Classic
Classic fiction includes time-honored works known for their enduring literary quality, cultural impact, and exploration of universal themes.
Great Expectations
Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations follows Pip, an orphan raised by his harsh sister, whose life changes after he receives an anonymous fortune. As he moves from humble beginnings to the temptations of high society, Pip wrestles with guilt, ambition, and the meaning of true gentility. Along the way, he encounters iconic characters like the bitter Miss Havisham and the mysterious convict Magwitch. The novel critiques class snobbery and moral blindness while highlighting redemption and loyalty. Rich in character and atmosphere, it’s one of Dickens’ most enduring and accessible works.
Oliver Twist
The story of Oliver Twist - orphaned, and set upon by evil and adversity from his first breath - shocked readers when it was published. After running away from the workhouse and pompous beadle Mr Bumble, Oliver finds himself lured into a den of thieves peopled by vivid and memorable characters - the Artful Dodger, vicious burglar Bill Sikes, his dog Bull's Eye, and prostitute Nancy, all watched over by cunning master-thief Fagin. Combining elements of Gothic Romance, the Newgate Novel and popular melodrama, Dickens created an entirely new kind of fiction, scathing in its indictment of a cruel society, and pervaded by an unforgettable sense of threat and mystery.
The Scarlet Letter
Set in 17th-century Puritan Massachusetts, The Scarlet Letter follows Hester Prynne, who bears the shame of an adulterous affair through the symbol of a scarlet “A.” Amid judgment, secrecy, and hypocrisy, she seeks dignity and redemption. Hawthorne’s classic explores sin, guilt, and the oppressive moral codes of society. Rich in symbolism and psychological depth, it remains a powerful critique of public shaming and the complexity of human emotion.
Song of Solomon
Following the life of Macon “Milkman” Dead III, Song of Solomon explores African American identity, family history, and the search for meaning. Blending magical realism with myth and history, Morrison crafts a richly layered narrative about liberation, heritage, and the power of storytelling. A profound, poetic novel that delves into the legacy of trauma and the flight toward freedom.
The Count of Monte Cristo
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.
Notes from Underground
Fyodor Dostoevsky’s 'Notes from Underground' is a profound exploration of the human psyche through the eyes of its bitter and introverted narrator, a retired official who chooses to isolate himself from society. Set in 19th-century St. Petersburg, this seminal work splits into two parts: the narrator's philosophical monologue critiquing the rationalist approach to life and society, followed by his complex interactions and sometimes anger-fueled alienation from others. This novella digs deep into themes of free will, existentialism, and the contradiction inherent in human nature, paving the way for existentialist thought. Dostoevsky crafts an unsettling, yet introspective narrative that resonates deeply with readers confronting the paradoxes and irrationalities of the human condition.
Atonement
by Ian McEwan
Ian McEwan's 'Atonement' intricately weaves a tale of love, guilt, and redemption, capturing the reader from the onset. The novel begins in 1935, introducing Briony Tallis, a precocious 13-year-old, whose misinterpretation of a series of events leads to a devastating accusation that alters the lives of her sister Cecilia and Robbie Turner, the family gardener. Set against the backdrop of World War II, McEwan masterfully explores the themes of innocence lost and the corrosive nature of guilt. His vivid prose and meticulous attention to detail create a haunting narrative that questions the reliability of perception and the possibility of redemption. The novel's final twist is both poignant and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.
The Ramayana
by Valmiki
An ancient Indian epic, The Ramayana recounts Prince Rama’s exile, the abduction of his wife Sita by the demon king Ravana, and his quest to rescue her with the help of allies like Hanuman. Blending mythology, duty, and devotion, the epic explores dharma, righteousness, and cosmic balance. Revered across South Asia, The Ramayana remains a spiritual and literary cornerstone.
The Catcher in the Rye
A profound exploration of adolescent alienation follows sixteen-year-old Holden Caulfield through three days in New York City after being expelled from his boarding school. As he encounters various characters and situations, Holden struggles with questions of identity, connection, and the loss of innocence, all while fighting against what he sees as the adult world's "phoniness."
Bleak House
Bleak House by Charles Dickens is a sweeping, complex novel that critiques the inefficiencies and injustices of the British legal system through the fictional case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce, a never-ending lawsuit over a disputed inheritance. Blending mystery, satire, and social commentary, the story follows a large cast of vividly drawn characters, including the virtuous Esther Summerson, the mysterious Lady Dedlock, and the sinister lawyer Tulkinghorn. Through interwoven plots and dual narrators, Dickens exposes the destructive consequences of bureaucracy, poverty, and secrecy. Bleak House remains one of his most ambitious and influential works, rich in atmosphere and moral urgency.
To Kill a Mockingbird
by Harper Lee
Set in the American South during the 1930s, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows young Scout Finch as she comes of age while her father, lawyer Atticus Finch, defends a Black man falsely accused of rape. Through Scout's innocent eyes, the story masterfully explores racism, injustice, moral growth, and the loss of childhood innocence, while painting a vivid portrait of a small Southern town grappling with prejudice and social change.
Persuasion
by Jane Austen
Jane Austen’s Persuasion is a quiet, mature romance about second chances. Anne Elliot, who once rejected the love of Captain Wentworth due to family pressure, encounters him again years later. Set against the backdrop of shifting social structures in early 19th-century England, the novel reflects on regret, resilience, and constancy. It is Austen’s final completed work and perhaps her most introspective, featuring a heroine whose emotional depth and intelligence reveal a nuanced view of love and personal growth.
The Divine Comedy
Dante’s epic poem follows the author’s allegorical journey through Hell (Inferno), Purgatory (Purgatorio), and Heaven (Paradiso), guided first by Virgil, then Beatrice. Rich in theological symbolism, classical references, and poetic vision, it explores sin, redemption, and divine justice. The Divine Comedy is both a personal spiritual odyssey and a timeless meditation on human morality, inspiring countless works of art, literature, and philosophy since the 14th century.
Gulliver’s Travels
This satirical classic follows Lemuel Gulliver’s fantastical voyages to strange lands—from tiny Lilliputians to giant Brobdingnagians, and beyond. Each journey critiques human nature, politics, and society through absurdity and exaggeration. Beneath its fantastical surface lies sharp social commentary on power, pride, and cultural hypocrisy. Swift’s wit and imagination make Gulliver’s Travels a timeless work of political satire and philosophical reflection, as relevant today as when it was published in 1726.
The Wealth of Nations: Books IV-V
by Adam Smith
Series: The Wealth of Nations (#2)
Books IV–V of The Wealth of Nations critique existing economic policies and propose a framework for limited but essential government intervention. In Book IV, Smith dissects the mercantile system, rejecting trade restrictions and monopolies while advocating for free trade. He critiques colonialism and tariffs, favoring open markets. Book V addresses the role of the state in education, justice, defense, and infrastructure—functions Smith sees as necessary for a stable, prosperous society. These volumes balance his case for laissez-faire economics with the need for public investment, rounding out his vision of a functional, ethical, and productive political economy.
The House of Mirth
Edith Wharton’s The House of Mirth portrays the downfall of Lily Bart, a beautiful and intelligent woman navigating New York’s high society at the turn of the 20th century. Torn between love, independence, and societal expectations, Lily’s refusal to compromise leads to social isolation and personal ruin. The novel critiques the rigid class structure, gender roles, and materialism of Gilded Age America. With elegant prose and psychological insight, Wharton delivers a tragic portrait of a woman trapped by her environment.
Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen
This beloved classic follows the spirited Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates love, marriage, and social status in Georgian-era England. When the wealthy and proud Mr. Darcy enters her life, their mutual prejudices create a complex dance of misunderstanding and growth. Through razor-sharp wit and social commentary, Austen crafts a timeless romance while critiquing class, marriage, and gender roles in 19th-century society.
Crime and Punishment
Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment is a psychological and philosophical novel that follows Raskolnikov, a destitute student in St. Petersburg who murders a pawnbroker. Haunted by guilt and moral conflict, he undergoes a mental and spiritual descent, questioning the nature of justice, free will, and redemption. The novel probes the consequences of rationalizing crime and challenges utilitarian ethics. With intense character study and existential depth, it remains a cornerstone of Russian literature and a profound meditation on conscience and punishment.
A Tale of Two Cities
In Charles Dickens' 'A Tale of Two Cities,' the turbulent backdrop of the French Revolution sets the stage for a gripping narrative of love, sacrifice, and redemption. The novel intertwines the lives of characters from London and Paris, illustrating the stark contrasts between the two cities during a tumultuous time in history. Through intricate plots and vivid descriptions, Dickens explores themes of resurrection, oppression, and the consequences of societal injustice. As the characters navigate personal struggles and political upheaval, the story builds towards a powerful climax that resonates with themes of hope and renewal. 'A Tale of Two Cities' remains a timeless classic that captivates readers with its profound insights into human nature and the enduring power of love and sacrifice.
Mariana
by Mariana
Mariana by Monica Dickens is an evocative and richly detailed depiction of one woman's journey through love, self-discovery, and resilience. Set against the backdrop of pre-World War II England, the novel follows the life of Mariana, an independent and introspective young woman navigating the complexities of family, romance, and identity. Through lyrical prose and vivid imagery, Dickens weaves a tapestry of memorable characters and emotive settings that reflect the societal shift of the era. The novel beautifully explores themes of growth, nostalgia, and the pursuit of happiness, leaving readers with an impactful message about the power of personal conviction and emotional strength.
We
Yevgeny Zamyatin's "We" is a seminal piece of dystopian literature that prefigures many themes explored by later classic works like Orwell's "1984" and Huxley's "Brave New World." Set in the highly regimented One State, a society where individuals are mere cogs in a larger machine and personal freedom is subjugated to an absolute and oppressive ideology, the novel explores the nature of individuality and freedom through the protagonist, D-503, a mathematician who begins to question the infallibility of the state after falling in love with a mysterious woman. Zamyatin's work is notable not just for its powerful narrative and rich characterizations, but also for its incisive critique of authoritarianism and its enduring philosophical questions about the human condition, making it a profound and timeless read.
The Master and Margarita
The Master and Margarita is a bold, fantastical reimagining of the Faust and Pilate legends, and a cornerstone of modern Russian literature. Set in 1930s Soviet Moscow, the novel was too subversive to be published during Mikhail Bulgakov’s lifetime, appearing only in censored form decades later. One spring, the devil arrives in Moscow with a bizarre entourage, including a seductive witch and a giant, vodka-loving cat. As they upend a city that denies both God and Satan, they also offer redemption to the Master, a persecuted writer, and Margarita, his devoted lover. Brilliantly satirical and philosophical, it remains a timeless masterpiece.
Utopia
by Thomas More
Utopia is Thomas More's work of philosophical fiction, imagining the island of the title, on which thousands live in peace and harmony. Through dialogue and correspondence between Raphael Hythloday and his friends and contemporaries, More explores the theories behind war, political disagreements, social quarrels and wealth distribution, and goes into the day to day lives of those citizens enjoying freedom from fear, oppression, violence and suffering. This vision of an ideal world is also a scathing satire of Europe in the sixteenth century which has been hugely influential since publication, shaping utopian fiction even to the present day.
Candide
by Voltaire
Voltaire’s satirical novella follows the optimistic Candide as he travels the world facing war, disaster, and betrayal. Guided by the philosophy that “all is for the best,” Candide endures misfortunes that challenge this belief. A biting critique of blind optimism, religious hypocrisy, and societal corruption, Candide blends absurdity and wit with Enlightenment-era commentary. It remains a seminal work in Western literature for its sharp humor and philosophical depth.