The epic tale of wrongful imprisonment, adventure and revenge, in its definitive translation Thrown in prison for a crime he has not committed, Edmond Dantès is confined to the grim fortress of If. There he learns of a great hoard of treasure hidden on the Isle of Monte Cristo and he becomes determined not only to escape, but also to use the treasure to plot the destruction of the three men responsible for his incarceration. Dumas’ epic tale of suffering and retribution, inspired by a real-life case of wrongful imprisonment, was a huge popular success when it was first serialized in the 1840s.
A prolific French author best known for his thrilling historical adventure novels, such as The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo. Dumas's works are characterized by their swashbuckling action, memorable characters, and tales of heroism, revenge, and romance. His engaging storytelling and larger-than-life characters have made his novels enduring classics of popular literature.
First published in 1911, this children’s classic tells the story of Mary Lennox, a spoiled and lonely girl sent to live with her uncle in a mysterious English manor. There, she discovers a hidden, neglected garden and begins restoring it—alongside her cousin Colin and friend Dickon. As the garden blooms, so do the characters, who undergo emotional and physical transformations. The Secret Garden celebrates the healing power of nature, friendship, and hope. Rich with symbolism and Victorian charm, it remains a timeless tale of personal growth and rejuvenation that continues to captivate readers of all ages.
by Willa Cather
Told through the eyes of Jim Burden, My Ántonia recounts the life of Ántonia Shimerda, a spirited immigrant girl on the Nebraska frontier. Through vivid landscapes and deep characterizations, Cather celebrates pioneer life, hard work, and memory. The novel is a nostalgic tribute to the resilience of early settlers and the bond between people and place, filled with poetic prose and quiet power.
Set in the rich farmland of the Salinas Valley, California, this powerful, often brutal novel, follows the interwined destinies of two families - the Trasks and the Hamiltons - whose generations hopelessly re-enact the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Abel. Here Steinbeck created some of his most memorable characters and explored his most enduring themes- the mystery of indentity; the inexplicability of love, and the murderous consequences of love's absence.
The Secret River follows William Thornhill, a convict transported from London to early 19th-century Australia. As he seeks to build a new life along the Hawkesbury River, Thornhill encounters the land's Indigenous inhabitants, leading to escalating tensions and moral dilemmas. Grenville's novel delves into the complexities of colonization, identity, and the clash of cultures. Through Thornhill's experiences, the book examines the consequences of displacement and the human capacity for both compassion and cruelty.