What is it about the love triangle trope that fascinates us? Is it because it allows us to untangle the complexities of desire, to show that love is not always as simple as we want it to be?

The menage a trois has ancient roots: at the core of my novel Babylonia is the dynamic between Semiramis, the only female ruler of the empire of ancient Assyria, Ninus, king of Assyria, and Onnes, his most trusted friend. For more modern entanglements, look to these five novels featuring some of my favourite literary threesomes.

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

In Murakami’s 1987 novel, Toru Watanabe recalls the emotional turmoil of his college years in Tokyo, when he fell in love with two women: troubled, heartbroken Naoko and vibrant, lively Midori. The book is a potent examination of nostalgia, the danger of emotional dependence and the cost of loving someone who is broken.

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

Ferrante tells the story of the lifelong friendship – and rivalry – between two girls, Lila and Elena, who grow up on the outskirts of Naples in 1950s Italy. A love triangle forms between them and Nino, the clever, narcissistic boy who has grown up in their neighbourhood. “As a child, I thought we would become engaged and we would all three be together for ever, you, me, and your friend,” a teenage Nino tells Elena. Unnervingly honest and lyrical, Ferrante’s writing offers the most nuanced portrait of female friendship, obsession and desire I have ever read.

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

In an alternate England where humans are cloned to become organ donors, Kathy H remembers her time at Hailsham boarding school, where she developed a close relationship with two other students: Ruth C and Tommy D. The novel is a heartbreaking exploration of lost chances in love, and how hard it is to let go of those we care for.

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

Jones’s novel focuses on newlyweds Roy and Celeste, whose relationship shatters when Roy is falsely accused of rape. While he serves time, Celeste grows closer to her childhood friend and sweetheart, Andre. Then Roy comes home, and chaos ensues. The love that the characters feel for one another is constantly destabilised by the fear that something could take away what they have.

Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney

Frances and Bobbi are best friends who used to be girlfriends. When they meet married couple Melissa and Nick, they are sucked into a world of glamorous houses and dinner parties. Though the novel is about a menage a quatre, the love triangle of Frances, Bobbi and Nick is unforgettable. With her fresh, sensuous writing, Rooney shows us that relationships are ever changing, “like sand or water,” that we give shape to “by pouring them into particular vessels.”

• Babylonia by Costanza Casati is published by Michael Joseph. To support the Guardian and the Observer order your copy from guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.

Source: theguardian.com