Books to Read: 5 Classics to Read for Beginners

Do you enjoy period dramas? Do you fancy the old-timey costumes, the romantic English countryside, and the societal traditions, of a time immemorial? Do you ever get the overwhelming urge to say things like “As the great Charles Dickens once said…” in intellectual circles? If that sounds like you, you might be ready to foray into the world of literature classics. 

A world of literary treasures that have been lauded by critics and readers for generations. A world of books distinct from the science fiction and fantasy novels that usually populate our bookshelves today, but equally enriching and soul-satisfying.

Here are a few essential recommendations of classics for any beginner:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

A fan-favourite, any mention of classics would be incomplete without Jane Austen’s most famous work. A timeless love story, P&P is rightfully etched in popular culture and reader’s minds everywhere. A headstrong Elizabeth Bennet and an excessively proud Mr. Darcy, make for an unlikely pairing. 

The character growth and the journey of self-improvement that follows, is a delight to experience, between the pages of the book or on the big screen, with its many film adaptations.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

"Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott is a classic novel that follows the lives of the four March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy – as they navigate the challenges and joys of growing up during the American Civil War. 

Meg, the oldest, is responsible and dreams of a traditional family life. 

Jo, a passionate writer, aspires to become a successful author and challenges societal norms with her strong-willed nature. Beth, a gentle and musically gifted girl, faces health struggles. Amy, the youngest, is artistic and desires refinement and wealth.Books to Read

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

"Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte is a captivating coming-of-age story with a strong and independent female protagonist. The novel follows Jane's journey from her troubled childhood to her position as a governess, and ultimately to her quest for self-discovery and love. Books to Read

Bronte's exploration of themes like social class, feminism, and morality makes this a classic well worth exploring. Initially published under a masculine pseudonym, a reflection of the times Bronte lived in, it is often considered the first feminist novels for its rejection of traditional gender roles and marriage as a male-dominated institution.

Emma by Jane Austen

Amusing, light-hearted, with vivid descriptions of eccentric characters and poignant observations about marriage, family and social status in Regency-era England(a recurring theme in all of Austen's novels), Emma has often been described as Jane Austen's most flawless work. Books to Read

Our protagonist, Emma Woodhouse is a notorious matchmaker. Her misplaced confidence in her abilities to read people and perceive connections where there are none, makes for humorous situations and drama ensues.Books to Read

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

A modern classic, published almost a century after the other books on our list, in 1960. It delves into themes of racial prejudice and the inherent moral goodness of humans, which are all the more poignant in today’s social climate. Books to Read

Set in America’s South, in the 1930s this novel is written from the point of view of a young girl Scout Finch, as her father defends a black man who has been unjustly charged of a crime.

Written by: Suhani Sirohi