a while. Every chapter.'
'.'That book has extremely short chapters.'
'Listen, you narcissistic bitch, you're not that great-looking! '
'I know. But can I help it if you think so?' (c)
At some point they turn down on mutual naggling and the whole affair seems to become more organic. And less made up by someone's inflamed imagination.
The son-dad relationship is so-so, full of 'simplistic sermonettes', posturing and 'steak' discussions. I'm not persuaded that the father is as dreadfully horrible as Ollie makes him seem to be. Maybe he's emotinally unavailable but in epoch everyone was like that and even this phrase had not yet been coined.
Q:
'And there's always the Peace Corps,' he remarked, completely out of the blue.
'Sir?' I asked, not quite sure whether he was making a statement or asking a question.
'I think the Peace Corps is a fine thing, don't you?' he said.
'Well,' I replied, 'it's certainly better than the War Corps.'
We were even. I didn't know what he meant and vice versa. (c) Their communication skills could do with some development.
Looking for job & salary:
Q:
Allow me to mention, however, that Jonas and Marsh paid Oliver Barrett IV $11,800, the absolute highest
salary received by any member of our graduating class.
So you see I was only third academically. (c)
Overall, I think I'm mildly disappointed here. The whole thing is so lukewarm... Or maybe it's just me not getting things here. Maybe....
The father-son reconciliation thing was good, at least.
Other fun:
Q:
'What's wrong with the 'right things'?' she asked, delighting in the apparent paradox. (c)
Q:
'You'll kill us before your parents can murder us.' (c)
Q:
After the debacle of introducing Jennifer to her potential in-laws ('Do I call them
outlaws now?' she asked) ... (c)
Q:
'The bride speaks too?' he asked, almost as if this — of all things — might be the coup de grace.
'Philip,' said his daughter, 'could you imagine any situation in which I would shut up?' (c)
Q:
Jenny, we're legally married!'
'Yeah, now I can be a bitch.' (c)
Q:
I allowed that a Radcliffe music major could probably compose a nice little negative RSVP without
professional guidance. (c)
Q:
'Love means not ever having to say you're sorry.' (c) Overboard much too much?
October 14, 2020
Read this book when I was 16 and was completely overwhelmed by it. But what do you expect when you are sixteen, live a simple life in a village with your parents and have dreams of a great romance.
But 30 years later, am much more cynical and realise that love is not a simple 'not having to say sorry' .
At sixteen however, I thought it was the greatest and with that in mind I do cherish the idea that 'love is not having to say you are sorry'.
But 30 years later, am much more cynical and realise that love is not a simple 'not having to say sorry' .
At sixteen however, I thought it was the greatest and with that in mind I do cherish the idea that 'love is not having to say you are sorry'.
December 7, 2020
3.5*
Oliver is a wealthy heir to the Bartlett fortune and a Harvard student. He meets intelligent, sharp and witty Jennifer, a music student at Radcliffe, at a library. Instantly attracted to her yet intimidated by her rude and confident retort, he asks her out as a bet.
These two young people fall deeply in love which costs them a lot since their worlds are completely different. They are opposite in nature but highly likeable, their dialogues are funny and interesting (and a little too sweet)!
This story is an easy read and I Iiked it for the most part of the book. What I couldn't enjoy was how the relationship proceeded because it was so unrealistic, too sweet and impractical. This is a warm story about two young people so madly in love, they are blinded by it. The author tried to make the story and characters so charming and too perfect, it looked very artificial to me. Still it's a fine book and a quick read.
Oliver is a wealthy heir to the Bartlett fortune and a Harvard student. He meets intelligent, sharp and witty Jennifer, a music student at Radcliffe, at a library. Instantly attracted to her yet intimidated by her rude and confident retort, he asks her out as a bet.
These two young people fall deeply in love which costs them a lot since their worlds are completely different. They are opposite in nature but highly likeable, their dialogues are funny and interesting (and a little too sweet)!
This story is an easy read and I Iiked it for the most part of the book. What I couldn't enjoy was how the relationship proceeded because it was so unrealistic, too sweet and impractical. This is a warm story about two young people so madly in love, they are blinded by it. The author tried to make the story and characters so charming and too perfect, it looked very artificial to me. Still it's a fine book and a quick read.
March 12, 2017
Sad But beautiful!
February 21, 2016
It's a very simple story.A boy meets a girl,they fall in love,but instead of happily ever after, there's a sad ending. But it was the emotions in the book which made it worth reading.
The story is beautiful, funny,emotional,and a bit sad.
As much as I loved the story,it was very simple,and I am giving it 4 stars only because it was very touching,and also because this book was capable of making me read it when it has already told the ending on the very first page. It was a great short read!
The story is beautiful, funny,emotional,and a bit sad.
As much as I loved the story,it was very simple,and I am giving it 4 stars only because it was very touching,and also because this book was capable of making me read it when it has already told the ending on the very first page. It was a great short read!
May 15, 2020
3 ❤️❤️💔🌟s❣️
Love Story was the first english book I read in my early teens and I wanted to read it again someday.
Since it was written in 1970, my pov will be biased due the decades that have passed by.
The opening paragraph held so much strength and emotions that had stayed with me ever since.
“What can you say about a twenty-five-year-old girl who died?
That she was beautiful and brilliant?
That she loved Mozart and Bach, the Beatles, and me?” Oliver
Being told by Oliver’s pov was thrilling for both periods.
So, after all these years, now that I read it again, I am sorry to say that some of my present feelings are not the same as the past ones.
I didn’t feel Jenny and Oliver’s love. No feelings, no passion, no chemistry.
The unexpected downfall was very short and curt, yet very emotional.
But let me tell you, in the end I shed tears as I had all these decades ago...
Let’s not forget the famous quote “Love means never having to say you’re sorry” that arouse so many opposite opinions...
Love Story was the first english book I read in my early teens and I wanted to read it again someday.
Since it was written in 1970, my pov will be biased due the decades that have passed by.
The opening paragraph held so much strength and emotions that had stayed with me ever since.
“What can you say about a twenty-five-year-old girl who died?
That she was beautiful and brilliant?
That she loved Mozart and Bach, the Beatles, and me?” Oliver
Being told by Oliver’s pov was thrilling for both periods.
So, after all these years, now that I read it again, I am sorry to say that some of my present feelings are not the same as the past ones.
I didn’t feel Jenny and Oliver’s love. No feelings, no passion, no chemistry.
The unexpected downfall was very short and curt, yet very emotional.
But let me tell you, in the end I shed tears as I had all these decades ago...
Let’s not forget the famous quote “Love means never having to say you’re sorry” that arouse so many opposite opinions...
February 8, 2022
I was not overly impressed.
July 24, 2016
A boy and a girl meet. They fall in love. The girl dies. And we have one of the best romances of all time. SERIOUSLY?! I may as well give it no stars as far as the plot is concerned.
I started it today, I finished it today and I can't decide whether it's a good thing or otherwise. Writing a short novel is fine but why do i feel like I missed the part where I was supposed to feel the love seeping through the pages (?) There's no chemistry between the couple at all.
The characters are not really likeable. Oliver claims to love Jennifer and he makes her give up on her dream to go to Paris and study Music so that they could get married (not to mention at a very early age). You call that 'love', eh? I don't remember him changing his career goals for her. I even fail to understand exactly why Oliver hated his father so much. There are actually so many things I fail to understand about this book.
The writing is simple,the attempts of humour are not completely in vain. It's one of the least descriptive novels I've ever read. The story just goes on and you don't FEEL it.
I started it today, I finished it today and I can't decide whether it's a good thing or otherwise. Writing a short novel is fine but why do i feel like I missed the part where I was supposed to feel the love seeping through the pages (?) There's no chemistry between the couple at all.
The characters are not really likeable. Oliver claims to love Jennifer and he makes her give up on her dream to go to Paris and study Music so that they could get married (not to mention at a very early age). You call that 'love', eh? I don't remember him changing his career goals for her. I even fail to understand exactly why Oliver hated his father so much. There are actually so many things I fail to understand about this book.
The writing is simple,the attempts of humour are not completely in vain. It's one of the least descriptive novels I've ever read. The story just goes on and you don't FEEL it.
September 12, 2017
Jednostavnim stilom i kratkom pricom ispricanom iz njegove perspektive, uspjesno docarati ljubavnu pricu... Rekla bih, jako zahtjevno. Svaka cast na uspjehu!
April 10, 2020
Very easy to read classic story.
March 22, 2023
Great book. Read many years ago.
September 21, 2007
Read this in high school and even though love reading/loved reading stories about dying young, really didn't think much of this. Yes, I admit I was interested in Jenny & Oliver and their love story. But: when people have leukemia or whatever it was she was supposed to have had, they physically suffer a lot more. Thought the way her illness was described was so unrealistic and dishonest. And love does not mean never having to say you’re sorry; I always thought that iconic saying from the book was ridiculous. Torn about this one. The kind of book I’d normally love. And I did enjoy the class and generation differences.
April 2, 2009
Here is a review that I wrote years back:
’What can you say about a twenty-five year girl who died?
That she was beautiful.
And Brilliant.
That she loved Mozart and Bach.
And the Beatles.
And me.
Oliver Barret IV went to Harvard and Jenny Cavilleri to Radcliffe. He was rich, she was poor. He was sporty, she played music.
But they fell in love.
This is their story.’’
The first time I came across Love Story, it was the movie and not the book. I was enthralled by the movie and when finally I got hold of the book, I was captivated by it. The book has been an emotional ride for nearly all the people I know. In those few hours while reading the book, I was snickering with laughter and weeping with bitter regret. Sometimes emotions overcome my senses when I read and I cry... This was the only book where I wept even after closing it. I read it for happiness, inspiration and love.
Since the time I first read Eric Segal, I have been a great admirer of his writing (try his other book Oliver’s Story). And his first novel Love Story is simply a magnum opus . Love is the main theme because this whole book is based upon love and its many aspects. He makes the whole relationship so simple and pure somehow. You fall in love with not only the book but with Oliver and Jenny... the main characters who are from different socio-economic backgrounds; the heart and soul of the book.
Love Story is a phenomenal experience. The reader becomes so involved in the conflicts between family, friends, and the couple that every incident becomes personal and is taken to heart. Oliver’s thoughts, his conversations with Jenny and the other characters are presented in an almost unassuming style which make them all very realistic.
The most intelligent thing said in this book is that ’’Love means never having to say you’re sorry.’’ This book is good for anyone who thinks that love can be conquered by hate, but in reality love that is true lasts an eternity. It makes us cherish our relationship with the loved ones, and at the same time brings forth the inevitable... that every meeting has a parting. Reading it makes you feel that there is so less time to love. We pass our daily lives seldom acknowledging the love we have around us.
Once a person has read this novel, he will never be able to forget how strong the grip of love has on his heart or how tragedy can lead to forgiveness. We aren’t all lucky enough to be as in love as these characters were, but the novel was written in such a way that we can all feel the both elation and the pain.
’’True love never has a happy ending, that is because true love never has an ending.’’
Love Story is optimistic without being inane, and profound without being pretentious.
Buy this book. Corrupt your children. Seduce a friend into reading it. A must read for anybody and everybody in search of love.
’What can you say about a twenty-five year girl who died?
That she was beautiful.
And Brilliant.
That she loved Mozart and Bach.
And the Beatles.
And me.
Oliver Barret IV went to Harvard and Jenny Cavilleri to Radcliffe. He was rich, she was poor. He was sporty, she played music.
But they fell in love.
This is their story.’’
The first time I came across Love Story, it was the movie and not the book. I was enthralled by the movie and when finally I got hold of the book, I was captivated by it. The book has been an emotional ride for nearly all the people I know. In those few hours while reading the book, I was snickering with laughter and weeping with bitter regret. Sometimes emotions overcome my senses when I read and I cry... This was the only book where I wept even after closing it. I read it for happiness, inspiration and love.
Since the time I first read Eric Segal, I have been a great admirer of his writing (try his other book Oliver’s Story). And his first novel Love Story is simply a magnum opus . Love is the main theme because this whole book is based upon love and its many aspects. He makes the whole relationship so simple and pure somehow. You fall in love with not only the book but with Oliver and Jenny... the main characters who are from different socio-economic backgrounds; the heart and soul of the book.
Love Story is a phenomenal experience. The reader becomes so involved in the conflicts between family, friends, and the couple that every incident becomes personal and is taken to heart. Oliver’s thoughts, his conversations with Jenny and the other characters are presented in an almost unassuming style which make them all very realistic.
The most intelligent thing said in this book is that ’’Love means never having to say you’re sorry.’’ This book is good for anyone who thinks that love can be conquered by hate, but in reality love that is true lasts an eternity. It makes us cherish our relationship with the loved ones, and at the same time brings forth the inevitable... that every meeting has a parting. Reading it makes you feel that there is so less time to love. We pass our daily lives seldom acknowledging the love we have around us.
Once a person has read this novel, he will never be able to forget how strong the grip of love has on his heart or how tragedy can lead to forgiveness. We aren’t all lucky enough to be as in love as these characters were, but the novel was written in such a way that we can all feel the both elation and the pain.
’’True love never has a happy ending, that is because true love never has an ending.’’
Love Story is optimistic without being inane, and profound without being pretentious.
Buy this book. Corrupt your children. Seduce a friend into reading it. A must read for anybody and everybody in search of love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2019
Incipit
«Che cosa si può dire di una ragazza morta a venticinque anni? Che era bella. E simpatica. Che amava Mozart e Bach. E i Beatles. E me. Una volta che mi aveva messo specificamente nel mucchio con tutti quei tizi musicali, le chiesi l'ordine di preferenza, e lei rispose sorridendo: Alfabetico. Sul momento sorrisi anch'io. Ora però mi chiedo se nell'elenco comparivo con il nome - nel qual caso sarei venuto dopo Mozart - oppure con il cognome, perché mi sarei trovato tra Bach e i Beatles. In ogni modo non venivo per primo, il che sarà idiota ma mi secca terribilmente, essendo cresciuto con l'idea che devo essere il numero uno. Eredità di famiglia, capite?»
November 15, 2015
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Source: Library Checkout
*I plan to discuss parts of this book in detail so spoilers!*
Oliver Barett IV is a rich jock from a well-to-do family. Jenny Cavilleri is a poor, wise ass sorta chick. This is definitely a case of opposites attract with a touch of Romeo and Juliet syndrome; they were destined to fail from the beginning. But they meet; they fall in love, etc. etc. And as the summary so eloquently puts it: “…sharing a love that defies everything yet will end too soon.”
“What can you say about a twenty-five-year-old girl who died?��
That is the very first line of the book so right off the bat you know you’re in for an emotional tale. But that’s the funny thing... it all seemed very impassive to me. Vapid. Insipid. And that’s the furthest from what I was expecting to feel from such a renowned and supposed emotional tale. The thing that really bothered me the most about this story was I never fully believed those two actually loved each other; it felt far too contrived. Oliver’s father’s declaration that he is NOT to marry Jenny otherwise he would basically disown him seemed like the catalyst for Oliver’s proposal and nothing more. To me, it wasn’t a proposal that was emotionally charged but rather a petty attempt to do the opposite of what daddy tells him just because he can.
“Love means never having to say you're sorry.”
Of course I had to include/discuss the most famous line of the book since I don’t quite agree with it. I think love means you’re more likely to be forgiven but I don’t think that should excuse you completely from an apology. But if love means never having to say you’re sorry, then that would mean that any future actions are automatically forgiven and following that same vein means you could do whatever you want because it’s okay, he/she loves me. Honestly, we all fuck up at one point or another in relationships because this shit is no cake walk but love doesn’t automatically excuse you from wrong. Love means you can fuck up, you can apologize, you can talk about it if need be and you can behave like mature adults and grow and learn from the experience. Love means never having to say you’re sorry? No. That’s a total cop out.
There was also a ton of cussing, which I don’t have issue with considering I cuss like a sailor, but the dialogue sounded like a 6th grader trying to include cuss words in their everyday speech and ends up overdoing it. It was very forced and awkward feeling. Oliver and Jenny even replaced cute nicknames for cuss words as well. At one point he casually referred to Jenny as “my wife, the bitch” and I think he frequently called him a bastard. Or an asshole. Possibly both? I can accept that they obviously had a ‘different’ sorta love for each other and that’s just how they expressed themselves but it was very off-putting. The other issue I had was with the doctor and Oliver’s decision not to tell Jenny of her own illness, but I realize since this book is 43 years old there are customs that occurred then that I’d never be able to fully grasp and understand.
Erich Segal was the Nicholas Sparks of his era with his tales of epic love. He’s not known for his literary masterpieces but he was a prominent name a few decades back and it was just one of those that I had to try out for myself. Plus, I was told that this book would absolutely make me cry (which books don’t make me do often) so I had to accept that challenge. I won by the way. Will I try more of his works? Maybe. Sappy tales aren’t normally my thing but every once in a while when I’m dealing with a chemical imbalance in my brain it makes me want to pick up this kind of stuff, so maybe someday.
Have you read Love Story or any other novels by Segal? If so, are there any you would recommend?
Source: Library Checkout
*I plan to discuss parts of this book in detail so spoilers!*
Oliver Barett IV is a rich jock from a well-to-do family. Jenny Cavilleri is a poor, wise ass sorta chick. This is definitely a case of opposites attract with a touch of Romeo and Juliet syndrome; they were destined to fail from the beginning. But they meet; they fall in love, etc. etc. And as the summary so eloquently puts it: “…sharing a love that defies everything yet will end too soon.”
“What can you say about a twenty-five-year-old girl who died?��
That is the very first line of the book so right off the bat you know you’re in for an emotional tale. But that’s the funny thing... it all seemed very impassive to me. Vapid. Insipid. And that’s the furthest from what I was expecting to feel from such a renowned and supposed emotional tale. The thing that really bothered me the most about this story was I never fully believed those two actually loved each other; it felt far too contrived. Oliver’s father’s declaration that he is NOT to marry Jenny otherwise he would basically disown him seemed like the catalyst for Oliver’s proposal and nothing more. To me, it wasn’t a proposal that was emotionally charged but rather a petty attempt to do the opposite of what daddy tells him just because he can.
“Love means never having to say you're sorry.”
Of course I had to include/discuss the most famous line of the book since I don’t quite agree with it. I think love means you’re more likely to be forgiven but I don’t think that should excuse you completely from an apology. But if love means never having to say you’re sorry, then that would mean that any future actions are automatically forgiven and following that same vein means you could do whatever you want because it’s okay, he/she loves me. Honestly, we all fuck up at one point or another in relationships because this shit is no cake walk but love doesn’t automatically excuse you from wrong. Love means you can fuck up, you can apologize, you can talk about it if need be and you can behave like mature adults and grow and learn from the experience. Love means never having to say you’re sorry? No. That’s a total cop out.
There was also a ton of cussing, which I don’t have issue with considering I cuss like a sailor, but the dialogue sounded like a 6th grader trying to include cuss words in their everyday speech and ends up overdoing it. It was very forced and awkward feeling. Oliver and Jenny even replaced cute nicknames for cuss words as well. At one point he casually referred to Jenny as “my wife, the bitch” and I think he frequently called him a bastard. Or an asshole. Possibly both? I can accept that they obviously had a ‘different’ sorta love for each other and that’s just how they expressed themselves but it was very off-putting. The other issue I had was with the doctor and Oliver’s decision not to tell Jenny of her own illness, but I realize since this book is 43 years old there are customs that occurred then that I’d never be able to fully grasp and understand.
Erich Segal was the Nicholas Sparks of his era with his tales of epic love. He’s not known for his literary masterpieces but he was a prominent name a few decades back and it was just one of those that I had to try out for myself. Plus, I was told that this book would absolutely make me cry (which books don’t make me do often) so I had to accept that challenge. I won by the way. Will I try more of his works? Maybe. Sappy tales aren’t normally my thing but every once in a while when I’m dealing with a chemical imbalance in my brain it makes me want to pick up this kind of stuff, so maybe someday.
Have you read Love Story or any other novels by Segal? If so, are there any you would recommend?
July 20, 2016
Oliver Barrett is the scion of the Barrett family and Jennifer a 'social zero'. Theirs is not an ordinary love story. This romance keeps the reader glued till the end, or rather an unpleasant end. The narrative is strong, effortless and edgy. No wonder it became a bestseller of its time and continues to spawn movie and TV adaptations. I can remember so many movies that have the same plot and yet, none has come close to evoking those same feelings as the book. I was literally moved to tears by the end. All in all, it was a lovely read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
August 6, 2018
it's an emotional roller-coaster.
Wasn't much into it actually. Even the movie, it wasn't a favorite of mine. But the book was a gift from one of my friends and I thought I should give it a try. One of my main reasons of reading this book is my previous reads of other novels that were made into movies. Although those movies weren't that good, the books were absolutely amazing.
As for this case, the movie and the book hold 2 stars in my humble opinion.
Wasn't much into it actually. Even the movie, it wasn't a favorite of mine. But the book was a gift from one of my friends and I thought I should give it a try. One of my main reasons of reading this book is my previous reads of other novels that were made into movies. Although those movies weren't that good, the books were absolutely amazing.
As for this case, the movie and the book hold 2 stars in my humble opinion.
August 13, 2024
Love means you never have to say sorry.
That line makes famous from this book. I am quite surprise how short is this book. Even it is short, it is a very beautiful love story. I can see Nicholas Spark takes some leaf from this book. Beautiful honest and not so dramatic.
Love it. I wish I can see the movie now.
That line makes famous from this book. I am quite surprise how short is this book. Even it is short, it is a very beautiful love story. I can see Nicholas Spark takes some leaf from this book. Beautiful honest and not so dramatic.
Love it. I wish I can see the movie now.
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