Why You Should Read D.H. Lawrence: His Best Novels

Why You Should Read D.H. Lawrence: His Best Novels
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If you’ve ever picked up a book and felt like the words jumped off the page and straight into your soul, then you’re in for a treat with D.H. Lawrence. He wasn’t just a writer; he was a literary force—one that explored human emotions, relationships, and the very essence of being alive with raw intensity. So, why should you read D.H. Lawrence? Well, let’s dive in and uncover what makes his work so powerful, thought-provoking, and, quite frankly, essential for any lover of literature.

Table of Contents

Who Was D.H Lawrence?

D.H. Lawrence (David Herbert Lawrence) was an English writer, poet, and literary critic, best known for his novels that explored human emotions, relationships, and societal norms. Born on September 11, 1885, in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, England, he grew up in a working-class family, which deeply influenced his writing.

Lawrence’s works often tackled controversial themes such as love, sexuality, industrialization, and the constraints of social norms. He was known for his bold and poetic prose, which challenged the traditional moral values of his time. 

Throughout his life, Lawrence faced censorship and criticism for his work, but he remained committed to his artistic vision. He travelled extensively, living in Italy, Australia, and Mexico, which influenced many of his later works.

Despite the initial backlash, his influence on modern literature is undeniable. Writers such as George Orwell and Anaïs Nin admired his fearless exploration of human nature. Today, D.H. Lawrence is recognised as one of the most significant writers of the 20th century, whose works continue to provoke thought and discussion.

He passed away on March 2, 1930, but his legacy lives on in literature. 

He Explores the Depths of Human Emotion

Lawrence had a way of peeling back the layers of human nature like an onion—sometimes making you cry in the process. His characters are deeply flawed, passionate, and incredibly real. He didn’t just write about love; he wrote about desire, frustration, jealousy, and the unspoken tensions that exist in every relationship.

Books like Sons and Lovers and Women in Love showcase his ability to dig into the human psyche and lay it bare for readers. His portrayal of emotions is so raw that you can almost feel the characters breathing through the pages.

His Work Was Controversial (and Still Feels Relevant Today)

If a book gets banned, you know it’s hitting a nerve. Lawrence’s works were often deemed scandalous because he tackled topics like sexuality, repression, and class struggles in a way that was ahead of his time.

Take Lady Chatterley’s Lover, for example. It was banned for years because of its explicit content and daring social commentary. But here’s the thing: Lawrence wasn’t just being provocative for the sake of it. He was challenging societal norms, pushing boundaries, and encouraging people to think beyond the restrictions imposed by culture and tradition.

Today, in an age where people are still debating issues of censorship, personal freedom, and self-expression, Lawrence’s works remain just as relevant as they were a century ago.

His Writing Style is Beautifully Evocative

Some authors tell a story; Lawrence paints with words. His descriptions are lush, poetic, and transportive. Whether he’s describing the English countryside or the tension between lovers, he has a way of making you feel like you’re right there.

Here’s a little taste from Women in Love:

“They lived full, vivid days, bringing all their energy to bear on the things that interested them.”

His words aren’t just there to be read—they’re there to be felt.

He Challenges You to Think About Life in a New Way

If you’re looking for a book that will just entertain you and then let you move on with your day, Lawrence might not be your guy. His books force you to question society, relationships, and even yourself. Why do we conform to certain roles in relationships? What does it mean to truly connect with someone? How do we balance individuality with intimacy?

These are the kinds of questions his novels stir up, making them perfect for readers who love books that make them think.

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Most Notable Novels

D.H. Lawrence wrote several ground-breaking novels that continue to be celebrated for their bold themes, deep psychological insight, and poetic prose. Here are his most notable works:

1. Sons and Lovers (1913)

A deeply personal, semi-autobiographical novel that explores family dynamics, love, and emotional dependency. It follows Paul Morel, a young man torn between his intense bond with his mother and his romantic relationships. The novel delves into Freudian psychology and examines how parental influence shapes personal identity.

Sons and Lovers Cover

2. The Rainbow (1915)

A multi-generational epic that follows three generations of the Brangwen family, focusing on their struggles with love, passion, and personal freedom. The novel was banned in Britain for its frank discussions of sex and female desire.

The Rainbow Cover

3. Women in Love (1920) (Sequel to The Rainbow)

Following the Brangwen sisters, Ursula and Gudrun, the novel explores love, relationships, and the clash between intellect and primal instinct. It’s an intense, psychological deep-dive into the complexities of human connection.

Women in Love Cover

4. Lady Chatterley’s Lover (1928)

Lawrence’s most infamous and banned novel due to its explicit sexual content. It tells the story of Lady Constance Chatterley, a woman trapped in a loveless marriage, who finds passion with her gamekeeper, Oliver Mellors. The novel is not just about sex—it’s about class struggles, emotional fulfilment, and personal liberation.

Lady Chatterley's Lover Cover

5. The Plumed Serpent (1926)

A lesser-known but ambitious novel that reflects Lawrence’s fascination with mythology, spirituality, and politics. Set in Mexico, it follows Kate Leslie, an Irish woman who becomes involved in a revolutionary movement that seeks to revive ancient Aztec gods.

The Plumed Serpent Cover

His Influence on Literature is Undeniable

You don’t have to take my word for it—just ask some of the greatest writers of the 20th century. Lawrence influenced authors like George Orwell, Anaïs Nin, and even modern-day literary voices. His fearless approach to storytelling paved the way for writers to explore taboo topics and push literary boundaries.

If you love writers who challenge conventions, dig deep into the human experience, and craft sentences that feel like poetry, then D.H. Lawrence should absolutely be on your reading list.

Conclusion

Reading D.H. Lawrence is like stepping into a world where emotions run wild, passion is unfiltered, and society’s rules are there to be questioned. His books aren’t just stories—they’re experiences that stay with you long after you turn the last page.

Whether you’re drawn to his bold themes, his poetic prose, or his ability to capture the complexities of human relationships, one thing’s for sure: once you start reading Lawrence, you’ll never see literature the same way again.

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