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Reading the classics can be a labour of love
Reading classic novels offers insights into the human condition, culture, politics and history, to say nothing of the entertainment value. Titles such as War and Peace and Pride and Prejudice may conjure up images of a long, boring read but nothing could be further from the truth.
There’s a reason they’re classics and that’s because they have been read (and reread), many of them for centuries. Here are eight suggestions to begin your global literature tour.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (1847): One of the great masterpieces of English literature, the novel delves into themes of love, revenge and the supernatural. Its non-linear narrative and complex characters were considered groundbreaking at the time, and it continues to be a book that literature students pour over to hone their craft.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925): This American classic is lauded for its portrayal of the Jazz Age and the moral decay of society. Through the eyes of Nick Carraway, readers witness the rise and fall of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire who throws extravagant parties in the hopes of rekindling a lost love. This book is revered for being written efficiently and beautifully, and being a no-holds-barred exploration of wealth, class and the pursuit of happiness.
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe (1958): This window into life in Nigeria before colonisation has become one of the most significant works of African literature. Achebe tells the story of Okonkwo, a proud warrior whose life is upended when British missionaries arrive. The novel is respected for its nuanced portrayal of African society, its exploration of cultural conflict and its critique of colonialism. More than anything else, it is a deeply moving novel that highlights key themes of the human spirit and why Africa has had such a tragic history.
The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu (11th century): Often considered the world’s first novel, it’s not just old; it’s a cornerstone of Japanese literature. Written by the noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu, it recounts the life and loves of Hikaru Genji, a nobleman of extraordinary beauty and talent. The novel is celebrated for its intricate depiction of court life in Heian-era Japan, its exploration of the fleeting nature of happiness and its insights into human relationships.
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes (1605, 1615): When people think about this book, they inevitably imagine a knight charging at windmills, but it’s so much more than that. It is, indeed, one of the most influential works of Western literature. The novel follows the adventures of Alonso Quixano, a man who, inspired by chivalric romances, sets out to revive knighthood under the name Don Quixote. Through its blend of humour, tragedy and philosophy, the novel explores the nature of reality, the power of imagination and the tension between idealism and pragmatism.
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (1869): When people hear War and Peace, two images often come to mind – it’s really long (hence the saying) and all those Russian names. But once you sit down to read it you quickly realise that this is a monumental novel that intertwines the lives of several aristocratic families during the Napoleonic Wars. Tolstoy’s epic is lauded for its detailed portrayal of Russian society, its philosophical reflections on history and fate and its exploration of human nature.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (1937): Not all classics have to be 100s of pages long. This John Steinbeck (pictured) novella describes the experiences of George Milton and Lennie Small, two displaced migrant ranch workers, as they drift around California looking for work during the Great Depression. It’s a cynical look at the American Dream that was sorely tested during the 19030s, while teaching us the enduring value of friendship and companionship. If you enjoy this book, then try Steinbeck’s The Moon is Down.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813): No list of literature greats would be complete without Jane Austen. It’s a justifiably beloved novel that offers a witty critique of the British class system, marriage and societal expectations in the early 19th century. The story of Elizabeth Bennet and her evolving relationship with the proud Mr Darcy is timeless, filled with humour, romance and sharp social commentary.
Obviously, this list barely scratches the surface. Names that could be added include Charles Dickens, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Mark Twain, Alexandre Dumas, Thomas Mann and Joseph Conrad. Hopefully, the books above will give you a better sense of global culture and the common things that bind us together as humans. While authors don’t write in the same language, literature itself is one of the few things that every culture shares, so there’s a lot you can learn simply by sitting down to a great book.
