Old Love Stories Retold

"Old Love Stories Retold" by Richard Le Gallienne is a collection of stories from the late 1800s that looks at love through the lens of history. Focusing on the romance between poet Heinrich Heine and Mathilde, the story shows how different people can share deep love. Heine, a smart and sometimes bitter man, finds comfort in Mathilde's simple and happy outlook on life. Though he was interested in more complicated women before, Mathilde’s caring nature becomes his safe harbor for almost 20 years, and even when Heine gets sick, their bond grows stronger; through letters and memories, the story demonstrates that love doesn't always need fancy words or high society, but can be found in just being there for someone.