Where to start withLove Story
2 versions · originally a book, 1970
Themes: Forbidden Love, Class Differences, Terminal Illness, Sacrifice, Loss.
Start with Love Story (Erich Segal, 1970) — the book. Love Story exists in 2 versions across media, beginning as a book in 1970; each is ranked below by what it does best.
Across page and screen, Love Story chronicles the fierce, boundary-defying romance between an elite Harvard heir and a sharp Radcliffe musician.
✦ Most fans start here
Love Story (1970)
The original novel
✦ Start hereLove Story
Erich Segal · Book · 1970
Erich Segal's novel Love Story (1970) introduces the sharp-tongued dynamic between WASP jock Oliver and working-class Radcliffe musician Jenny, making it the essential choice for readers seeking their raw, original passion.
1970 film
Love Story
Arthur Hiller · Film · 1970
Arthur Hiller's film Love Story (1970) visualizes the couple's undeniable chemistry, emphasizing the dramatic fallout with Oliver's wealthy father after their marriage and Jenny's failed efforts to reconcile the Barrett men.
Common questions
Was the Love Story movie released before or after the book?
Both the book Love Story and the movie Love Story were released in 1970. The novel and the film adaptation debuted in the exact same year, making them direct contemporaries of each other.
What should I read or watch after finishing Love Story?
Explore works that match the dramatic tone and emotional focus of the 1970 novel and film. The curated recommendations on this page feature titles selected specifically for fans seeking similar romantic drama and storytelling styles.
Is Love Story a book or a movie?
Love Story is both a book and a film. The novel was published in 1970, and the cinematic adaptation titled Love Story was released in theaters that same year. Both versions share the exact same release year.
Should I read the Love Story book or watch the movie first?
Because both the Love Story novel and the movie adaptation were released in 1970, either format serves as an entry point. Reading the 1970 book first establishes the written narrative before seeing the cinematic version.