“One of the great things about classic love stories is their cathartic or spiritual function. Unlike modern genre romances, there can be tragedy: all may not end well for star-crossed lovers. Yet strangely, without the predictable “happy” ending, we can feel uplifted and one with all of humanity across time and culture. I think a good love story is existentialist and speaks to the reality – whether we like it or not – of separation and ultimate loss, even with ecstatic union with the beloved Other. A good love story, like all great literature and all heroic quests, all great spiritual traditions since prehistoric shamanism, is really about the meaning of life and mortality.”
I adore the above quote by Lesley Thomas, who was the listauthor, featured at this link (http://www.amazon.com/favorite-literary-stories-romance-genre/lm/RDMJVC11SPKVG ) which has since then been removed. 
But I am glad that I came across it when I did. 
