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It is difficult to select a series of books that everyone should read at least once. Where to begin? There are so many timeless classics that ought to be read. No list can ever be exhaustive however and we have chosen nine novels that cover a range of themes to inspire and entertain every type of reader!
Alcott’s charming tale of the four March sisters and their transition from childhood to womanhood is a true classic. Filled with family, love and laughter, it is a wonderfully heart-warming read. Yet at it’s heart there also rests a conflict between ambition and responsibility, expectation and free-will, and war and peace in America during the Civil War. The novel brought Alcott lasting fame and has been loved by children and adults alike for decades.
First published in 1813, Austen’s regency novel still delights readers today. The story follows the lives of the Bennett sisters, centring on the witty Elizabeth Bennett and the unsociable Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. A vivacious heroine, Elizabeth challenges the gender norms of her time. Though marriage and romance are central to the novel, Austen uses satire to present a critique of social norms, including a woman’s position in society.
Set on the wild Yorkshire moors, Wuthering Heights is another timeless classic. The story focuses on Catherine Linton and the brooding Heathcliff. Their turbulent relationship is driven by a restless, obsessive passion which becomes almost suffocating. Brontë’s portrayal of jealousy, revenge and self-absorption is captivating yet claustrophobic, creating a dark and intense atmosphere. Beautifully written and utterly absorbing, it is a tale everyone should read at least once.
First published in 1860, Great Expectationsis one of Dickens’ most famous novels. The story follows Pip, a young orphan who rises to wealth. Split into three parts, the novel explores the stages of Pip’s great expectations as he moves from childhood into adulthood. Along the way, he meets Estella, ward of the jilted Miss Havisham who encourages Estella to entrap and break Pip’s heart. Exploring themes of love, social class guilt and innocence, Dickens’ brilliant novel is one not to be missed.
A remarkable diary, written by a young Jewish girl during the Nazi Occupation. Fleeing their home in Amsterdam in 1942, thirteen-year-old Anne Frank and her family find refuge in a ‘secret annexe’ in an old office building. Cut off from the world for two long years, Anne records her experiences and thoughts during this trying time. This first-hand account is extraordinary, an exploration of human courage and frailty. Humorous, horrifying, poignant and tragic, it is a must-read classic.
The Old Man and the Sea tells the tale of an old fisherman and his long struggle with a giant marlin in the Cuban Gulf Stream. His voyage – an attempt to end his unlucky streak – tests his courage and persistence to its limits. Simple and poignant, inspiring and tragic, Hemingway powerfully conveys the conflict between nature and man. This novel is one everyone should read at least once, especially a beautifully illustrated edition such as this.
Though it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, this epic tale has had a vast influence on the history of literature. The Odyssey tells of the gallant Odysseus and his ten-year journey home following the Trojan War. Faced with angered gods, bewitching goddesses and horrifying monsters, his wit and courage are tested to their limits. A story that has been around for thousands of years and has stood the test of time must surely be read at least once!
It is impossible to only include one volume of Tolkien’s epic fantasy. The entire trilogy must be read at least once (not forgetting The Hobbit too of course). Tolkien creates wonderfully vivid settings and characters that leap of the page in this epic adventure, at the heart of which lies a quest to destroy the ring of power. Considered the ‘father’ of modern fantasy, Tolkien’s timeless tales should most definitely be read by all!
Uneducated and the son of a town drunkard, the playful and practical Huckleberry Finn is an intriguing character. Escaping from his abusive father, he begins a journey along the Mississippi River accompanied by a runaway slave. Huckleberry is bright and strong-willed but also dishonest – a rebellious, witty, and wild anti-hero. Twain’s most famous novel deals with issues such as racism, religion, war, friendship and freedom and is another book every reader must try at least once.
Before we conclude, there are of course some honourable mentions. The works of Shakespeare, Chaucer, Conan Doyle and C. S. Lewis, for example, and stand-alone novels such as Jane Eyre, The Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbird and Frankenstein. Classic novels tend to deal with timeless, universal themes. The books referenced in this conclusion and the nine detailed above are certainly timeless and we are not alone in saying that everyone should read these books at least once!
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