Five of the best books about literary threesomes

Love triangles have a special ability to captivate readers, whether set in ancient history, 1960s Japan or a sci-fi future. Here are five of the best

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.

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.