Classic novels are not everyone’s cup of tea. They shed light on the bigger issues of life, humanity and other subjects that stimulate the intellect. People usually begin with general reading but those who tend to enjoy the whole process of reading are generally the ones who look to include better books in their reading to-do list.
This article is for beginners who are looking for a comprehensive list of the top 10 classic novels for beginners. We have compiled a list after a lot of research for classic novels that are not only timeless tales but also make for great books to start with for beginners.
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain: It is a very famous novel which is also the guiding light for all of the novels that come from the United States. It explores racism, war, religion and so much more from an American perspective. It follows an orphan boy who is a runaway slave in the southern United States. It touches so many issues and makes for a great classic novel for any beginner to start with.
- Wuthering Heights by Emile Bronte: It was published a year after Emily Bronte’s death, and quickly became the pinnacle of doomed romance. It is a twisted love story between Heathcliffe and Catherin Earnshaw that showcases grief in a love story in an excellent way making it one of the finest reads for any beginner looking to find the top 10 classic novels.
- Moby Dick by Herman Melville: Moby Dick shares his profound commentary on human behaviour that is written with humorous wit. Herman Melville’s epic is truly exceptional and is filled with tales of nineteenth-century stories as well as other cultural relics and practices. The writing is clever and catchy. Moby Dick is to be experienced and not just read for any beginner looking to find his perfect classic novel to start with. We would definitely recommend this in the list of top 10 classic novels for beginners.
- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte: The Bronte family seemed to be producing a literary powerhouse at will. At the time, Jane Eyre represented a remarkable achievement for an English novel. The reader is immediately immersed in a deeply intimate account of the story. According to several literary critics, it serves as a precursor to novels that largely rely on the character’s inner dialogue and consciousness as the primary writing point. Great starting point for a beginner classic novel.
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin: It is a story about five unmarried daughters who are part of the family and a male line descendant of the family has been given the family land. The plot picks up when a wealthy Mr. Darcy shows up in town, and the result is this amazing story. It is a widely acclaimed classic novel all across the globe and would definitely be on our list of top 10 classic novels for beginners.
- Frankenstein by Mary Shelly: Mary Shelley was only 18 years old when she wrote this book, but she already had quite a talent for writing. Frankenstein paved the path for a number of future generations of authors by serving as both a Gothic thriller and a warning against the unrestrained capabilities of technology. In Frankenstein, Shelley demonstrates her writing skills which are definitely a must-read for any beginner.
- Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra: Don Quixote, written by Spanish novelist Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, is a work of passion and fantasy that tells a surprisingly contemporary story. The real life and the fiction are expertly combined. Numerous writers have been greatly influenced by Don Quixote over the years. And you too can get inspired if you pick this classic novel to read.
- Homer’s The Odyssey: The Odyssey stands out among our list of classics and merits special attention. This Greek oration has stood the test of time for thousands of years and is regarded by many as one of the earliest novels of all time. It is a classic example of an epic saga. The Odyssey, which is technically a long-form poem, is still a fantastic and exciting read after all these years.
- To Kill a mocking bird by Harper Lee: A remarkable book that many people that is widely popular. To Kill a Mockingbird is by no means a light-hearted book; it tackles very serious issues including racial inequity, rape, and morality. The debut novel by Harper Lee became a success right away and won several literary prizes. A proper example of a classic novel, it really sets the bar very high.
- 1984 by George Orwell: One of the most significant works of the 20th century, 1984. George Orwell’s masterpiece only becomes more ominous as time goes by.
The reader watches in fear and contempt as our main character Winston Smith gets lost in the bureaucratic nightmare. This book has remained a timeless classic and a perfect example of what a classic novel should be.
This is our list of top 10 classic novels for beginners, We hope that it will inspire you to take the leap and pick up any one of them and just get reading.
