Your favourite sad fiction book

[Unbeleevable]

I was thinking about sad stories that have lingered with me and I wondered what other keen readers have enjoyed in a heart-wrenching kind of way. I’m thinking of the kind of books that are wistful, sad, and leave an imprint on your heart or soul.

I realised the story that has stuck with me my whole life is “The Lorax” by Dr Seuss. I remember my mum reading it to me from my big Dr Seuss illustrated story book, at my repeated requests I must have read it dozens of times.

What book has stuck with you, and made you think differently about the world?

I don't think there has ever been a sadder story than "Mumu" by Turgenev. I don't think anything can be more gut-wrenching than this. It's incredibly well-written but it's not something I would ever be able to re-read again. I think it stands as the epitome of the most tragic story ever written by a Russian classic.

This had so many exaggerated tragedies piled onto one another that it became almost comical. Also, I found it really badly written.

James Norton was superb as Jude though.

Anne of Green Gables! When Matthew died I was so distraught my parents rushed in to see what was the matter!
Also The Kite Runner
Anything where an animal dies (have often cried at Jilly Cooper books!)

MyNameIsAlexDrake · Yesterday 23:39
As a child - The Selfish Giant, Oscar Wilde

Even as an adult that kills me!

"On they danced to the strains of the piano and violin. Tereza leaned her head on Thomas's shoulder. Just as she had when they flew together in the airplane through the storm clouds. She was experiencing the same old happiness and odd sadness as then. The sadness meant, we are at the last station. The happiness meant, we are together. The sadness was form, the happiness content. Happiness filled the space of sadness."

The Unbearable Lightness Of Being

Must have read it twenty times, so beautifully written.

I read it last year. Unaffected by hormones, I didn't find it sad - just incredibly bleak and claustrophobic. It's like a manifesto for being child-free.

I mentioned "Mumu" upthread. It's the dog that makes this the most tragic story I have ever read. I think it's widely considered the saddest story certainly in Russian literature.

I'm book marking so I can read some of these books.

A Fine Balance had me in pieces.

Half of a Yellow Sun destroyed what was left of me.