So, I thought we’d count backwards, because I always like my lists counted backwards, don’t you? That way, it builds anticipation for number one!
And btw, my abiding thanks to Modern Mrs. Darcy and her fine readers, whose comments about my guest blog–Gilbert Blythe vs Mr. Darcy: Who Smolders More?–provided ideas and inspiration for this list!
Buckle your seat belts, kindred spirits, it’s going to be a fun ride!:
10. Anton Reiker, “Summer of My German Soldier”
Anton, principled, gentle, and a German soldier during World War 11—he’s an unlikely Lit Crush. But the way he treats Patty, the 12-year-old girl who protects him when he escapes from his prison camp, inducts him into this hall of fame. He’s grateful, caring, and gets under your skin like the best characters do.
Sweet quote: “Even if you forget everything else I want you to always remember that you are a person of value, and you have a friend who loved you enough to give you his most valued possession.”
9. Mr. Rochester, “Jane Eyre”
Sure, there is the matter of the loony wife in the attic, but oh! Jane and Mr. Rochester’s chemistry sizzles like a freaking frying pan! As Aloof Romantic Heroes go, Rochester has just the right mix of arrogance and warmth we ladies love.
Sweet quote: “And was Mr. Rochester now ugly in my eyes? No, reader: gratitude…made his face the object I best liked to see; his presence in a room was more cheering than the brightest fire.” (See, Jane mentions fire.)
As it turns out, Mr. Rochester is also Dame Maggie Smith’s SON!
8. Barney Snaith, “The Blue Castle”
You guys: The Blue Castle is like gelato—luscious, scrumptious, sweet and satisfying. It’s also one of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s two adult novels, and one of her finest gifts to her readers. Rogue Barney Snaith makes it so. I won’t ruin it for you, but Barney is a man of mystery, the subject of many rumors (oooh). When “spinster” Valancy thinks she only has a year to live, she proposes to Barney, only to be swept off to his wooded island home…Cue sighs.
Sweet quote: “Love you! Girl, you’re in the very core of my heart. I hold you there like a jewel…”
7. Theodore “Laurie” Laurence, “Little Women”
Genteel, rich, bored and antsy (until the March sisters moved in), we adore Laurie for the way he transforms under the influence of the sisters. He pines for Jo despite her writing ambitions, smarts, and hacked off hair, which makes us weak in the knees. We hate that Jo rejects him, but she knows her soul mate cometh soon…
Tidbit: In 1865, while in Europe, Louisa May Alcott met a Polish musician named Ladislas Wisniewski, “Laddie” (aka “Laurie”). Laddie and Louisa flirted madly, spending two weeks together in Paris, alone! I think we all want to know much, much more…
Christian Bale at his most fetching.
6. Teddy Kent, “Emily of New Moon”
Lucy Maud Montgomery definitely cut Teddy from Gilbert’s cloth–he’s the boy next door who falls for Emily and pines for years until she finally comes to her senses. A slow-cooked romance with slow-cooked payoff.
The Scene that Makes Me Sigh: When Emily, trapped in the old church with a madman, telepathically calls to Teddy for help. He of course shows up, rescues her, comforts her, and almost kisses her in the moonlit graveyard! Of course, that’s when his Cuckoo-for-Cocoa-Puffs mother shows up and ruins everything.
Pretty covers, amirite?
5. John Thornton, “North and South” by Elizabeth Gaskell
I watched this magnificent miniseries with my writer’s Guild, and well, good thing we were all sitting down! Richard Armitage as Thornton takes a page from Colin Firth’s Darcy book—the brooding hottie simmering (deep down) with bottled-up feelings of passion and cuddles and justice and … MERCY! Someone pass the smelling salts.
Tidbits: Elizabeth Gaskell was a pastor’s wife who based Milton, the Northern industrial town in which the novel is set, on Manchester. Also Charles Dickens was her contemporary and editor.
Pretty much within moments of watching the BBC’s “North and South,” members of my Writer’s Guild were all “who’s that guy, now?” (Answer: Richard Armitage)
4. Colonel Brandon, “Sense and Sensibility” by Jane Austen
You know which scene gets me every time? The one in the movie where Colonel Brandon (Alan Rickman) is out of his mind with worry for a gravely ill Marianne: “Give me an occupation or I shall run mad!” In other words, I love this girl so much it hurts. Still waters run deep with Brandon, an honorable, kind, and worthy officer. (When the movie came out, like, 20 years ago, I adored Hugh Grant in all his stammering glory as Edward Ferrars. Interestingly, I watched it again this weekend, and I sighed over Colonel Brandon. Even post-Snape!)
Memory: My late friend Tammy had the biggest crush on Alan Rickman; his framed and signed photo sat atop the TV set in her mobile home. When I think of Tam’s Alan Rickman, I think of Colonel Brandon (not Snape, although Snape is cool, too). And I smile.
Willoughby who?
3. Professor Friedrich Bhaer, “Little Women”
I know—I know. Simmer down there, Laurie-ans. How could I place old (39), fusty Professor Bhaer ahead of young and frisky Laurie? I could, I will, I did! In the age-old debate that asks, ‘Who is better for Jo—Laurie or Professor Bhaer’? I choose the gentle, absentminded, adorably accented Bhaer! Maybe it’s because he’s an intellectual equal to Jo; maybe it’s his golden heart. Maybe it’s Gabriel Byrne’s butter-melting portrayal in the movie (who am I kidding—that’s it!).
Sweet quote: “Jo, I haf nothing but much love to gif you … Can you make a little place in your heart for old Fritz?”
Why is this movie not available on Netflix?? WHY?
2. Mr. Darcy, “Pride and Prejudice”
Unapproachable (or is he?), gruff (or is he?), reserved (he is)—yet seething with repressed feelings of amore: that’s our Mr. Darcy. He not only broke the mold of Aloof Romantic Hero, he is the mold, which is why we are madly, deeply attached to him and all of his archetypical fellows. This just in (to me): Even our mouse sisters can’t resist The Darcy, or The Darcin in their case: In 2010, a protein sex pheromone in male mouse urine, extremely attractive to female mice, was named Darcin in honor of the character. And that just says it all, don’t you think? I mean, clearly, if you want to get higher on THIS list, you have to have a pheromone named after you.
Do you prefer Colin Firth as Darcy?
Or Matthew MacFadyen? Vote early, vote often!
(Unless of course you are Gilbert Blythe, in which case you do not need a pheromone named after you to top this list.)
- Gilbert Blythe, “Anne of Green Gables”
Gilbert has it all—Anton’s gentleness, Rochester’s admiration for a woman’s intellect, Colonel Brandon’s honor—without a trace of superiority or repression. (Mind you, ironically, usually we love repression in our Lit Crushes. We know that our Lizzies and our Janes can scale the highest emotional wall!) Gilbert is the boy next door, true, but he and Anne share lots and lots of sparks over the years until she finally gets it through her thick, carrot-colored skull that this knight stands before her, heart in hand. He makes her feel wanted, respected, and deeply loved. Can any of us ask for more? No, we cannot, which is why for me, Gilbert will always be #1.
Who tops YOUR list, friends? Why? Which of these books is your favorites? Which are you dying to read or re-read? (For me, it’s “Summer of My German Soldier,” which I believe I read snatches of as a wee slip of a girl. Also, am trying to find my copy of “The Blue Castle,” which, as I said, is like gelato).
PS: You guys: This blog led to an online book club! Sign up for my blog here and soon and very soon you shall receive an update about the first book club. We are reading the woefully overlooked “Summer of My German Soldier,” and folks, it’s an incredible little book.
GIVEAWAY: Comment below to be entered in a random drawing to win a copy of “Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter and Me” AND a complete “Anne of Green Gables” Radio Theater gift set on CD! There will be three winners, one entry per person, open to kindred spirits in the US and O Canada. Contest ends October 7.
That’s it. I’m running for the library or diving for Netflix. I have to watch them all over again. But, happy me, there are a few I haven’t seen and a few I haven’t read. Geez. Didn’t expect to start my day all sighing… Thanks a whole lot, Lorilee…
Anytime, Tracy–anytime! Which one do you want to read the most?
You’ve got me interested in The Blue Castle. Never heard of it, and here it’s one of your top ten–I need to put this on my Christmas list!
OMGoooosh, Tracy! I would float in the air if you received “The Blue Castle” for Christmas! Let me know how you love it, because I know you will love it!
Float in the air…you crack me up. 🙂
P.S. Happily, my hubby doesn’t mind the occasional chick lit flick.
My literary crush is Sherlock Holmes!! Although it’s a close choice between some of the guys on this list too 🙂
Me too! Benedict Cumberbatch is an all-time fave!
Ah, yes, Benedict as Sherlock–cut straight from the Darcy cloth, in my mind! Aloof, repressed, smoldering…:)
This was so much fun to read, probably because our lists are so similar! No coincidence that I named one of my sons “Teddy” with two of them on your list! Gilbert was my first and longest-lasting literary crush, but there are so many others. 🙂 Also on my list–Aragorn from LOTR and Roger Hamleigh from Wives and Daughters.
It struck me as I read this list that many of the guys we love are paired with my favorite ladies. If I had to make a top ten list of my favorite literary heroines, the list would be very, very similar.
And to answer your question–I loved Matthew MacFayden but Colin Firth will be Darcy forever.
Also–Little Women is on Amazon Prime–just re-watched it a couple nights ago. I cry every. Single. Time.
I’d love to win a copy of your book!
Kelli, this is awesome stuff right here. I just looked up “Wives and Daughters,” and it looks like an incredible story. Someday I will do a list of my literary kindred spirits, and Anne, Lizzie, and Jo March will be at the top!
I’d love to win a copy of your book, and I really enjoy this post. I had to laugh at your comments about Professor Bhaer in Little Women. I remember going to the movie with some friends; I was 30 when it came out in 1994. There were several teenage girls sitting in front of us, and when Gabriel Byrne (as Bhaer) came on screen they said “Ewwww, he’s so ugly!” They were WAY too young to appreciate Byrne’s charms!
I think, though, that I would have to choose someone not on your list: Mr. Knightley from Emma. He sees people for who they really are, always tells the truth, and loves faithfully.
Jeannie! Ha! I was 26 in 1996, and Mr. Bhaer seemed very appealing indeed! 🙂 Thanks for the Mr. Knightly vote, as well. I’ll have to read “Emma”!
Has to be Gil at number one for me too!!
I rarely comment on articles, but I was scrolling through this list and about passed out when I saw dear Barney Snaith had made the list! “The Blue Castle” is my *favorite* book, and NOBODY has heard of it, not even my bookish friends! I don’t know if it is even in print anymore; I bought my copy used on Amazon. And it’s sooooo wonderful… sigh.
I totally agree with your other choices too, but the Barney Snaith one makes me believe we are literary kindred spirits. 🙂
Michelle! You are a kindred spirit! I love this comment so much. Yes, “The Blue Castle” is a hidden gem. It needs to be unearthed again and made into a top drawer movie. But who would be cast as Barney???
Oh, this is the ultimate question, isn’t it?! I have actually looked for any sort of film version of The Blue Castle but nope, of course it doesn’t exist- all though I do believe it was made into a play at one time…
But the lead actor to play Barney…he would have to be charismatic, but not too classically handsome…think David Tennant could play a Canadian? 🙂
Interesting choice, Michelle! I am going to have to reread “The Blue Castle” and get back to you on casting!
I’ve read all of LMM’s books, so I do know this one, too, although I haven’t read it in years. Did you ever read The Ladies of Missalonghi by Colleen McCullogh (writer of The Thorn Birds)? McCullough was accused of plagiarizing from The Blue Castle,and there are certainly many striking similarities. You might like to check that one out if you haven’t already, just to see what all the fuss is about!
Thanks for reminding me, Jeannie! I did know that there was some serious drama over the Colleen McCullough book. WOW. I wonder if she really did plagiarize LMM?
All of the above! Also, Rhett Butler! My son played Professor Bhaer in his college’s production of “Little Women,” and I’ve had a soft spot for him ever since! 🙂
Mr. Rochester is #1. He loves Jane for her strength and intelligence. He breaks cultural norms. And when he’s humbled, he chooses love.
I would love to win a copy of your book – then I could stop holding our church library copy captive. My literary crush goes back to my pre-teen, early teen years to the Hardy Boys – can’t pick just one – Joe or Frank would be fine.
My top crush is and always will be Gil (especially Jonathan Crombie’s movie version, since I pretty much have it memorized.) So I’m glad he topped your list. 🙂
Also, to answer your question, Colin Firth is definitely the best Darcy!
And I’d never heard of The Blue Castle, but now I want to read it.
My memory immediately flashed back to my first literary crush–Stanley in Beverly Cleary’s book, “Fifteen.” Followed by Almonzo.
I didn’t “discover” Lucy Maud’s books until I was an adult. I think Jingle of The Pat books would be my favorite.
Oh Lorilee, I was so happy when you named Gilbert as number 1!! 🙂
When I saw him in Green Gables, I was in love!!
I liked Colin better as Darcy, I guess because I think he is a great actor! I could read Anne of Green Gables over and over again and not get bored with it. I never heard of Summer of my German Solider, so thank you for mentioning that one, that will be on my read list!!
And thank you for a chance to win!!
Gilbert, of course, but also Radcliffe Emerson from the Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters. You *must* go read Crocodile On The Sandbank right now!
Colin Firth as Darcy in Pride and Prejudice since it is the move I have watched most recently. Thanks for reminding me about Anne of Green Gables. I loved watching the series as a young girl with my mom and sister.
Gilbert Blythe takes the number one spot for sure, but Mr. Darcy is a close second! 🙂
Silly typo – Thomas not Thomaa! 😉 And definitely Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy!
Awesome list! Now I want to watch Anne of Green Gables!
I’ve always loved Gil! However Benedict is an awesome Sherlock! I’d love to win this 🙂
I remember not talking to my father for a week after he told me that Anne was going end up marrying that bozo Gilbert when I was 12 and reading it for the first time. Although I grew to love Gil, I still haven’t forgiven Pop for that spoiler. Oh Gil… You’re dreamy now… I can’t wait until my daughter is old enough to read them (she is just 7) and I PROMISE not to spoil it for her!!
I enjoyed both Mr.Darcys, but really, there is no question in my mind, Colin Firth is far superior! I also have not read a couple of the books listed. I am ready to read them.
My all-time favorite was certainly Gilbert Blythe, followed by Mr. Darcy. Add to the list is the character of Wynn Delaney in the book series When Cal k s the Heart (Canadian West Saga) by Canadian author Janette Oke!
There was a typo and I didn’t know how to edit my comment, but Wynn Delaney is a great character in the book series When Calls the Heart (Canadian West Series) by Canadian uthor Janette Oke. Stephen Smell plays him in the movie version and Daniel Lissing plays a similar type character, Jack Thornton, in the TV series inspired by the books.
Uggghh…autocorrect is the death of me. Stephen Amell is the actor who plays Wynn Delaney in the movie When Calls the Heart.
What a great list! I’ve just been thinking about rereading the Anne series, and this post makes me want to get on that immediately–I do love me some Gilbert! I also just ordered “The Blue Castle” from Amazon–you made it sound pretty great 🙂
Ooh, so many good ones on this list! Darcy will probably always be my top one….it’s Darcy, after all. Though Gilbert certainly comes close 😉 And Matthew Macfadyen is my favorite Darcy. He does the arrogance and the vulnerability in an equally convincing way and it’s wonderful!
i think my first literary crush was Almonzo from the Little house books.
Thinking of Gilbert as the object of a crush has changed for me since my son played Gilbert in his high school production of Anne of Green Gables! I just remember sitting in our living room teaching him how to be “romantic”…. It was kind of strange……
It has to be Colin Firth.
All but 10 and 8 have been read and/or watched. I think I might have to remedy that. I’m a sucker for Mr. Darcy but I loved Jo and Professor Bhaer too. So many great stories here and books to add to my library list.
I agree with Gilbert Blythe being number one. It was not till I read why you picked him as number 1 that I realized you were right.
I love Gilbert Blythe. He is definitely all the things you listed!
Loved the “Anne” books, and the movies. Also loved Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon. I will look for the Blue Castle. 🙂
Oh my goodness! Someone else who loves Barney from The Blue Castle! Right now, I’d have to say my favorite ‘classic’ crush is Sir Percy from The Scarlet Pimpernel. It changes from time to time but Sink Me, right now there is no one better than foppish Sir Percy. If you’ve read The Scarlet Pimpernel you’ll know why. If you haven’t read it GO READ IT.
Gilbert Blythe has been and will always be my dream friend and soulmate:)
In my opinion, Colin Firth aced acting as Mr.Darcy!
You had some great ones in there, especially Mr. Darcy! However, the best in my eyes was left out and that is Atticus Finch, of To Kill A Mockingbird!
A wonderful list!!! I’ve watched the Colin Firth version of P&P more times than I can count. I plug it in while I’m quilting. Now I’m going to have to look up Summer of My German Soldier. I haven’t read that one yet. In fact, I’m going to have to pull out all of my books and movies so I can soak them all in again.
Thank you, Lorilee!
Mr. Darcy is the best! Although I now have to read Summer of My German Soldier. That’s one I hadn’t heard of before! Great list, by the way.
I absolutely, 1000% agree with your number 1! Gilbert is all the things you listed and more. He’s compassionate and gentle, yet he challenges Anne like no one else. To say he’s patient would be a gross understatement, he’s ambitious, he has a sense of humor, he’s determined. Not to mention, he’s got those dreamy chocolate eyes and Canadian accent! There is truly no one like him and he will always be my all time, hands down, very favorite fictional hero. *swoon*
I love your list! It’s been entirely too long since I’ve re-read The Blue Castle. Maybe I’ll read it next week!
“You have bewitched me body and soul….. I love I love I love you.”
Definitely all time favorite Mathew macfayden-Mr. Darcy. Hands down.
I had never heard of The Blue Castle, but I found it on Kindle (free, as it’s an older book)! Looking forward to reading it! And Colin Firth for sure for Mr. Darcy! I love Anne of Green Gables and was sad when I found out she was fiction as a young girl. She and Gilbert were full of life in my mind!
#1 for Gilbert. Definitely. And Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy for sure. I loved The Blue Castle but haven’t read it in many years. Have to find it and reread it!
I think it’s time for me to re-read Pride and Prejudice .. either Mr. Darcy will do!!
I would have to choose Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. I have also never heard of The Blue Castle; I will be adding it to my reading list.
I think I have to re-read some books and take on some I haven’t read. 🙂
I loved Pride and Prejudice and North and South. Such great movies. Loved Anne of Green Gables too. 🙂
After nearly 20 years after I first read it I still love The Blue Castle. Oh, and Colin Firth hands down.
I loved reading about Anne girl. Gilbert has always been amazing!
Well Mr Darcy is at the top of my list, but I just started North and South….so we’ll see!!
I think my first literary crush was Laurie. I cried when Jo rejected him and yelled at Laurie for settling for Amy. I really like Mr. Knightly and Col. Brandon as well as Mr. Darcy (especially Colin Firth’s version) I’ve never heard of The Blue Castle
Again.. You’ve done it again. A blog post with a list of my personal faves…
Gil will always be my #1.
— Gina Weeks
OF COURSE Gilbert is #1!!!!! (RIP Jonathan Crombie!)
I love me some Collin Firth, but I adore Matthew MacFadyen as Darcy. *swoon*
It was so nice hearing you speak today! I LOVE your blog! This one in particular has all of my favorites in it! And what a wonderful contest. Count me in! We are definitely kindred spirits. I can’t wait to read my new book. 🙂
Oh and I’ll have to read Blue Castle now.
Darcy, Darcy, Darcy! He’s the very best–only Colin Firth though! I can’t stand the other (more recent) version. Love Jennifer Ehle and Colin. My favorite scene–when he is walking her to the carriage and asks if she would consider meeting his sister. My heart melts and my pulse pounds! I read “The Summer of my German Soldier” and agree that it is wonderful. Also love any LMM book–have the whole series and am a fan. My husband (bless his soul) and I are going to PEI this autumn to see the island and do the “Anne” tour. He is a sweetheart for accompanying me to all my favorite literary places–five years ago we went out to DeSmet, SD to see Laura Ingalls Wilder’s hometown. After PEI, maybe we’ll try a Jane Austen tour in Great Britain!