The Sorrows of Young Werther
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe • 1774
Devastation Rating
love loss literary fiction historical grief
Our Take
The first great romantic suicide, and Goethe writes Werther's love and despair with such completeness that the novel caused copycat deaths across Europe. The passion is real. The hopelessness is real. What Goethe understood was that the most dangerous thing a person can do is feel everything fully.
Also available as an audiobook on Audible. Free 30-day trial — one free audiobook included.
Kindle Unlimited
Read over 1 million books free — 30-day trial →
£9.49/month after trial. Cancel anytime. Affiliate link.
This page contains affiliate links. If you buy a book through one of these links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure →