Like many people, I was sadly put off reading when it was forced on me at school. There’s something about being told you have to read a book, analyse every sentence, and write an essay on the symbolism of a tree that can suck the joy right out of it. (Sometimes a tree is just a tree, and that’s ok!) 

Instead of reading “To Kill a Mockingbird” for GCSE English, I watched the film. Instead of reading “Twelfth Night” A-Level Drama, I went to see it on stage (which, to be fair, I still highly recommend! It was amazing!). 

Back then, I thought classics were stuffy, overly complicated, and only enjoyed by people who wore elbow patches and drank tea from bone china. But as an adult, I’ve completely rediscovered my love for reading and with it, I am going back to all the classics that I shunned at school for being “boring” or “a waste of time” - and, oh, how wrong was I! 

Now that I’m reading these books on my own terms, without the looming threat of an exam or an essay deadline, I’ve realised just how enjoyable these stories are. They’ve endured for decades, even centuries, not because they’re “good for you” like some sort of literary vegetable, but because they’re genuinely brilliant.

So, here’s my list of five classic novels that have stood the test of time. They’re just as enjoyable today as I’m sure they were the day they were published. If you’ve ever felt put off by the idea of reading them, I promise, they might just surprise you too.

1. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen

I can’t really think of a better place to start this list. Most bibliophiles agree that Austen’s novels are as relevant and sharp today as they were when they were published in the 1800’s. They cover topics that we are still talking about today; pride and (you guessed it) prejudice, social class, gender roles and relationship dynamics. It’s all done in a humorous, witty and timeless way. Plus, Mr Darcy is still as dreamy as ever… 

2. “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee 

There is a reason this book is still taught in schools. Whilst times have changed since Atticus Finch was a lawyer, I am sad to say that many of the injustices he fought against are still evident today. Alongside that, the themes of empathy, morality and coming-of-age give the book a rich depth. The characters are a huge part of people’s timeless love for this book; Atticus Finch is a classic literary hero, and the story being told from Scout’s point of view gives the story a child-like curiosity. My apologies to Lee for not reading it 10 years ago! 

3. “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier

There will never be a day when thrillers and “whodunnits” are not popular. They hold a universal appeal that time cannot dampen. This novel, in particular, is so captivating that it will never not be loved. The book also covers so many gritty themes that make it a firm favourite for people still today, hence why it has received numerous stage and screen adaptations for modern audiences. It is dramatic and atmospheric, it covers gender and obsession, all with a nice dose of psychological thriller. What is not to love!? 

4. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

It’s hard to read this book without picturing Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role. But, famous actors aside, this short and snappy read is complex and layered, making it hard to put down for modern audiences. It’s beautiful, poetic writing style and glamorous background undoubtedly add to its readability. Its themes also feel quite timeless; wealth and status, love versus obsession, identity and morality, illusion versus reality. How has it taken me this long to find this book!? 

5. “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott 

This is my personal favourite of all the classics on this list. I read this during lockdown, and it helped to rekindle my love of reading, so it will always have a special place for me. This book, simply put, is cosy. I adored every character and the family dynamics the novel explores are so relevant that they are just as likely to appear in an episode of the Kardashians as they are in a 1860’s novel. Some things never change, and one of those is tricky sisterly relationships! 

Honourable Mentions 

As I continue to rediscover classics I once side-eyed and unfairly dismissed, my TBR (to be read) pile is still happily growing at an alarming rate. There are so many that I’ve yet to get to, and I’m now genuinely excited about each one.

A few still waiting patiently on my Kindle include:

• “1984” by George Orwell

• “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë

• “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley

• “A Room With A View” by E.M. Forster 

I have a feeling some of these might end up becoming new favourites, but I’m also fully prepared for the odd “well, that was an experience” moment; that’s part of the joy of reading classics. You never quite know whether you’re going to fall in love with a character, be swept away by the writing, or find yourself marvelling at how little our lives have changed over the centuries.

I’d love to hear about the classics you still return to time and time again (especially the ones you hand to people with a “you have to read this” look in your eyes). I’m always looking for recommendations to help me broaden my literary horizons.

And if you’re still dipping your toes into the world of classic novels, I hope this article has sparked some ideas for where to start. Whether you end up reading one of these titles or something entirely different, I’d love to hear your thoughts!