With the summer break finally here, we may be reveling in the freedom of not having to read books, specifically classics, for our English courses. While the arduous task of having to write analytical essays on these types of books, and their sometimes archaic language, might make them seem less appealing, I firmly believe classics are just as good a read as any other contemporary book out there. And so, I present to you four classic fiction book recommendations!
1. Gone With the Wind – Margaret Mitchell
One of my favourite books of all time, if not the favourite. Gone With the Wind, winner of the Pulitzer Prize, is a historical fiction masterpiece of more than 1000 pages. Don’t let this intimidate you – it is definitely worth the weeks (or in my case days because I sometimes read it non-stop) to delve into Margaret Mitchell’s world. I love the story’s uniqueness as it follows main character Scarlett O’Hara before, during, and after the American Civil War. She is not your typical “good-guy”, pure of heart and mind, lovable protagonist. The book captures emotion, description, dialogue, and pretty much everything that makes a book a great book, so well. Read one sentence anywhere in the book and you become entirely immersed in the plot. Most of all, I love how this book is centered around courage and determination. I can’t say enough to recommend it.
2. Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
Although I would say Pride and Prejudice’s language was harder to get through than any of these other prose recommendations, the story shines through! This classic is also a romance, following one of four sisters of the Bennet family, Elizabeth, through daily joys and struggles as she meets rich, snobby Mr. Darcy. I like how Jane Austen both captures the intricacies of ordinary life and makes them seem interesting, as well as how she offers incredible insight into practical, everyday life. It is eloquently written, relatable, and strikes to the heart, making us reflect on how we perceive things like family, friends, and society. The 2005 movie is a great adaptation of the book and is also worth watching.
3. Anne of Green Gables – Lucy Maud Montgomery
From Canada’s very own Lucy Maud Montgomery, this book journeys alongside orphan Anne Shirley as she finds a home at Green Gables. A talkalot, dreamy, bookworm with a very vivid imagination, I love Anne’s character and her outlook on life (although sometimes she monologues for literal pages without any pauses). Anne of Green Gables is part of an eight part series, in proceeding reading order: Anne of Avonlea, Anne of the Island, Anne of Windy Poplars, Anne’s House of Dreams, Anne of Ingleside, Rainbow Valley, Rilla of Ingleside, and The Blythes Are Quoted. Once again, the 1985 movie is a great and accurate adaptation of the book, and also worth watching!
4. Black Beauty – Anna Sewell
Last but certainly not least, Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty is told through the unique perspective of the titular horse as he is passed through the hands of different owners. Like all of the books in this recommendation list, I like how the book immerses you in Black Beauty’s world, taking you through his thoughts and observations without convoluted description. The classic explores the cruelty and kindness of human nature as we experience how Black Beauty is treated by his owners with friendship, neglect, respect, and so forth.
Image references: Featured Image/1/3/5/2
These books are great!