Let's talk about one of literature's original heartbroken artists. Die Leiden des jungen Werther (The Sorrows of Young Werther) is told through letters Werther writes to his friend. He's moved to a quiet village to escape his troubles and immediately falls into a deep, artistic awe for the natural world. Then, he meets Lotte.

The Story

Werther meets Lotte at a dance, and they connect instantly over poetry and shared sentiment. There's just one huge problem: she's already engaged to Albert, a solid and dependable man. Werther knows this, but his feelings are too powerful to control. He becomes a close friend to the couple, which only makes his torment worse. He swings between moments of ecstatic happiness in her presence and depths of jealousy and despair. As it becomes clear Lotte will honor her commitment, Werther's mental state unravels, leading him to make a final, drastic decision.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a landmark for a reason. Reading it, you're witnessing the birth of the Romantic hero—the overly sensitive, misunderstood genius. Goethe doesn't just tell you Werther is sad; he makes you feel the weight of that sadness in every letter. It's about the danger of living entirely through emotion, of seeing love as the only thing that gives life meaning. While Werther's choices are extreme, the feeling of wanting something you can't have is timeless.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers curious about where our modern ideas of intense, dramatic romance come from. It's for anyone who enjoys psychological deep dives into characters, even (or especially) when they're frustrating. If you've ever felt out of step with the practical world around you, Werther's voice will feel eerily familiar. Just be ready for an emotional journey.