Looking for a Book Based on Real Life and Tragic?

I've recently discovered I love tragedies (as long as they don't happen to me :P) and I was wondering if anybody had any recommendations. I like stuff that's either realistic or actually true (no Romeo and Juliet or Titanic crap), has complex characters and relationships (platonic, romantic, or other), and I don't like it when the characters are never happy. Without a little hope, tragedies just seem angsty. Oh, and an adult reading level, please. Thanx! :D