#1 Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
‘Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same…’
In the wild stormy moors, a man named Lockwood rents the manor house Thrushcross Grange. There, he asks his housekeeper, the faithful Nelly Dean, to tell him the story of Wuthering Heights. The tale of Wuthering Heights, which revolves around the brooding, mysterious Heathcliff, his rival Edgar Linton and the only woman he ever
loved, Catherine Earnshaw. Slowly, Lockwood begins to uncover the secrets, the tragedies and the romances that plague the walls of the crumbling manor.
Written in the early nineteenth century, this novel is plagued by pure, raw emotion. In it lies a tale of love, hatred and pain so deep, even the moors wail at the thought. For a beginning reader, Emily Brontë’s language is simple, compelling and poignant; sure to leave a mark on any person. Wuthering Heights earns its place at the top of this list, being a hauntingly beautiful story told in such a way, it leaves readers yearning for more. Some say Heathcliff is the hero, some say he is the villain. What do you think, dear reader?
Simple language in combination with emotive metaphors and bone-chilling descriptions provide a good insight into the writing style of the Brontë sisters and shares characteristics with other famous novels by nineteenth century authors. For lovers of tragedies, or romances, Wuthering Heights is an instant recommendation. And within its pages, it holds values about love, hatred and marriage that are still applicable today.
Similar novels include…
Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
The Picture Of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu.
#2 To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
‘Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em. But remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.’
Our tale is narrated by Jean Louise Finch, known by her nickname, Scout. Scout’s father, Atticus, is a lawyer, making his living in Maycomb, a tired old town in the grips of the Great Depression. The turning point of the story is when Atticus decides to represent Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman. Due to Atticus’ decision, Scout and her brother Jem are subjected to abuse from other children in Maycomb’s racist white community. The trial of Tom Robinson, and the aftermath of its events conspire to teach Scout and Jem valuable lessons about racism, prejudice and acceptance.
Written in the mid-1950s and published in the early 1960s, Harper Lee’s most celebrated novel provides insight into life and community in old-timey Alabama. It gives readers the chance to see major events and changing community through the eyes of a young child. For a beginning reader, Harper Lee’s simple language and no-nonsense storytelling offer a clear insight into 20th century literature. To Kill A Mockingbird leaves readers with a satisfaction over the story and debunks the myth of small towns being friendly.
Easy-to-read language combined with childhood innocence and a progressive outlook makes this novel a great first read before one decides to venture into older classics. Fans of Harper Lee would also enjoy novels by Sylvia Plath or Alice Walker, which contain similar themes and ideas. For any reader looking for small-town centred novels, or mid fifties novels, this one's for you.
Similar novels include…
The Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee.
#3 Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen
‘It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.’
Elizabeth ‘Lizzy’ Bennet is the second of five sisters living in the village of Longbourn. Upon hearing of the lease of Netherfield Park, Elizabeth’s mother, Mrs Bennet, aims to forge a marriage between the handsome Charles Bingley and one of her daughters. Luckily, Mr Bingley is quite taken by Jane, the eldest Bennet daughter. But his friend Mr Darcy holds feelings for Elizabeth, and not all of them good. Pride and Prejudice follows the tumultuous relationship between Lizzy and Mr Darcy, with adversaries such as new suitors, Mr Bingley’s jealous sister Caroline; and the worst of them all, Lady Catherine de Bough.
With witty humour and simple language, mixed with the occasional metaphor and simile, Pride and Prejudice is a wonderful first choice for beginner readers. Readers will be charmed by the joys and woes of English society. Set during the reign of King George III, Pride and Prejudice is the epitome of English country life. Clever jests and thinly veiled insults combine in this love story for the ages.
Jane Austen’s most famous work is a wonderful mix between romance and slice-of-life, perfect for any reader who wants to start classics with domesticity, marriage and society. For fans of period dramas (including Bridgerton), Pride and Prejudice is an excellent first choice. Regency era, society balls, dramatic flair and charming insults.
Similar novels include…
Emma by Jane Austen
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë
Portrait of a Lady by Henry James.
#4 Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
‘I am glad it cannot happen twice, the fever of first love. For it is a fever, and a burden, too, whatever the poets may say.’
Rebecca is the tale of an unnamed protagonist, a companion to the ageing Mrs Van Hopper. She stumbles upon the newly widowed Maxim De Winter in Monte Carlo, and he takes an interest in her. Soon enough, they are married and Maxim takes her to Manderley, his Cornwall mansion. Manderley is a strange place. Beautiful and grand, but simultaneously gloomy and haunted. Everyone seems to hold something against the new Mrs De Winter and she is alone while the shadow of Rebecca remains cast over Manderley.
Masterfully plotted suspense and psychological thrill combined with easy language show the horrors of gothic life told through the eyes of a meek, newly-wedded narrator. Between the struggle to fight off the presence of an oppressive first wife and the circumstances surrounding her sudden death, Rebecca holds intrigue, anticipation and a vague uneasiness that will keep readers hooked.
A classic of gothic literature, Rebecca has it all. Picturesque settings, an atmosphere of mystery and terror and a little bit of the supernatural. The themes and ideas in this book, the Electra complex and the mysterious dead first wife are similar to those of Charlotte Bronte’s ‘Jane Eyre’. Fans of gothic literature, such as Wuthering Heights or Dracula; or even fans of dark fantasy and the supernatural will certainly enjoy the suspense and mystery in Rebecca.
Similar novels include…
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier. ...
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. ...
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James. ...
#5 Little Women By Louisa May Alcott
‘You don’t need scores of suitors. You need only one… if he’s the right one.’
Little Women is the story of the four March sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. Living in poverty during the American Civil War, the girls decide to spend their Christmas money buying presents for their mother, known as Marmee. A great deal of good deeds follow, where the March sisters meet their elderly neighbour Mr Laurence, and his grandson Theodore, called Laurie. A spiral of domestic events conspire to bring romance, hardship and pain into the March girls’ life. But the biggest question remains, what will happen to them?
Like Pride and Prejudice, Little Women is fairly romantic, but more slice-of-life. Based loosely on the lives of Lousia May Alcott and her sisters, it details living conditions in the mid 1800s and the kind of society that the four March girls were surrounded by. Little Women holds morals and values, and puts emphasis on treating others well.
A classic of American literature, Little Women is a simple story of simple people. It navigates through the relationships and romances of four young women, showing that not every friend is a true friend, and not every lover is a true lover. Little Women holds life lessons that can be carried well into the future. Fans of domestic dramas, slice-of-life, or even cheesy romance novels are bound to enjoy Louisa May Alcott’s easy language and blunt storytelling.
Similar novels include…
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Sense And Sensibility by Jane Austen
The Pursuit Of Love by Nancy Mitford
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