I’ll begin with some trivia! The most amusing thing about Erich Segal’s 1970 classic is that it was not originally a book but a movie. Erich Segal, who wrote the screenplay for the movie of the same name was asked to adapt the story into novel form as a preview of sorts for the movie and Voila! We ended up with the cult classic which has been translated into 20 languages.
I came across this book when I was rummaging through my bookshelf looking for a quick but engaging read.
The story begins with Oliver Barrett IV, heir to the Barrett fortune and legacy and also a ‘Harvard Jock’ as Jennifer Cavilleri, a smart, working-class beauty studying music in Radcliffe calls him. Oliver is expected to assume control of his father’s business empire while Jenny plans to study music in Paris. But as expected, Oliver and Jenny fall in love. Oliver convinces Jenny to accompany him to his parents’ house to meet them. But the Barretts, rich and swanky as they have proven to be very judgmental and disapprove of Jenny because of her standing in society.
Oliver and Jenny decide to get married and Oliver’s father cuts him off from his life. Struggling to make ends meet, the young couple somehow survives, but that’s when tragedy strikes and everything falls apart.
Love Story is a tear-jerker for sure, but I found it a bit too over hyped. It seems very clichéd and the end is kind of predictable. But what makes Love Story shine, is the way Segal has narrated it. It’s funny, tragic and realistic.
My Verdict
My verdict- If you are a sucker for love stories, then this one’s the perfect one for you.
