Destruction or Redemption: Images of Romantic Love

Such a transcendent force as romantic love can have great power to destroy or redeem, and this ambiguity is a central theme in these five novels. Perhaps the most basic aspect of this kind of love is its potential to transform us in some way, however briefly.

Book List

• Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
• The French Lieutenant’s Woman by John Fowles
• The End of the Affai by Graham Greene
• Morgan’s Passing by Ann Tyler
• A Mother and Two Daughters by Gail Godwin

Program Brochure

The humanities scholar’s essay was written by Thomas Van Nortwick, Associate Professor of Classics, at Oberlin College and a member of the Ohio Humanities Council.

Download the scholar’s essay, annotated book list, and supplementary texts (PDF). Please note: The American Library Association is the copyright owner of this essay and annotations. The credit lines embedded in the program materials and/or sponsor and funder logos must remain on all published (print and web) materials derived from these materials.

How-To Discussion Programming Guides

Developed to aid participants in “The Millennium Project for Public Libraries,” this how-to guide (PDF) provides basic information about developing and promoting book discussion programs.

When planning a “Let’s Talk About It” program, you may wish to consult the planner’s manual (PDF) for general how-to information about program format, selecting a scholar, promoting your series, evaluation, and more.