Appreciating the Pure Simplicity of Erich Segal's Love Story | A Book Response
It feels good to read a simple yet touching story; whether it's the elegantly easy writing, or the universal themes, stories like Segal's Love Story will always remain close to the heart.
Whether or not you enjoy romance novels or movies, Erich Segal’s most famous title, Love Story, is one that anyone who believes in love can appreciate. Though the literary and artistic merit of the novel and the movie respectively has been under siege since their release in 1970, there is no doubt that both the blockbuster movie and the attached bestseller novel won hearts all around the world. But what about this simple story irked so many people out there? And more interestingly, what about it made it so beloved?
My main interest is in the novel, which, notably, came after the movie. While the novel was published on Valentine’s Day of 1970, a good ten months before the movie, the novel was created as part of the marketing for the screenplay. The intent of the people behind Love Story was clearly to drum up some interest in the movie, and given its commercial success, critical acclaim, and all the confusingly mixed reviews, the project did exactly that. The novel topped the NY Times Bestseller list the same year of publication and was also nominated for the National Book Award (NBA). Yet, the judges of the NBA were so disappointed with the book that they threatened to quit, the head judge declaring it “a banal book which simply doesn't qualify as literature.” The movie met with a similarly divided audience: Rotten Tomatoes, the film review company, retrospectively released a perfect comment on the movie: "Earnest and determined to make audiences swoon, Love Story is an unabashed tearjerker that will capture hearts when it isn't inducing eye rolls."
Despite all the controversy surrounding its literary merit, Love Story has endured as a beloved classic. The novel’s charm lies in its simplicity and the rawness of its emotions. Segal’s writing is straightforward, making the story accessible to a wide audience, yet it doesn’t shy away from the complexities of love and loss. The story follows the lives of Oliver Barrett IV and Jennifer Cavilleri, two simple young lovers from different backgrounds. Their story, though seemingly ordinary, if not straight-up cliche, is rendered extraordinary by the end through the depth of their connection and the intensity of their love.
Segal himself said that he wanted to create a "story out of a 1940s movie" updated to the present day, "based on what I have observed among my students, living as I do right on campus…” This context is vital to understanding Love Story’s appeal and its limitations. The novel was intended to capture the essence of an era while making it relatable to a modern audience. Segal’s academic background provided him with insights into young love and the societal pressures faced by students around the time of its release, which he wove into the narrative.
The novel’s success can attributed to its universal themes. Love, grief, and the struggle to balance personal aspirations with relationships are experiences that resonate with many. Segal captures these themes with poignant simplicity, allowing readers to see reflections of their own lives in the story of Oliver and Jenny. This relatability is perhaps why Love Story continues to be a favourite among readers, even decades after its initial publication.
The novel’s famous line, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry,” has become iconic, encapsulating the ideal of unconditional love. While some may argue about the realism of this sentiment, it undeniably captures the aspirational nature of love that many people hold dear. Segal’s ability to evoke strong emotions with such economy of language is a testament to his skill as a storyteller. Yet, this simplicity can also be seen as a drawback, as it leaves the narrative open to interpretations of melodrama and cliché.
Love Story is clearly not without its criticisms. Some argue that the characters are too archetypal, with Oliver as the wealthy, privileged Harvard student and Jenny as the spirited, working-class Radcliffe student. This dichotomy can feel overly simplistic and somewhat dated, especially when viewed through a contemporary lens. Additionally, the novel’s brevity leaves little room for character development, which can make their deep connection feel rushed or under-explored.
I try to remember that Love Story is a reflection of its time. The late 1960s and early 1970s were periods of significant social change, and the novel’s exploration of themes such as class differences, personal freedom, and the pursuit of happiness must have resonated with the original audience. Oliver and Jenny’s relationship challenges societal expectations and norms, making their love story not just a personal journey but also a commentary on the evolving cultural landscape.
But why are stories like Love Story are important? I like to think that simpler (or at times cliche) narratives like this provide a foundation for parodies, homages, and variations. These stories often become templates because they capture fundamental human experiences in an accessible way. Their simplicity allows for broad emotional resonance, making them a comforting return to something heartfelt and real. That’s why I think the purity of a simple love story offers solace and a reminder of the essential emotions that connect us all.
This reminds me of the heavy criticism certain mainstream Indian authors receive from the more well-read amongst us. Though the Indian literary scape is a complex beast to understand, there are plenty of mainstream bestselling romance and fiction novels that get that for their simplicity. Of course, many of these stories also have very stereotypical depictions of gender, societal relations, and power dynamics, to name a few questionable aspects. But I feel this is more of a reflection of the time it was made in, maybe even just the context that the authors grew up in or experienced.
Irrespective of how much success an author or a piece of work garners, all these stories, even the more corny ones that don’t have a single line in them that doesn’t make you cringe, deserve a space out there. These stories, whether or not they are of the romance genre, can provide comfort, familiarity, and joy to different people of different ages and from different walks of life. Some might see a bit of their own life in it, or some watch it to dream about the ordinary magic that we call love.
Besides, I am very happy to note that there are plenty of novels, movies, and TV Shows available now that do a better job of keeping up with the times, and in very tasteful ways. There are plenty of authors and writers out there pushing the boundaries of what we can read, watch, or listen to, and with so many platforms, self-publishing services, and writing spaces, there is enough room for all. My bottom line here is that it is okay to enjoy simpler stories like Segal’s Love Story. Even if you don’t agree on its little merit, the very fact that it might mean something to even a single person out there is reason enough for it to exist.
To wrap up, I do not feel that Love Story’s imperfections diminish its value; rather, they highlight the beauty of an earnest, emotional narrative. The novel’s ability to draw out deep feelings of love, loss, and nostalgia is what makes the novel enduring and worth reading. While it may not meet the standards of high literary art, it remains a powerful piece of storytelling that has touched the hearts of millions, and mine.