A Fangirl's Opinion

Even though I’m a literature student, I never truly appreciated the classics and just saw them as set texts in high school across the globe, but how wrong I was. Now that I’m studying at degree level I’ve been able to read so many more classics and study them in great depth which in turn has sparked my appreciation and love for them. Classics have this pre-constructed view that they’re these boring, irrelevant and lengthy novels that make no sense, but instead, they are literary masterpieces that have been crafted to perfection, with each detail having a deeper meaning to what it appears on the page. Admittedly there are a few classics that I’m not a No 1 fan of, such as Hard Times by Charles Dickens but I wasn’t expecting to love every single one and that’s fair enough.

We use the term ‘classics’ for books that are treasured and admired by its readers who have fallen in love with them and I’d love to see more people discovering and enjoying classics. So, here’s the part where I force my new found love for classics on to my readers and followers by suggesting a few of my favourites and favourites of my fellow housemate’s favourites. I recommend you just give one of them a go as you might just be surprised at your reaction and level of enjoyment!

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – I myself haven’t yet read Harper Lee’s brilliant novel however when I asked others about their opinion on the novel they couldn’t stop praising it. It was my sister and close friend who I asked about the book, and it’s interesting as both of them aren’t huge readers but both of them absolutely adore it. So if you’re looking at a book to ease yourself in with, then I reckon you should start here!
2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – One of my all-time favourite classics because I am in love with the era and everything to do with the roaring 20’s! I love the glitz, the glam and all the extravagant parties, and I swear I was born in the wrong era!
3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – This one is a little more challenging but is certainly worth the read because it is pure brilliance. Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy are two of my favourite literary characters and I wish I had a romance like theirs! Even if you don’t want to read the book, just watch the film as it’s such a classic tale!
4. Frankenstein by Mary Shelly – Hollywood has sadly butchered this book and this is a clear a case where the book is far better than the film. The concept, the characters and the prose all come together to make this classic tale a masterpiece.
5. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte – Jane Eyre is the quintessential Victorian novel. It is not beloved simply due to its age or progressiveness or pretentious nature, but because at its heart it’s a damn good book. Lyrical, emotional, and captivating, Brontë makes you beg and plead sweet, emotional reprieve. And the best part is that you delight in every moment. Brontë made my emotions work for that happily ever after with the irresistible OTP: Jane and Mr. Rochester.