15 Must-Read books for English literature students
Everyone loves classic novels, but the list is so long so where to start? Say no more. We have got you covered as in this article we have listed some of the best must-read books for English literature students.
Here is a list of must-read novels for literature students.
Wuthering Heights
This novel is an all time classic written by Emily Bronte based on two families living on the West Yorkshire moors. This novel was influenced by gothic fiction and romanticism. The novel revolves around the main character Heathcliff as he grows up in the family who adopted him when he was merely seven years old, given the status of a servant, he runs away and returns as an educated rich man bent on revenge. This book is very interesting and a must-read for every literature student.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
This book is written by the famous William Shakespeare. Shakespeare is a must-read for any English literature student. Midsummer Night is Shakespeare’s shortest yet accessible works. It is a comedy with several subplots, the main objective in this novel is love and as to how people tend to fall in love with those who seem to appear beautiful to them. It is quite popular and highly recommended to read.
Emma
Emma is written by the famous Jane Austen, although it is less famous than Pride and Prejudice, but many believe that this is one of her best works. This novel is funny, romantic and readable, specially for those looking to read Jane Austen for the first time. The story is about a rich girl, Emma Woodhouse who plays a matchmaker for her friends even though she is sure that she might never get married herself.
The Kite Runner
Many of you may have heard about this book. It is written by Khaled Hosseini. This novel deals with the devastating legacy left by an empire, tells a gut-wrenching yet powerful story of an Afghan boy, Amir, who flees his country during the Soviet military intervention. There is a movie based on the book as well. An essential read for everybody.
The Great Gatsby
Published in 1925, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This novel is very classic and ranks as the top pieces of fiction of all time. The tale is about a man, Jay Gatsby, a man who lives his life in chasing for the only one desire to be reunited with the love of his life. The story keeps on getting more interesting. It explores around themes such as gender, class and tragedy. Students will enjoy reading and discussing about this novel.
1984
Written by George Orwell, 1984 has always been as one of the best books for English Literature students to read. This book explores the themes revolving around mass media control, dictatorship and many interesting themes for all the debate and discussion. Every literature student must read it.
Animal Farm
Another classic novel written by George Orwell. The book tells a story about a bunch of farm animals who rebel against their human farmer, these animals try to create a society in which animals can live freely with equal rights. The events in this novel, reflect the events related to Russian Revolution and the era of Stalinist Soviet Union. This book was included in the Great Books of the Western World Selection.
To Kill a Mockingbird
This is renowned book, many of you must have heard about this book, it is written by Harper Lee. This book explores quite complex themes such as the civil rights and racism. The main objective this book contains is about the nature of humans, whether they are essentially good or essentially evil. The three main themes of this book are about family, prejudice and courage.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
This book is a timeless children’s classic and a must-read for every literature student. It is written by Lewis Carroll. The tale of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland begins on an ordinary afternoon when Alice suddenly falls down a hole to discover a whole new adventure leading to a strange world with bizarre characters. It is a fun yet unique and interesting read.
Little Women
Little Women written by Louisa May Alcott. It is one of the best classic books for English Literature students, whether they are in university or A levels. Little Women is a must for your reading list. A great book about four sisters, who grow up and each find their own personal struggles. Head over to your nearest store to buy this book.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a quite popular book by Mark Twain. It is one of the most important novels in English Literature and worth reading. The tale revolves around a boy, Huckleberry who escapes his abusive alcohol father and so begins his journey down the Mississippi River.
Great Expectations
Written by Charles Dickens, it is one of his finest classic books. The main theme of Great Expectations is about class, wealth, social advancement, loyalty and affection. The plot is about a young Pip and how he suddenly becomes wealthy and later moves to London where he enters a certain high society.
One Hundred Years of Solitude
One Hundred Years of Solitude is timeless classic novel by Gabriel Gracia Marquez published originally in Spanish in 1967. It has then been published in about 44 languages. A survey among international writers ranks it as the book that has shaped the literature world over the past three decades. It is said that this novel is one of the supreme achievements of the Literature world. A must-read for everyone.
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Jane Eyre
Jane Eyre is a novel written by an English writer Charlotte Bronte. The novel is based on a story of a girl, Jane, who is a simple girl battling through life’s struggles and faces numerous obstacles in her life. It is widely considered a classic book, as it portrays the realistic approach of how a woman struggles her way through life. The main theme of this classic novel is about the importance of freedom and independence. It is a book loved by many.
Dracula
Many people must have heard about this novel which also came out as movies, this book is written by Bram Stoker. It is a gothic horror novel and one of the most popular pieces of English Literature. This novel has been adapted for various films for over more than 30 times. It is a truly interesting piece to read, highly recommended.
These exceptional classics have all left their mark in the literature world. Once you read these books, you will be sure of where your literature taste lies. However, if none of the novels mentioned above, tickles your interest, don’t be disappointed. There are still numerous Literature books out there which you can explore, it just depends on where your interest level lies.
Now you know the best books for English literature students. Make sure to read these books and leave a comment under the post.
