From Little Women To Pride and Prejudice: 5 Timeless Literary Classics

Some of us have memories of sitting in the library delicately turning those yellowing pages bound in a hardcover. Classics have the power to take us away from our surroundings, and in a flash put our senses into a story from a hundred years back. But as soon as the story is about to finish, the reality dawns upon us. Worry not, this summer stop scrolling mindlessly and give yourself the pleasure of diving back in history with classic reads. 

Classics Reading list: Here are the 5 classics that you should revisit:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

You’ll be in awe of Jane Austen for the next couple of days, after finishing this novel. It is not because the plot ends in a happy ending but because a curtain of prejudice from your mind will itself be removed from your mind. Austin’s understanding and representation of the class-based hierarchy in 18th-century English society is second to none. Her solid humour and wit will astonish you and you will find yourself applauding Austen's skills, in writing satire and irony. It is a kind of book to which you’ll return again and again until all the classic dialogues dwell in the back of your head. 

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens masterfully weaves the imperfect nature of humanity into a near-perfect narrative in this book. The care Dickens took in crafting both his characters and the story is evident—it is tender yet unyielding. The first-person narrative of Great Expectations makes you feel as though Pip is sitting beside you, recounting his entire story word by word, emotion by emotion. Not a single aspect of the plot feels exaggerated, which is why it resonates so deeply with the human experience. While the original ending may not leave you completely satisfied, those seeking a “happily ever after” should explore the revised version by Dickens. Nevertheless, the words and sentences in this book possess a rare ability to touch your heart.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Warning: Your belief in individuality will be reaffirmed as you turn the final page. Charlotte Brontë, through Jane Eyre, gives voice to the struggles of Victorian-era women with unflinching honesty. Without sugarcoating the duality of society—or Jane's own complexities—she paints a raw and authentic picture. Jane, depicted as a symbol of feminist resilience, argues throughout the novel that women should be free to pursue their desires, express their true selves, and carve out their destinies. Brontë's portrayal gives the oppression of women a powerful voice.

There will be moments in the story when you will want to shout out in frustration at the injustices Jane endures. Yet, rest assured, you’ll be rewarded with a happy ending because neither storms nor snakes can break Jane's indomitable spirit. So fasten your seatbelt—this book will take you on a rollercoaster ride from the first page to the last.

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Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

If you desire to find a novel, where no character is likeable then Wuthering Heights is your go-to. Not a single one of them is particularly admirable, and one aspect of their unpleasant natures is their ability to hide the truth. The unreliable narrator phenomenon could be widely recognised in Emily Brontë's only published book. As a reader, you have to read between the lines to guess what might really be going on and that is the real genius of the book. A personal suggestion is that if something, at first sight, appears as an improbable, unbelievable event it isn’t actually weak storytelling, it’s a clear sign to the reader that a character is lying.

The drama of the story is driven by some and perhaps many unstated misunderstandings, and this is why to some people, all the destructive passion is utterly incomprehensible, whereas others are absolutely hooked. But in the end, your love of Wuthering Heights will emerge from the realisation that it’s stark and This isn’t romance. Sadly, a very realistic account of a dysfunctional family.

 Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott uses her words to represent women in ways they had never been portrayed before. In many respects, Little Women feels like the most authentic depiction of women ever written during its time, while still reflecting societal stereotypes. In a world where marriage was often seen as a woman's only chance at success, Alcott introduces Jo March as a refreshing, independent character. Yet, by the end, even Jo’s story conforms to the constraints of this limited perspective, leaving readers with mixed emotions.

The omniscient third-person narrative, which often creates distance between readers and the story, instead deepens Alcott’s richly developed characters. The realistic portrayal of their struggles and the gradual unveiling of their complexities make the plot increasingly engaging. Whether you read it for entertainment or as a commentary on feminist ideals in a patriarchal society, Little Women is a compelling exploration of the multifaceted roles of women.

The views expressed are the author's own. The list is indicative and not exhaustive. You can also join SheThePeople's Book Club on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.