Well, in the best romantic ghost novels, there's often a sense of mystery. For example, in 'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir', the identity of the ghost and his past are slowly revealed as the relationship between him and the main character develops. Another characteristic is that the love usually transcends the normal boundaries. In many such novels, the living and the dead fall in love, like in 'Somewhere in Time' where a man travels back in time to be with a woman from the past. Also, a great romantic ghost novel usually has a very atmospheric setting. It could be an old, haunted mansion or a misty moor, which adds to the overall mood of the story.
The best romantic ghost novels typically have a strong emotional core. The love between the characters, whether it's a human and a ghost or two ghosts, is deeply felt. Take 'City of Ghosts' for instance. The main character's connection with the ghostly boy is filled with a sense of longing and protectiveness. And there's often an element of the forbidden. Society might not accept a relationship between a living person and a spirit, which adds a layer of tension. This is seen in many novels where the lovers have to keep their relationship a secret. Additionally, the supernatural elements are not just there for show. They are intertwined with the romance, like how the ghost's abilities or the haunted setting affects the relationship.
One characteristic of the best romantic ghost novels is the unique way they handle time. Ghosts often exist outside of normal time, and this can create a really interesting dynamic in a romantic relationship. For example, in 'Time Traveler's Wife', although not strictly a ghost novel, the idea of a character being out of sync with time is similar. In a romantic ghost novel, this can mean that the lovers have to deal with different time periods or a sense of timelessness. Another aspect is the power dynamics. Sometimes the ghost has certain powers that can either help or hinder the relationship. And finally, the best of these novels use the ghost element to explore themes of loss and redemption. The love story might be a way for a character to come to terms with their past or to find a new purpose in life.
The characters in romantic ghost novels are quite distinct. The ghost characters often have a tragic backstory that led to their current state, which makes them both sympathetic and alluring. The living characters, on the other hand, are usually open - minded or have some special ability to interact with the ghosts. In the romantic aspect, there's a lot of yearning and emotional turmoil. The lovers may face many obstacles due to the fact that one is a ghost, such as the disapproval of society or the inability to have a 'normal' relationship. And the descriptions in these novels are often vivid, whether it's the appearance of the ghosts or the spooky settings, all contributing to the unique charm of romantic ghost novels.
The plot is crucial. It usually involves some sort of conflict or obstacle that the lovers must overcome. In 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte, the social class differences and Heathcliff's revenge - driven actions create huge barriers for Catherine and Heathcliff's love.
'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte can also be considered in a way. While Heathcliff isn't exactly a ghost throughout most of the novel, his spirit seems to haunt the moors and the story has strong elements of a passionate, unrequited love that endures beyond death. The love between Heathcliff and Catherine is intense and their story is full of longing and mystery, which gives it a sort of ghostly, otherworldly feel in terms of the emotions.
One characteristic is the strong sense of cultural and regional identity. These novels are set in the Urdu - speaking world and they bring out the unique traditions, values, and sensibilities of that region. For instance, in 'Raja Gidh', the cultural backdrop plays a significant role in the love and relationship dynamics. The best Urdu romantic novels also have a certain melancholy or longing. It's not always about happy endings. In 'Shehr - e - Afsos', the pain of unrequited love is a central theme. And they often have a moral or philosophical underpinning. Love is not just a physical or emotional attraction but is related to concepts like faith and self - realization as in 'Peer - e - Kamil'.
Well, they usually have a strong and exciting plot full of action. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies', the action of fighting zombies is added to the classic love story of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. It keeps the story fast - paced.
The best Turkish romantic novels often have a strong sense of place. For example, they might be set in the bustling streets of Istanbul or in the idyllic Turkish countryside. The characters are usually complex, with deep - seated emotions. Their love stories are intertwined with family values and cultural traditions. For instance, in 'The Forty Rules of Love', the exploration of love is also linked to Sufi teachings which are an important part of Turkish culture.
One characteristic is the strong - willed characters. In Nigerian romantic novels, the protagonists are often determined individuals, whether it's in pursuing their love or in facing the obstacles in their relationships. Another aspect is the use of local settings. The stories are set in Nigerian towns, villages, or cities, which gives a unique flavor to the romances. And the themes are diverse. It's not just about simple love, but also about forgiveness, sacrifice, and the power of love to overcome difficulties. For instance, in some novels, characters have to overcome family feuds or cultural taboos to be together.
The best recent romantic novels often have complex characters. For example, in 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo', Evelyn is a multi - faceted character with a rich backstory that greatly influences her romantic relationships. Another characteristic is unique settings. 'The Star - Crossed Sisters of Tuscany' is set in the beautiful backdrop of Tuscany, which adds to the allure of the love stories within.
The best sensual romantic novels often have strong character development. The characters' emotions and desires are clearly portrayed, which adds to the sensuality. For example, in 'Sense and Sensibility', Marianne's passionate nature and Elinor's more reserved sensuality are well - defined.
The best short romantic novels often have a strong emotional core. They can quickly draw readers into the feelings of the characters, like the sudden rush of love or the deep pain of a broken heart. For example, in 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant, the protagonist's sense of self - worth and her relationship with her husband are explored in a short space, and there's an undercurrent of love and sacrifice.