Pride & Prejudice
This all-favorite by Jane Austin still reckons with book lovers in the twenty-first century, nearly 250 years after its publication. Sparks fly high between the fierce and outspoken Elizabeth Bennet and arrogant William Darcy in this romance. The story follows the life of Elizabeth Bennet a sassy and intelligent young woman, who is never afraid to speak her mind and her quest for love. Despite all the recent feminist onslaught, it continues to entertain and delight readers across the globe due to its universal appeal.
Jane Eyre
This coming of age novel by Charlotte Bronte narrates the exceptional survival tale of protagonist Jane Eyre. Published under the pen name “Currer Bell”, on 16 October 1847, novel was the first of its kind. Although dismissed by critics as anti-christian at the time of its publication. The novel rose to meteoric rise since then and Jane is considered the first modern female heroine. The novel charts Jane’s progress from a docile orphan to a career woman and her subsequent marriage to Edward Rochester.
Sons and the Lovers
D.H Lawrence’s magnum opus The Sons and Lovers published in 1913 was the first novel on the premises of psychoanalysis. The novel exploring the complex relationship between the protagonist and his mother, a result of oedipus complex. The novel narrates the story of Paul who is obsessively devoted to his mother and hates his father. The relationship often borders on romance and desire. The novel reflects Lawrence’s own devotion to his mother and was largely written at the time of his mother’s illness.
Things Fall Apart
No other novel comes closer to depicting the horrors of coloniasation as Nigerian author Chinua Acheb’s masterpiece, Things Fall Apart published in 1958. The first modern African novel has since become an important historical document tracing the influence of colonialism and important work in post-colonial studies. the novel follows the life of Okonkwo, an Igbo(“Ibo” in the novel) man and local wrestling champion in the fictional Nigerian clan of Umuofia.
One hundred years of Solitude
Published in 1967 by the celebrated Columbian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, One Hundred Years Of Solitude remains a classic. No other writer has depicted the latin American society so vividly and realistcally as Marquez. The novel adopts the magic realism as a style to depict the complex and almost mythical reality of Latin American countries. The novel traces the story of Buendia in the fictional town of Mocando. Published at a time of literary latin -American boom. The novel has been since published into thirty-seven languages and is a must for anyone who wants to explore the Colombian culture and myth.
I love pride and prejudice
Me too!
What a great list.
Great literature
Yes I have read some of them, and added the others to my own list. 🙂 Peace.
Even I need to take out some time to re-read these classics, somehow hard-pressed for time.
Yes, I understand. I think one of the reasons electronic media is so popular is that it is a lot of info moving very quickly. And it makes us think we are making are time count. Books however are an investment. The time we put into reading brings us an immense treasure as a reward. Peace.
Totally agree… books are greatest treasures that we have
🙂
What a great collection. I have read only one. Thanks for the recommendation. Will read them
These are great reads, must read when ever you have time.
Sure will do that. Thanks for the recommendations
Since i am not literature fraternity.even then i will like to read books suggested by you
An interesting selection but probably one for literary addicts rather that general readers. Dan Brown’s Da Vinci code sold five million or more and Harry Potter comes a close second . Interestingly enough 50 Shades sold millions very quickly and Barbara Cartland is one of the world’s most popular authors. The now ostracized Enid Blyton was enormously popular, but times have moved on and the academics have cast her aside as most unsavoury.
If we go to the free download site Gutenberg they list the most popular downloads and Pride and Prejudice often heads the list, but remember this site contains no modern books as they are busy collecting royalties.
How do we judge the quality of books ? is it not subjective anyway ? do numbers count for much? I think the best yardstick must be the test of time ; in which case Jane Austen deserves high recognition along with Charles Dickens.
I agree that there remains a gulf between popular fiction and literature, that is why I chose to keep the the title the 5 must reads for literature lovers rather 5 must reads for books lovers. Any how as you rightly said what books one like is subjective and personal. There are many actually Charles Dickens, Marlowe, Lewis Carroll, Dostoevsky etc. etc. As far as bestsellers are concerned it has lot to do with marketing and publishing houses and of course paid reviews. Thanks for reading out I truly appreciate it.
It’s refreshing to read your post. I have read some on your list and will definitely pick up the others! Reading first-rate literature is the best way to ensure a quality life!
Hi, Lynne thanks for reading out, truly appreciate it. I agree that reading quality literature is really fine thing to do. There are many best-sellers out there but still cant beat first-rate literature.