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A Girl with a View

The Best Classic Novels to Make you Love Classics

April 3, 2021

As an English student, I supposedly read a fair lot of “classic” books. Let me tell you, there are definitely some that should not be read again. However, throughout my time as an English student, there are some books that I absolutely loved! They are definitely worth the read whether you’re interested in classic literature or not. For that reason, I thought I’d share some of my absolute favourite (and not scary) classic novels in the hope that you find something you like the sound of.

opened book with twig of magnolia
best classic novels to make you love classics
Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee

I actually studied this during GCSE and thoroughly enjoyed it. The story follows lawyer Atticus Finch as he tries to prove the innocence of Tom Robinson. It is told through the eyes of his daughter scout and focuses on how Tom, as a black man, is falsely convicted of the rape of a white woman. It highlights issues of race and class heavily but its narration through the eyes of a child helps to identify and pinpoint the innocence of youth and how prejudices are typically learnt behaviours. It’s not only an important novel to read for its dealings with race but it is such an enjoyable story too.

Related: 5 Books You Should Read in 2020

The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald

I absolutely adore The Great Gatsby! I think it’s such a wonderful short novel that just screams decadence. The story centres on the life of Jay Gatsby but is told through the eyes of Nick Carraway, who has just moved in next door. Gatsby is a millionaire yet he cannot shake his feelings for his former love Daisy. He is obsessed with her and cannot allow himself to move on from the past without her. The novel follows Nick as he observes Gatsby and their interactions and highlights the difficulties of class, wealth and loneliness. It has an ending that I never expected too! The film with Leonardo DiCaprio is also really good too!

classic novels in a pile with flowers behind

A Room with a View – E.M Forster

The novel that inspired my blog had to be included on this list, right?! I studied it during my A-levels and loved it! The story follows Lucy who has come to Italy with her aunt for a glimpse of the culture. It is in Italy that she meets George Emerson, a lower-class man who, though not conforming to traditional standards of the day, allows Lucy to open her eyes and really see the world around her. Unsurprisingly, their love is not accepted due to George’s class and it is George’s father who makes Lucy realise that society and class should not matter when it comes to love. It’s a novel filled with humour, mocking and romance yet it is not without its critique of societal standards and expectations. It’s such a fun classic novel to read and I absolutely love it!

Alice in Wonderland – Lewis Carroll

I feel like most people know the story of Alice in Wonderland and most likely read it as a child. However, reading it as an adult is just as fun. The writing style is so easy and simple that you can easily read it in a day. Carroll writes using so many puns and plays on words that there’s always something wacky and amusing. The story is full of nonsense and fun that you can’t help but love it. If you pay close attention you’ll see some of Carroll’s critique of Victorian education too, the justice system, and adults in general but all disguised in humour. I even wrote an essay for my degree on Carroll’s use of humour I liked it that much!

Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte

Wuthering Heights is perhaps the most traditional of classics included on this list and is probably the heaviest book on here. Having said that it is still an enjoyable read. The story focuses on the character of Heathcliff from a child to an adult who falls for his foster sister Cathy. They have such an unbreakable and strong bond but Heathcliff’s class and temperament serve as barriers to their love. Cathy ends up with someone else though they still share a lot of love for each other. It makes for a very fiery read as Heathcliff’s temper often gets in the way of the pair. It’s also a novel that really allows you to follow a character from childhood to adulthood and death. I’d definitely recommend it!

Related: 8 of the Best Books I’ve Read Recently

Those are my best classic novels to help you fall in love with classics! I think there’s often a stigma attached to classics as they can be too heavy or scary. Whilst this is definitely true for a fair few of them there are some really great books out there. There are so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered and enjoyed even if classics aren’t normally your thing.

Have you read any classic? What have been your best classic novels that you’ve read?

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Comments

  1. Alice Myles says

    April 3, 2021 at 9:07 am

    I’m currently trying to get more into classics because I really don’t read a lot of them so I’ll definitely be reverting back here for inspo! I really think I need to read Gatsby though, the 1920s New York setting is my favourite!

    Reply
    • agirlwithaview says

      April 9, 2021 at 6:19 pm

      Such a good book!

      Reply
  2. Eleanor Jones says

    April 3, 2021 at 11:05 am

    To Kill a Mockingbird is a great modern classic, and I love the frank discussions of race in this book. Thank you for sharing x

    Reply
  3. Merry Sari says

    April 3, 2021 at 11:13 am

    Oh I’ve heard all of them but haven’t got a chance to read these classic novels. I have a few of them on my TBR – just need to remind myself to read them! Thank you so much for sharing x

    Reply
  4. Cristina Rosano says

    April 3, 2021 at 11:31 am

    I haven’t read many English classics, to be honest, I think Ulysses is up on my list as we studied some of it back in school! I love the 1920s but for some reason, I didn’t enjoy much The Great Gatsby. I Will add some to my list, thank you for sharing x

    Reply
  5. Della Driscoll says

    April 3, 2021 at 12:06 pm

    So many great books, I love the Great Gatsby too!! I really want to read Wuthering Heights x

    Reply
  6. Fadima Mooneira says

    April 3, 2021 at 1:28 pm

    I love classic literature novels. My all-time favorites are Anne Of Green Gables, Little Women, Pride And Prejudice, Jane Eyre, The Count Of Monte Hugo, The Phantom Of The Opera, and The Mills On The Floss. Thank you for sharing your list. Would like to check out these books on your list.

    Reply
  7. Sue Berk Koch says

    April 3, 2021 at 2:51 pm

    Thanks for the recommendations! I am a fan of reading and classics but ran into a snag with Vanity Fair. I just couldn’t empathize with Becky’s need to find a husband! I have read all your suggestions. My favorite on your list To Kill A Mockingbird.
    I have a post about how reading classics helps improve intelligence! With science to back up the claim. (link below!)

    –Sue

    https://susanberkkoch.com/blog/best-way-to-keep-your-brain-sharp/

    Reply
    • agirlwithaview says

      April 9, 2021 at 6:17 pm

      Oooh I’ll definitely be giving your post a read!

      Reply
  8. Lucy says

    April 3, 2021 at 6:21 pm

    These are all such classics and should be read once in your lifetime! x

    Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk

    Reply
  9. Bex says

    April 4, 2021 at 7:31 am

    This is a great starter list! I want to read more classics as I haven’t read many. However I have read “To kill a mocking bird” so I’m one down! I loved that!

    Reply
  10. Billie says

    April 4, 2021 at 7:43 am

    I don’t think I’ve ever actually read any of the classics. After reading this I feel like I definitely should start!

    Reply
  11. HollyWood says

    April 4, 2021 at 8:28 am

    Great rundown of classics! At the top of my personal list is Peter Pan. We read a chapter a night with my oldest when he was little. I think I’m going to start doing the same w/ Alice with my littlest. 😄

    Reply
  12. Serena says

    April 4, 2021 at 9:23 am

    I love reading classics, and these are great choices! I’m planning on rereading To Kill A Mockingbird soon as it’s been years since I read it!

    Serena / http://www.ramblingsofanotherunigraduate.com

    Reply
  13. GWT says

    April 4, 2021 at 9:37 am

    The story behind your blog name, love it!
    I’ve heard of all of these but never read any. Watched two on tv but that’s not quite the same is it?

    Reply
  14. Abayomi Ayo-Kayode says

    April 4, 2021 at 10:03 am

    I’m classics lover, I reckon I’ve done a great deal of it, I have read ‘Wuthering Heights,’ however, my favourites are Thomas Hardy’s novels, also Charles Dickens (particularly his ‘Great Expectations).

    Reply
  15. Caroline says

    April 4, 2021 at 1:24 pm

    I haven’t read ANY of these! 🙈🙊 I was meant to read The Great Gatsby for A level but then switched to a different course, but I have always wanted to read it! Also would love to read Alice in Wonderland & To Kill A Mockingbird. A Room With A View sounds amazing – will definitely check that out 🙂 x

    Reply
    • agirlwithaview says

      April 9, 2021 at 6:16 pm

      I really recommend A Room with a View!!

      Reply
  16. Emily says

    April 4, 2021 at 2:45 pm

    Wuthering Heights is one of my FAVORITE books. Definitely something I think everyone should read! This is a great list 🙂

    Reply
  17. The Twinsight | Lifestyle Blog says

    April 4, 2021 at 5:30 pm

    I’ve read To Kill a Mockingbird and am currently reading The Great Gatsby. I’ll have to check out the other books you listed!

    Reply
  18. A Cup of Wonderland says

    April 5, 2021 at 7:29 am

    Thank you for sharing! The only book I haven’t read on your list was A Room with A View but it’s so interesting to see what classics others value the most. Though I do agree with Alice and Wonderland being a classic that can draw anyone in to start reading and loving classics too.

    Reply
    • agirlwithaview says

      April 9, 2021 at 6:15 pm

      I loved A Room with a View!

      Reply
  19. Aaliyah says

    April 5, 2021 at 7:52 am

    Alice in wonderland is one of my favourites but I haven’t read any of the others. They all sound like lovely books and I think I’ll definitely give a few a go! X

    Reply
    • agirlwithaview says

      April 9, 2021 at 6:14 pm

      Hope you get to read some!

      Reply
  20. Charlotte Birchall says

    April 5, 2021 at 7:58 am

    I’ve read a few classics over the past year. My favourite classic books are Alice in Wonderland and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I want to read books from the Bronte sisters and Austen sisters. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • agirlwithaview says

      April 9, 2021 at 6:15 pm

      Thank you for reading!

      Reply
  21. Sumedha says

    April 5, 2021 at 8:20 am

    Admittedly, classics are not my books. I’ve read To Kill a Mockingbird, ~tried~ Wuthering Heights, and have read Jane Eyre. They’re very slow and I can’t seem to enjoy them as much as other people do 😅

    Reply
    • agirlwithaview says

      April 9, 2021 at 6:14 pm

      Yes they take a while to get into but can be worth it!

      Reply
  22. Hannah says

    April 5, 2021 at 8:46 am

    I still need to read Alice in Wonderland! I lost my copy years ago! I have to say Little Women really made me love classics!

    Reply
  23. Katie says

    April 5, 2021 at 9:35 am

    I made a pact in 2019 to read more classics! And read most of the books on this list… I really love Dracula too!

    Katie | katieemmabeauty.com

    Reply
    • agirlwithaview says

      April 9, 2021 at 6:13 pm

      Oooh I’d love to read Dracula!

      Reply
  24. Jenny in Neverland says

    April 5, 2021 at 11:08 am

    I’ve never really been able to get on with classics but I loved Gatsby! The Lord of the Flies is good too but I probably wouldn’t rush to read it again! I adored Little Women as well. But other than that, I don’t think I’ve read any others! There’s a few here I’d love to try – esp Alice in Wonderland!

    Reply
    • agirlwithaview says

      April 9, 2021 at 6:13 pm

      Oooh I need to read Little Women!

      Reply
  25. Faye says

    April 5, 2021 at 1:54 pm

    I haven’t read any of these before but they’re all books that I definitely need to read some day! I think The Great Gatsby would probably be top of my list out of the ones you mentioned x

    https://www.femaleoriginal.com

    Reply
    • agirlwithaview says

      April 9, 2021 at 6:12 pm

      I really recommend!

      Reply
  26. Giulia says

    April 5, 2021 at 3:16 pm

    Some great reads on this list! Definitely worth the read 🙂 Thanks for sharing. Wuthering Heights is one I’ve read a few times in my life. And The Great Gatsy is just captivating.

    Reply
    • agirlwithaview says

      April 9, 2021 at 6:12 pm

      I agree! Thank you for reading!

      Reply
  27. Ruth| Ruthiee loves Glamour says

    April 5, 2021 at 4:36 pm

    I haven’t read many English classics but I have heard of To kill a mockingbird and Alice in Wonderland and they sound like amazing books. I heard of A room with a view from you when you talked about it in one of your blog posts haha. I haven’t read any of these but they sound like must-reads. I will have to check em’ out.

    Reply
    • agirlwithaview says

      April 9, 2021 at 6:12 pm

      Hope you get to read some of them!

      Reply
  28. BR says

    April 7, 2021 at 7:11 am

    I love Alice in Wonderland, great post 😃
    Thanks for sharing
    https://uncuaderno4cero.wordpress.com/

    Reply
  29. Cora @ TeaPartyPrincess says

    April 7, 2021 at 7:44 am

    I have read none of these! But I definitely want to read Wuthering Heights.
    My favourite classics are Emma and I Capture The Castle.
    Cora | https://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/

    Reply
    • agirlwithaview says

      April 9, 2021 at 6:10 pm

      Ooh I haven’t read Capture the Castle!

      Reply
  30. Aoife says

    April 7, 2021 at 8:36 am

    I was so ready to say “no, I haven’t read any classics” until we got to Alice in W0nderland. I have read and loved that. But, from the looks of this post I still have so many more to discover.

    Reply
    • agirlwithaview says

      April 9, 2021 at 6:10 pm

      Hope you give some of them a go!

      Reply
  31. Claire Lomax says

    April 7, 2021 at 2:47 pm

    I am ashamed to say that I have read no classic books except for at school. I just can’t quite get in to them, I am the same with black and white films as well.

    I loved The Great Gatsby film so much and I am tempted to give the book a go x

    Reply
    • agirlwithaview says

      April 9, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      I really recommend the book!

      Reply
  32. Rosie Ireland says

    April 8, 2021 at 11:11 am

    I’ve read ALL of these except for A Room With A View. I did most of them during my schooling and have since re-read To Kill A Mockingbird and The Great Gatsby. My teacher was incredible, her passion lit a fire in me that has stayed with me ever since!

    Rosie

    Reply
    • agirlwithaview says

      April 9, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      Ahhh that’s so nice! ARWAV is a fab book!

      Reply
  33. Sarah Mark says

    April 8, 2021 at 8:11 pm

    All of these classics sound fab and I have to admit I haven’t read any of them. I do enjoy reading a classic but it has been so long. I will definitely check some of these out. The Room With a View sounds like something I would enjoy.

    Reply
    • agirlwithaview says

      April 9, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      It’s such a fab book!

      Reply
  34. Milli Davison says

    April 9, 2021 at 7:47 pm

    I’m so ashamed I’ve never read any of these! But Ive written them on my list it look out for when charity shops are back open and I can browse! Milli X – http://millidavison.co.uk/

    Reply
    • agirlwithaview says

      April 19, 2021 at 9:50 am

      I hope you enjoy them!

      Reply
  35. Under flowery sky says

    April 9, 2021 at 8:10 pm

    Awesome ideas, specially Room with the view. Love reading classics..

    Reply
  36. Cheyenne says

    April 11, 2021 at 3:34 am

    As someone who loves to read, I admittedly haven’t read many of the classics, or when I did I wasn’t old enough to appreciate them. Now I’m currently reading Jane Eyre for the first time because my sister got me an old edition for my birthday!

    Reply
    • agirlwithaview says

      April 17, 2021 at 4:19 pm

      I really need to re-read Jane Eyre!

      Reply

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