For the avid reader or those who have found their favorite author, or genre, the task of choosing what to read may seem easy. Yet even readers who keep a full docket of material will sooner or later find themselves perusing the shelves while they wait for next book in their favorite series (after all, it takes less time to read a book than to write one). So whether you simply want to find where to start, or if you are looking for new ideas, here are five classic books to read or reread.
Hugo and Dostoevsky Challenge the Way We See The World
1. Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo follows convict, Jean Valjean, who is recently released from a French prison after serving nineteen years for stealing a loaf of bread and for making an escape attempt. Homeless and penniless upon his release, Valjean searches for someone to give him shelter and work but when he is taken in by a kind bishop he repays the bishop by stealing his silver candle sticks. Valjean is arrested again but the bishop covers for him saying the candle sticks were a gift; he then makes Valjean promise to become an honest man. The remainder of the book is the stunningly told story of Valjean’s redemption.
Why read it? Les Miserables is not only a story of redemption, but also shows the effects of human kindness and the destructive nature of vengeance. Also, Hugo was politically active in France and his novels give a great insight into French life during the mid 19th century. If you do not have time to read the almost 800 page novel, there is an exquisitely made film from director Bille August made in 1998 and starring Liam Neeson as Jean Valjean, along with Claire Danes, Uma Thurman, and Geoffrey Rush.
2. The Brothers Karamazov, by Fyodor Dostoevsky presents the story Fyodor Karamazov and his three estranged sons, one of whom returns to his father for his inheritance. A dispute arises between father and son and as they attempt to resolve it a series of complex relationships emerge coupled with enticing philosophical dialogue.
Why read it? The novel is perhaps one of the most complete narratives in its application of moral, philosophical, and theological discourse. As the motives of each of the principles characters is revealed and their world views are related to one another, several engaging and thought-provoking discussions result leaving the reader to ponder questions about life, God, and moral living in ways they may never have done.
Three Books That Touch the Heart
3. Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austin attempts to untangle the exploits of the Bennet sisters as they pursue men who they think will not only make good husbands but will also increase their social standing and wealth. The story centers on the second oldest sister, Elizabeth Bennet, who struggles to understand and to be understood by the vastly rich Mr. Darcy.
Why read it? Jane Austin has an extraordinary way with words and weaves together a story that is both humorous and heartfelt. It is also enjoyable to see the way she jests at Victorian English snobbery. After reading the book, you may also be enriched by Joe Wright’s 2005 film, starring Keira Knightley, Donald Southerland, and Matthew Macfadyen.
4. A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, endeavors to present the terror of the French Revolution in the late 18th century. Dickens creates a tale of romance, sacrifice, and the ambiguity of morality. It is all held between two of the most famous lines in literature: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...” in the opening of the novel, and closing with, “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.”
Why read it? Dickens does an extraordinary job in many of his novels of presenting the class struggle of the 18th and 19th centuries. In A Tale of Two Cities he couples that presentation with commentary on the consequences of poorly thought actions and the necessity of sacrifice to create a sincere human drama.
5. Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte, centers on the tragic life of young Jane as she struggles to overcome the hardship and persecution of the aunt to whom she is entrusted early in life, the privations of boarding school, and finally focuses on her time as a governess at Thornfield Hall. Jane remains resolute despite her cruel upbringing and at Thornfield catches the eye of her employer, Edward Rochester. Their relationship is strained and difficult as it is overwrought with misunderstandings and the stigma of their vastly different social classes.
Why read it? Perhaps the best of all the Bronte’s novels (Charlotte was one of three sisters who all found some success in writing) Jane Eyre gives the reader a look into the disparagement of social class in 19th century England and challenges even the modern reader to be aware of how they perceive and judge those in their own society. The relationship between Jane and Edward is a beautiful depiction of how struggle possesses both rich and poor and of the triumph of a mind open and willing to see past the shallow surface of humanity. Masterpiece Theatre released an excellent rendition of the film in 2006, directed by Susanna White and starring Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens.
So next time you are looking for a good book or need to be entertained, reach for one of the classic pieces: Hugo’s Les Miserables, Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, Austin’s Pride and Prejudice, Dickens’ The Tale of Two Cities, or Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre.
Author Sunil S.
Hugo and Dostoevsky Challenge the Way We See The World
1. Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo follows convict, Jean Valjean, who is recently released from a French prison after serving nineteen years for stealing a loaf of bread and for making an escape attempt. Homeless and penniless upon his release, Valjean searches for someone to give him shelter and work but when he is taken in by a kind bishop he repays the bishop by stealing his silver candle sticks. Valjean is arrested again but the bishop covers for him saying the candle sticks were a gift; he then makes Valjean promise to become an honest man. The remainder of the book is the stunningly told story of Valjean’s redemption.
Why read it? Les Miserables is not only a story of redemption, but also shows the effects of human kindness and the destructive nature of vengeance. Also, Hugo was politically active in France and his novels give a great insight into French life during the mid 19th century. If you do not have time to read the almost 800 page novel, there is an exquisitely made film from director Bille August made in 1998 and starring Liam Neeson as Jean Valjean, along with Claire Danes, Uma Thurman, and Geoffrey Rush.
2. The Brothers Karamazov, by Fyodor Dostoevsky presents the story Fyodor Karamazov and his three estranged sons, one of whom returns to his father for his inheritance. A dispute arises between father and son and as they attempt to resolve it a series of complex relationships emerge coupled with enticing philosophical dialogue.
Why read it? The novel is perhaps one of the most complete narratives in its application of moral, philosophical, and theological discourse. As the motives of each of the principles characters is revealed and their world views are related to one another, several engaging and thought-provoking discussions result leaving the reader to ponder questions about life, God, and moral living in ways they may never have done.
Three Books That Touch the Heart
3. Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austin attempts to untangle the exploits of the Bennet sisters as they pursue men who they think will not only make good husbands but will also increase their social standing and wealth. The story centers on the second oldest sister, Elizabeth Bennet, who struggles to understand and to be understood by the vastly rich Mr. Darcy.
Why read it? Jane Austin has an extraordinary way with words and weaves together a story that is both humorous and heartfelt. It is also enjoyable to see the way she jests at Victorian English snobbery. After reading the book, you may also be enriched by Joe Wright’s 2005 film, starring Keira Knightley, Donald Southerland, and Matthew Macfadyen.
4. A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, endeavors to present the terror of the French Revolution in the late 18th century. Dickens creates a tale of romance, sacrifice, and the ambiguity of morality. It is all held between two of the most famous lines in literature: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...” in the opening of the novel, and closing with, “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.”
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Why read it? Dickens does an extraordinary job in many of his novels of presenting the class struggle of the 18th and 19th centuries. In A Tale of Two Cities he couples that presentation with commentary on the consequences of poorly thought actions and the necessity of sacrifice to create a sincere human drama.
5. Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte, centers on the tragic life of young Jane as she struggles to overcome the hardship and persecution of the aunt to whom she is entrusted early in life, the privations of boarding school, and finally focuses on her time as a governess at Thornfield Hall. Jane remains resolute despite her cruel upbringing and at Thornfield catches the eye of her employer, Edward Rochester. Their relationship is strained and difficult as it is overwrought with misunderstandings and the stigma of their vastly different social classes.
Why read it? Perhaps the best of all the Bronte’s novels (Charlotte was one of three sisters who all found some success in writing) Jane Eyre gives the reader a look into the disparagement of social class in 19th century England and challenges even the modern reader to be aware of how they perceive and judge those in their own society. The relationship between Jane and Edward is a beautiful depiction of how struggle possesses both rich and poor and of the triumph of a mind open and willing to see past the shallow surface of humanity. Masterpiece Theatre released an excellent rendition of the film in 2006, directed by Susanna White and starring Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens.
So next time you are looking for a good book or need to be entertained, reach for one of the classic pieces: Hugo’s Les Miserables, Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, Austin’s Pride and Prejudice, Dickens’ The Tale of Two Cities, or Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre.
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Author Sunil S.
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