Are you a beginner looking to dive into the world of classic literature? Many readers feel intimidated by classic literature – they fear the language is too complex and old fashioned and that they won’t be able to relate to the stories. Here are five timeless classic book recommendations that new readers of the classics will find relatable and not too overwhelming:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Jane Austen’s beloved timeless novel Pride and Prejudice is a fantastic starting point, and is a good classic book for teenagers and adults alike. Pride and Prejudice was my first classic book, I was 22 when I read it and have been in love with it ever since. The storylines are surprisingly relatable – hence the popularity of Pride and Prejudice film and television adaptations such as the BBC Pride & Prejudice television series, the 2005 Pride & Prejudice film as well as the Bridget Jones book and film series. Did you know that author Helen Fielding modelled the character of Mark Darcy on Jane Austen’s Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, and even had actor Colin Firth from BBC Pride & Prejudice in mind for the film adaptation long before it came to life! The language of Pride & Prejudice is very clear and concise, easy to interpret and if you are having some difficulty with the text there there is a wealth of resources online to help you along your reading journey. Jane Austen’s witty writing and memorable characters will captivate you from beginning to end, as the story follows the Bennet sisters – Elizabeth, Jane, Mary, Kitty and Lydia, as they navigate issues surrounding love, marriage and social status in 19th Century England. When Elizabeth meets the wealthy but aloof Mr Darcy, mutual misunderstandings and personal flaws creates tension between them and flows on to each of their interactions with family and friends. The novel delves deeply into themes of love and marriage, but also has an overriding theme about personal fulfilment and true happiness above money, wealth and social status.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird is another favourite for beginner readers of classic fiction, and is a particularly good classic book for young adults as the text is very straightforward and relatable. The first edition was published in 1960 and was an immediate commercial success, with the author Harper Lee winning the Pulitzer Prize for the book in 1961. The story explores issues of racism and morality in the American South in the Great Depressions era. The story is viewed through the eyes of Scout Finch, a young girl living in Maycomb, Alabama with her brother Jem and their widowed father Atticus Finch who is a lawyer in the town. When Tom Robinson, a black man, is falsely accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell, Atticus agrees to defend him. As the plot progresses, Scout and Jem follow their father’s legal case very closely, while they also confront their own preconceptions as they befriend their reclusive neighbour, Boo Radley. Through Scout’s eyes, the novel explores themes of racial injustice, moral courage and the loss of innocence. Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a powerful and thought-provoking read that continues to resonate with readers today.
1984 by George Orwell
Dive into the dystopian world of 1984 where Big Brother is always watching. First published in 1949, George Orwell’s classic science fiction novel gives an eerily accurate account of the dangers of a totalitarian society and the shape of things that could come to bear. In the book the totalitarian society of Oceanic is ruled by the Party and its leader, Big Brother. The Party exercises total control over every aspect of life, including thoughts, through constant surveillance, propaganda and manipulation of history. The protagonist, Winston Smith, works at the Ministry of Truth altering historical records to fit the Party’s narrative, and despite his fear of the Party, Winston begins to secretly rebel. 1984 expertly and chillingly explores themes of government surveillance, propaganda, and the power of language. A must-read for anyone interested in political and social commentary and a brilliant choice of book to introduce new readers to the world of classic literature.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
The timeless Victorian gothic classic book that continues to inspire young and old readers alike, almost 200 years after it was first published in 1847. As for Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre also lends itself well to modern film and television adaptations as the themes are relatable across the ages. The book is Charlotte Bronte’s first novel and is said to be heavily influenced by her own life and childhood as she explores themes of romance, feminism, morality, and resilience. Jane Eyre is a suitable classic book for teenagers and young adults. The plot follows Jane, an orphaned and mistreated child who blossoms into a headstrong and independent young woman. After enduring a harsh childhood coloured by ill treatment by her cruel Aunt, Mrs Reed and her equally unkind cousins, Jane is sent away to a strict boarding school where she suffers further mistreatment. Following the completion of her education, Jane becomes governess at Thornfield Hall where she falls in love with her employer, the enigmatic Mr Rochester. Their romance is complicated by a dark secret that threatens to ruin them both. Jane Eyre is certainly a classic romance story for the ages, and a perfect starting point for readers looking to start their classic literature journey.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Step into the glitzy and glamorous world of the Jazz Age with The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic literary masterpiece. An enduring example of tragedy and literary realism, explores the American Dream, wealth, and the emptiness of materialism. The narrator, Nick Carrraway, is a young man who moves to West Egg, Long Island, and becomes entangled in the lives of his beautiful socialite cousin Daisy Buchanan and their handsome but elusive neighbour Jay Gatsby. Gatsby, a mysterious and immensely wealthy man, throws lavish parties with the hopes of impressing Daisy. As Gatsby’s obsessive pursuit of Daisy unfolds, it leads to betrayal, heartbreak and tragedy. Immerse yourself in the decadence and tragedy of this American literary masterpiece and you will not be disappointed. Gatsby is also a relatively short classic book for those who are looking to get through their TBR quickly!
Thanks for Reading!
These five classic book recommendations for beginners are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring the world of classic literature. Whether you’re looking for classic romance, classic science fiction, social commentary, or philosophical insights, these timeless classics have something to offer every reader. So grab a cup of tea, find a cosy spot, and lose yourself in the pages of these literary treasures!
RENTER FRIENDLY DECORATING 
Leave a comment