Literary Kitten

Okay so… I love classics. I love the typically lush language and writing, the character building, the prose. But sometimes classics can be more difficult to read. Times have changed and there will always be that gap in understanding because of that. However, classics are usually classics for a reason and I’ve found that to be the case a copious amount of times!

Throughout my time catching up on all the books I’ve missed out on, I’ve discovered a few classics that are very near and dear to my heart. Of course when you love something, you usually want more of it, so I have also discovered some classics I want to read next.

Here we go!

5 of My Favorite Classics:

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray is about a beautiful man, Dorian, who is the subject of a brilliant painting. He keeps the painting in his possession throughout his life and some creepy things happen to the painting over time. Are they a reflection of his behavior?

I love this book so much. It hasn’t left the top of my favorites list since I read it in middle school. Of course, in middle school, I didn’t really understand all the themes present. I mostly loved the gothic atmosphere and the horror elements. Now, with a greater understanding, I love it even more.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

A love story that haunts all the characters involved over time between a woman named Catherine and a man named Healthcliff. Themes of revenge, breaking cycles, love in all forms.

The writing is gorgeous. This is another book with a gothic atmosphere, which I love. The ending gave me chills. I hated all the characters. Overall, this book provokes strong emotions in me and to me, that means an incredible book.

My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier and her other works

My Cousin Rachel centers around a man whose cousin passes away under suspicious circumstances, mostly in relation to the widow he left behind. This book is all about Rachel, the widow of the cousin, and her mystery.

I picked this du Maurier book as I think most people have heard of Rebecca (which is also one of my favorites). I urge everyone to read more of Daphne du Maurier’s novels, especially if you like Rebecca! They’re moody, shrouded in mystery; there’s elements of passion, love that runs deep, but there’s usually a dark caveat.

A Room with a View by E.M. Forster

A Room with a View is a romance that focuses on class differences, what it means to love someone, and going against the grain. Our main character, Lucy, travels to Italy and meets people along the way that threaten to change her beliefs. She might also… fall in love?

A gorgeous story about real love and how it sweeps someone off their feet; they don’t get a choice. A novel with philosophical characters that force the reader to think about what they would do for love if under certain circumstances. Mr. Emerson will change your life, I swear.

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Murder on the Orient Express surrounds thirteen strangers, plus detective Hercule Poirot, as they become stuck on a train after a murder takes place. Hercule Poriot has to determine who among these strangers committed the gruesome act of stabbing the victim several times.

How could I not include a Christie book? She got me into reading again and also made me interested in reading classics. Although her books are on the shorter end, they always pack a punch. Murder on the Orient Express had me crying at the ending and showed me just how loveable Hercule Poriot is.

♥ Onto the next part of this list, I picked these based on how popular they are, how highly people speak of them, and what I thought I would enjoy the most. Here they are!

5 Classics I Want to Read Next:

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

From what I know, Anna Karenina is a Romance taking place in Russia with themes of betrayal, tragedy, and revenge. That’s really all I know. I read the first few pages and I immediately liked it so it got added to the list!

I am a bit intimidated by the length but I am so excited to dive in.

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

People do NOT stop recommending Crime and Punishment; I’m sure it’s for a reason! I know that a murder takes place and that this is going to be a study surrounding the main character. They said murder and I was interested, haha. I also see the phrase “cat and mouse”; I’m intrigued.

Emma by Jane Austen (and her other works)

I’m listing Emma as I see so many of my favorite book influencers LOVING it. Emma enjoys matchmaking within her village and often faces comedic trouble. This is a romance and takes place during the Regency period, as many of Austen’s novels do. Pride and Prejudice I have already started but I’ve fallen a bit behind on it because I already know what happens; I have an unhealthy obsession with the 2005 adaptation starring Keira Knightley. 🙈

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Anne is an eccentric, intelligent, free-spirited girl who is unexpectedly adopted by the Cuthberts. This book and series follows Anne through all of her journeys and her experience adjusting to a new town. I have heard nothing but praise for this children’s classic and I know the vibes are up my alley; I think this will be the perfect book for spring!

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

The Phantom of the Opera is about a soprano who becomes the subject of an obsession held by a “spirit” of the opera house she grows up in. Once upon a time, I went through a Phantom of the Opera phase (the musical). I found out the musical is based on the book. As you know, I love a gothic classic, so I’m confident I will love this. I don’t really remember the story much, only the music from the musical, so I’m excited to finally gain an understanding of this timeless story.

♥ Well, that will be all! Tell me if you are a classic book-lover and if so, what are your favorites? Do you usually tend to stay away from classics and why?

As always, thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog today. I hope you enjoy Literary Kitten!

originally posted on: February 8, 2024 (on previous site)