Homo Faber by Max Friš is one of the most important and most read books of the 20th century: engineer Valter Faber believes in his rational view of the world, which is permanently shattered by a 'love story'.
English teacher Alfie Budd in Hong Kong found the perfect woman, married her, and decided to spend the rest of his life with her. Then he lost her and continued to live in the belief that life doesn't give you two chances for that kind of love.