Beginner Classics to Get You Started.

by Sneha Asthana

Classics are a beautiful way to appreciate how far literature has come over the years. Out of millions of books that have been published, these are some that have survived and are still touching generations of readers' hearts. However, knowing where to begin with this genre can be intimidating. So, here are some books to help you begin your journey.

White Nights by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

The short story by Dostoyevsky, published in 1848, is a well-articulated tale that will help introduce you to Russian literature. 

Following a lonely and desperate narrator, the book bewitchingly explores the stages of a one-sided love story.  

The nameless protagonist, who is referred to as ‘the Dreamer’ is entranced by the sight of a beautiful young girl and latches onto the opportunity to gain a companion, going to great lengths to prove his loyalty and be a shoulder for her to lean on. Inevitably his hopes come crashing down with a plot twist that is sure to leave you astounded. 

If you enjoyed White Nights by Fyodor Dostoevsky, you should try Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. 

The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe's poem is packed with symbolism and metaphors for those who enjoy haunting imagery. 

A wise man, missing his lover is falling fast asleep. That was until he heard a knocking at his window. Frightened by the possibilities, he tries to calm his nerves. A raven rushes through the door and leaves him more shaken than before. 

The poem was written and published 179 years ago but it is still one of Poe’s most popular works. 

If you liked 'The Raven' by Edgar Allan Poe, you should try The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman' 

The Stranger by Albert Camus

Albert Camus’ novel is an interesting and eye-opening tale for people who enjoy the absurdity of life. 

Camus's first ever published book follows a morally grey protagonist who believes he is above human emotions. Blinded by the sun, he shoots a person dead. The story brilliantly explores how a man's guilty conscience slowly swallows him whole and leaves him a wreck. The novel is a depiction of Camus's popular philosophy of Absurdism. 

If you liked The Stranger by Albert Camus, you should try The Plague by Albert Camus 

1984 by George Orwell

The easy-to-understand dystopian novel that bought Geroge Orwell a lot of fame is sure to leave you questioning how the world is run. 

The famous dystopian novel by Orwell is an impressively written and eye-opening story that expresses the issues of a dominating government. Throughout the book the protagonist, Winston Smith, grows tired of being under the control of the governing party and decides to rebel. The realistic themes in this story make it must-read. 

If you liked 1984 by George Orwell, you should try Animal Farm by George Orwell.

The Outsiders by S.E.Hinton

A commonly read schoolbook by S.E. Hinton is sure to bring back memories and overwhelming emotions. 

Hinton authored this heartbreaking novel highlighting friendship while she was in high school. This coming-of-age tale follows two rival gangs, the Greasers and The Socs, who are divided due to their socioeconomic status. The tale is narrated by Ponyboy Curtis, who is a member of the working-class Greasers, he describes in haunting detail what life is like as a teenage boy in the 1960's. 

If you liked The Outsiders by S.E.Hinton, you should try Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck 

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

The picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a perfect read for those who would like to explore Gothic fiction. 

Dorian Gray is a young man who had a bewitching portrait made for him. The story takes a turn when the greed over his handsome looks overwhelms his senses, and he asks for the portrait to age in place of him. This novel questions the ideas of morality and the consequences of greedy desires. 

If you liked The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, you should try Frankenstein by Mary Shelly.