The Most Heartbreaking Novels Ever Written

Ranker Books
Updated March 15, 2025 112.7K views 37 items
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3.3Kvoters28.7Kvotes
9reranks
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Vote up any good, very sad tearjerker books that make you cry.

Throughout the ages, certain novels have captured human heartache and sorrow, moving readers to tears. From timeless classics to contemporary works, these books delve into profound and emotional themes. Heartbreaking novels can make even the most stoic reader feel an overwhelming sense of empathy, sadness, and even grief. In this curated collection of heart-wrenching tales, sorrowful moments abound as each story explores various facets of the human experience. 

The most heartbreaking books weave raw emotions and authentic characters into compelling narratives, as the plot develops throughout each story's twists and turns. Delving into topics such as loss, sacrifice, injustice, and despair, these literary works provide poignant glimpses into lives marred by hardship or misfortune. Each novel strikes a chord with its soul-stirring portrayal of human resilience and vulnerability in trying times. 

These powerful narratives demonstrate the emotional depths literature can reach, providing readers with an unforgettable experience in each heart-wrenching tale. For instance, John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men breaks hearts with its tale of friendship torn apart by society's cruelty; Wilson Rawls' Where the Red Fern Grows leaves readers devastated as they witness a young boy's bond with his dogs amidst life's harsh realities; while Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird delves into racial injustice through the eyes of innocent children forced to confront prejudice in their small town. 

Through their evocative prose and striking imagery, these novels capture life's most tender moments. As melancholic as they may be, these novels resonate with readers across generations. So, prepare for an unforgettable journey through the tears, heartaches, and sorrows that make up some of the most evocative narratives ever written. 

Over 3.3K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Heartbreaking Novels You Must Read
This list is dynamically ranked based on user voting. The order reflects the consensus of our voters and is not influenced by paid placements or editorial bias.
Ranked by
  • Of Mice and Men
    1
    John Steinbeck
    915 votes
    • First Published: 1937
    • Subjects: California, Drama
    • Genres (Book): Novella
    • Original Language: English Language
  • Old Yeller
    2
    Fred Gipson
    716 votes
    • First Published: 1956
    • Subjects: Texas, Literature, Classics, Animal, Literary criticism
    • Genres (Book): Children's literature, Fiction
  • To Kill a Mockingbird
    3
    Harper Lee
    831 votes
    • First Published: 1960-07-11
    • Subjects: Monarch, Literary, Literature, Classics, Drama
    • Genres (Book): Fiction
    • Original Language: English Language
  • Where the Red Fern Grows
    4
    Wilson Rawls
    836 votes
    • First Published: 1961
    • Subjects: Literature, Linguistics, Adolescence, Classics, Adventure
    • Genres (Book): Children's literature, Fiction
    • Original Language: English Language
  • Les Misérables
    5
    Victor Hugo
    566 votes
    • First Published: 1862
    • Subjects: Society, June Rebellion, Convict
    • Genres (Book): Historical fiction, Epic, Novel
    • Original Language: French Language
  • The Book Thief
    6
    Markus Zusak
    684 votes
    • First Published: 2006-03
    • Subjects: Storytelling, Death, History, Germany
    • Genres (Book): Historical fiction, Fiction, Young adult literature, Novel
    • Original Language: English Language, German Language