"The essence of romantic love is that wonderful beginning, after which sadness and impossibility may become the rule"

In this quote, Anita Brookner captures the bittersweet nature of romantic love. She explains it as a "fantastic beginning," indicating that the initial stages of falling in love are filled with excitement, passion, and joy. However, she likewise acknowledges that this start is short-term and that it is frequently followed by "sadness and impossibility." This could refer to the challenges and troubles that develop in relationships, such as disputes, distance, or unmet expectations. Brookner suggests that these difficulties might become the norm in a romantic relationship, highlighting the concept that love is not constantly easy and can be accompanied by pain and barriers. Overall, this quote portrays the complex and unpredictable nature of romantic love.