Let’s be real: novels considered to be classics can sometimes be dull. So here are a few that I believe to be worth your time:
1. The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
A stranded pilot awakes to find a stranger standing in front of him. This stranger, who the pilot would later call “The Little Prince”, would go on to tell him his life story. The two form a friendship as they try to survive in the desert and fix the pilot’s plane.
While this is a children’s story, I think it makes so many beautiful points about love, loss and friendship. The writing is so simple, yet profound. I could easily pull a dozen quotes from this book, but I’ll just leave my favourite:
“Of course I love you. It is my fault that you have not known it all the while.” -Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
2. The Iliad by Homer
This epic tells the story of the Trojan War, from the argument that sparked the conflict to the fall of Troy. The reader follows several characters, such as Hector, ruler of Troy, the warrior Achilles and the Greek gods, as each side of the war battles for victory.
I won’t deny this book takes some time to read. However, with drama, action and memorable characters filling each page, I found myself drawn in. Hector’s point of view was particularly emotional, while Achilles came off as incredibly cruel.
As a side note, The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is a great novel to follow up this read with. It allows you to see the story through Achilles’ eyes, which I found humanized him.
3. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Playing God, Doctor Victor Frankenstein creates a Creature made up of various humans’ body parts. However, so frightened by his invention, he casts the Creature out. The Creature tries to fend for himself before returning to his maker in anger.
I felt so bad for the Creature throughout the novel, which surprised me, given the myth surrounding him. However, you get to see his perspective for a large portion of the book and truly feel for him. Shelley created a story that makes the reader question who the true monster is.
4. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Dorian Gray, a vain, young man is unwilling to allow his beauty to fade. Therefore, he sells his soul, thus allowing a portrait of himself to bear the marks of age instead. As he begins to lead a life full of murder, blackmail, and cruelty, Dorian stays the same while the painting becomes disfigured and ugly.
Oscar Wilde has a very sarcastic and flowery writing style, which I found rather charming. Wilde is unafraid to poke fun at social norms, wrapping his critique in serious characters.
5. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Newly orphaned, Jane Eyre is sent to live with her merciless aunt. Looking for an escape, she finds the opportunity to train to be a governess. Jane is then hired by the dark and brooding Mr. Rochester to care for his ward. As she begins to develop feelings for him, Jane remains cautious as she tries to navigate their power imbalance.
What I loved about this book is how strong Jane is. She’s not necessarily out-spoken or bold, but she knows her worth. Despite her traumatic past, she is in control of who she is as a person. She’s kind to others and is willing to give up her security for her morality, which I find admirable.
It’s the perfect moment to dig into those classics, now that we’re spending a little extra time at home these days! Hope you enjoy them!
