I am super excited to finally participate in my first Top 5 Wednesday! T5W is a weekly meme is hosted by Sam @ThoughtsOnTomes. You can visit the Goodreads T5W group for more info.
This week’s theme is … Gateway Books to Your Favorite Genre.
Honestly, I have a lot of favorite genres. I love historical fiction, YA fantasy, children’s literature, romance, and more. But I decided (finally) to focus today on some of my favorite classic British novels.
I’ve mentioned before that my master’s degree is in British Literature and there will always be a special place in my heart for British classics (especially the 19th century). I think the classics are books we all want to read but are also pretty intimidated by. But you’re in luck because I’ve picked a few of my favorites that are also easier to love. Enjoy!
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen // Anyone who hasn’t read Austen should start here. It’s a story nearly everyone knows and the plot moves quicker than some of Austen’s other books. The language is as beautiful as it comes. I want to review it here properly in the coming years.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte // Charlotte is my favorite (and the most accessible) of the Bronte sisters. This story, the language, the emotions are all just amazing in this novel. You will not be able to put it down. Check out my review here.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens // I love Dickens. I have high aspirations to read a lot more of Dickens. But this one is miraculously short and a lot of fun. Plus it’s super popular so you probably know the story. It will make you feel accomplished finishing a Dickens novel so easily! Check out my review here.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare // This is the first Shakespeare play that I saw and laughed out loud. I was amazed at how easy it was to understand! I love Shakespeare, especially his tragedies. But I think this comedy is a great first Shakespeare to read (or better yet, see!) because it is light and funny.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis // I’m pushing the definition of “classic” here but these are definitely classics to me. These books are short and easy to read out loud. But they are powerful allegories worth reading again and again. And they are so much better than the movies (and I like the movies)!
Bonus: Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie // This children’s classic is much more complex and thought provoking than the Disney classic film. And it’s not hard to breeze through either. Check out my review here.
What are some of your favorite British Classics?
greenish bookshelf 
Absolutely loved your post … Well my interest in classical British literature began as a child when my mum read out stories to me … I am a die hard fan of the Great Expectations; Emma; Wuthering Heights; The Importance of Being Earnest; and last but not the least the Apple Cart by George Bernard Shaw … Please keep writing and keep sharing. Thanks for such an amazing blog … Much love Sugarsatchet
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Thanks so much for stopping by! I really appreciate your comment. I love Emma and The Importance of Being Earnest so much! I am embarrassed to admit I haven’t read The Apple Cart. But I should definitely add it to my list. Thanks again!
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Hey … I am absolutely in love with George Bernard Shaw. Please pick it up and once you finish reading, lets compare notes. Looking forward to hearing soon from you … Much love
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Cool! I added it to my TBR and will definitely let you know when I finish it 🙂
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Love your list, particularly Narnia and Pride and Prejudice!! I would also add Great Expectations – it’s just got such an interesting plot and characters! I always find an exploration of the British class system fascinating!!
Love your blog 😀
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Thanks so much! Those are great ones 🙂 I actually loved Great Expectations too. I haven’t read it in years. Would love to read it again except there are so many Dickens books on my TBR 🙂 Thanks for stopping by 🙂
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Great choices, I especially love Narnia!!
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Thanks! Narnia is the best 🙂
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A Christmas Carol, David Copperfield,Jane Eyre. David Copperfield I read many years ago when I was in the eighth grade. My English teacher had us read a portion every Friday. He even had us draw sketches of what we imagined the characters looked like. My favorite English author of all time is R.F. Deldafield. One of his series was on PBS years ago.He does not write classics.His series are historical novels. I think most of his books are out of print these days. Thanks for sharing your favorites. I will read your reviews soon.
Marilyn
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Thanks so much for your comment, Marilyn! I have not yet read David Copperfield but it is on my list. I have several Dickens on my list–Little Dorrit, A Tale of Two Cities, Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, Bleak House–I could read Dickens forever and never finish! Haha. I will have to look up R. F. Deldafield. I haven’t read anything by him before. Looking forward to your thoughts on my reviews 🙂
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