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Reading, I believe, is fundamental to life. It gives you much-needed perspective on various issues, arms you with information and knowledge, and makes you empathetic, among other things. I’ve always believed it doesn’t matter what you are reading as long as you are reading. And there are just so many books being published these days, of different genres, that we are spoilt for choice. There are all kinds of books to cater to people with different preferences.

Everyone, however, should read the classics. These books have enduring themes and universal messages. They give you a glimpse into the lives of people from different times and backgrounds, thus helping you understand the world and your place in it. Many classics are a part of the school or college syllabus. But there are some lesser-known titles that I love more than the famous ones.

I don’t understand why they haven’t received the love the other classics like ‘Pride and Prejudice’, ‘Great Expectations’, and ‘Anna Karenina’ seem to enjoy. I believe these books are just as worthy of attention, offering insightful glimpses into different eras and cultures. So, this week, I thought I’d recommend 10 classics that I really want more people to read and talk about.

The Monk by Matthew Gregory Lewis (1796)

None of my friends had heard about this novel and I’m sure many still don’t know about it.

The Gothic novel tells the story of a monk who gives in to temptation and engages in a series of sinful and horrific acts. The subject matter is scandalous and controversial. I have to give a trigger warning here because there are elaborate mentions of rape and incest. It received a lot of negative feedback from readers upon publication and the author censored the editions that came out after the initial publication. The reason I’m recommending this book is because it’s a stark, albeit uncomfortable, look at what drives people to do the things they do and become who they are.

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (1848)

As the youngest of the Bronte sisters, Anne Bronte is often overlooked. Her sisters Emily Bronte and Charlotte Bronte went on to be quite famous but Anne didn’t quite get the same treatment. ‘Agnes Grey’ by Anne didn’t receive the same love as ‘Jane Eyre’ by Charlotte despite the two having similar themes because the latter came out first. Agnes Grey was seen as an imitation of Jane Eyre. But the fact was that Anne had written Agnes Grey much before Charlotte started working on Jane Eyre. What I’m trying to say is that Anne was overshadowed by her sisters for various reasons but that doesn’t mean her books are any less interesting and important. I recommend you read ‘The Tenant of Wildfell Hall’ to understand what I mean.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell (1855)

Set in England during the time of the Industrial Revolution, ‘North and South’ tackles some of the major economic and social issues of the time. It’s a captivating love story highlighting the clash between profit and humanitarian ideals. There is excellent character development so the book keeps you hooked. The story follows Margaret Hale’s journey from her comfortable life to the poverty of industrial Milton, as she develops a passion for social justice. There’s also the account of a tumultuous relationship with mill owner John Thornton. It’s easy to read as the language is very pleasant. Another good thing about the book is that the chapters are short and you will find yourself breezing through it.

The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot (1860)

The Mill on the Floss was first published in three volumes. Spanning a period of over a decade, the novel details the lives of Tom and Maggie Tulliver, siblings who grow up at Dorlcote Mill on the River Floss. It’s a story about a girl’s frustrations and unwillingness to conform to society’s standards. Maggie is impulsive, passionate, and smart but her thoughts and views clash horribly with her family’s expectations. The result is harrowing. Apparently, Eliot drew on her own experiences and frustrations while writing the novel.

In A Glass Darkly by Sheridan Le Fanu (1872)

In this glorious collection of short stories published a year before Fanu’s death, you will get to delve into the eerie and mysterious world of ghosts. There are five stories in the book but the third and the fourth ones are long enough to be called novellas. Dr. Hesselius, a ‘metaphysical’ doctor, presents five cases that blur the line between reality and hallucination. You will be left wondering what is real and what is not. It makes for a taut, tense read. I’m left with a chilling uncertainty that gives me goosebumps every time I pick up this book. The annotated edition of the book features an introduction and explanatory notes, inviting you to explore the supernatural experience with an open mind.

Tess of the d’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy (1891)

I bought a copy of the book without knowing anything about it because I liked the sound of the title and the cover of the edition I came across was stunning. I’m glad I did because it’s easily one of the most powerful stories I have read. I read that it received mixed reviews when it was first published as it challenged Victorian ideals of purity and sexual morals. Tess is such a strong, endearing character that you can’t help but fall in love with her. She shows you that weaknesses and strength can go hand-in-hand and that together these two contradictory elements can actually be quite empowering.

Dracula by Bram Stoker (1897)

Published in 1897, Bram Stoker’s gothic horror novel is told by multiple narrators in a series of diary entries, letters, newspaper articles and ships’ logs. An old folklore tale becomes a frightening reality for Jonathan Harker, a solicitor, and his friends, after they visit Count Dracula. The Count is not a hero like the modern vampires we see in contemporary fiction and movies. Interestingly, the Count is not affected by sunlight like most vampires we have read about. Dracula is heartbreaking and refreshing. The story is essentially about love and loss but there’s a lot of tension that keeps you on your toes.

The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton (1921)

The Age of Innocence is Edith Wharton’s eighth novel, and perhaps her most famous one too. She wrote the book when she was in her 50s and was already an author who was in high demand among publishers. It was initially serialized in four parts upon initial release, with a book being published later on. It won the 1921 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Wharton became the first woman to win the prize. It’s a historical love story set in New York City in the Gilded Age, peppered with feminist ideas. The story is about a man named Newland Archer, a bachelor in New York City. We are also introduced to his fiancée, May Welland, who comes from one of the richest and most respected families in NYC. Newland is eager to marry her. But Newland is conflicted about life and the way he is supposed to live in a system that is inherently flawed.

Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell (1933)

George Orwell was a British writer and poet best known for his novels ‘1984’ and ‘Animal Farm’. But Orwell also wrote several non-fiction books, including his first published work, Down and Out in Paris and London. It was his first major work, published when Orwell was only 29. It consists of two sections—Paris and London—and is a glaring exposé of those living in poverty. Orwell writes honestly and humorously about his own experiences and observations. It’s a highly entertaining read. You won’t regret having read it. And who knows, it might actually make it to the list of your all-time favorite books.

Invitation to a Beheading by Vladimir Nabokov (1935 – 1936)

‘Invitation to a Beheading’ was originally serialized from 1935 to 1936. It came out in Paris in 1938 with its English translation, worked on by his son, following in 1959. Most of us know Nabokov because we’ve read or heard about the infamous ‘Lolita’ that addresses the controversial issue of hebephilia (sexual preference for children in early adolescence, between ages 11 and 14). I’m not a fan of Lolita and don’t understand the hype surrounding the book but I’m fascinated by Invitation to a Beheading which is a surreal tale of Cincinnatus C’s last days before his execution. Condemned for an imaginary crime in a nameless country, he has to deal with horrible jailers, and a fellow prisoner who’s also his executioner.

‘The Stationery Shop of Tehran’ by Marjan Kamali is one of the most beautiful books I’ve read. The writing is gorgeous. The plot is gripping, even though it reads a little like one of the countless Bollywood movies I’ve watched. The characters are well-crafted. You become so deeply invested in their lives that it’s difficult not to think about them every waking minute while reading the book and for a long time after you are done. I have recommended and gifted the book to a lot of relatives and friends and they have all had really good things to say about it. 

‘The Lion Women of Tehran’ is Kamali’s recent release which follows the lives of two girls Ellie and Homa from 1950 to 2022. In the 1950s, seven-year-old Ellie lived comfortably with her parents till the death of her father forced her mother to move to a tiny home. She is sent to the local school where she befriends a curly headed girl named Homa whose father is a waiter at a hotel. Ellie’s mother doesn’t like her being friends with ‘commoners’ as she is a ‘direct descendent of the royals.’ In an attempt to ensure Ellie has a privileged upbringing, her mother takes a bold step. Their lives change. For the better, this time. 

Soon Ellie forgets all about Homa, despite vehement promises to stay in touch and be friends for life. A few years later, Homa comes back into Ellie’s life, when Ellie would rather keep her past and present separate. However, soon the two pick up where they left off till things ultimately unravel because of an innocent mistake on Ellie’s part during the political turmoil in Iran. But its repercussions span generations and Ellie carries the guilt with her for the most part of her life.

Ellie and Homa are both great characters. They feel like people you know. Even the side characters like Ellie’s mother, uncle, and a few friends have been well fleshed out. It lends a real feel to the story. There is friendship, drama, love, family and political issues in the plot with friendship taking center stage. It’s fun, heartwarming, and a smooth read which reminds you of the value of the people you meet early on in life. It’s also a book about courage and being true to yourself despite your circumstances. All in all, I think it’s a great book that you shouldn’t miss out on. 

Fiction

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199798217-the-lion-women-of-tehran 

The Lion Women of Tehran

Marjan Kamali

Published: 2024 

Publisher: Simon & Schuster 

Pages: 327, Paperback

I love thrillers. It’s the genre I most gravitate towards. It gives me an adrenaline rush that feels so good. Mysteries are what I pick up when I’m not in the mood for heavy stories that get me all riled up, struggling to get a hold on my emotions. The thing about mysteries and thrillers, however, is that the more you read, the more you are able to predict the course of the story. You start seeing a pattern and then it takes a lot to catch you by surprise.

But there are some books and authors who are really the master of their crafts. Reading them always makes me marvel over their talent. Their works are gripping and full of twists and turns. No matter how many thrillers I have read, I have never been able to guess the ending. This week, I’m sharing three of my favorite thrillers and authors hoping you will love them as much as I do, and that they will bring you some respite when you need it the most.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

‘The Housemaid’ by Frieda McFadden follows a struggling young woman who makes a fresh start by working as a housemaid to a wealthy, upscale couple. But little does she know that the family isn’t as perfect as it seems. But Millie too has secrets of her own. The Housemaid has two more books in the series. It’s a taut thriller that made me anxious for the characters. Unlike most thrillers, here the characters aren’t black and white. Everyone has good and bad points and you struggle to decide whose side you are on. I could never really make up my mind. Besides The Housemaid series, McFadden has many other thrillers to her credit. Her novels have been translated into more than 30 languages.

 The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino

My husband and I both love Keigo Higashino. The Japanese author is a phenomenal writer whose stories are crafted with an unmatched precision. ‘The Devotion of Suspect X’ sold more than two million copies in Higashino’s native Japan, becoming what the English translation calls a ‘national obsession’. The premise of the book is how a mathematical genius uses his abilities to save the woman he is secretly in love with from being arrested for murder. There’s even a movie adaptation of the book starring Kareena Kapoor. The book is a thriller that has many elements of a love story as well. After the popularity of The Devotion of Suspect X, many of Higashino’s other works have been translated into English. ‘Malice’ and ‘A Midsummer’s Equation’ are two other titles that I found to be hugely entertaining.

 The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

I love this book for its dark vibes. The novel is set in Paris and follows a young woman, Jess, as she investigates the disappearance of her half-brother, Ben. In doing so, she uncovers the many secrets of the residents living in the same apartment building as her brother. The novel is fast paced and the ending is a bit predictable but that doesn’t take away from its atmospheric setting that sucks you in from the first page. I’m a huge fan of Lucy Foley. Her books stress me out. I feel like I’m the one who’s trapped in the difficult situations Foley builds in her stories. ‘The Hunting Party’ and ‘The Guest List’ were suspenseful and kept me up at night. The Paris Apartment also makes for a fascinating exploration of life and culture in Paris.

“The Selfish Gene” by evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins explores the idea that the fundamental unit of survival in living organisms is the gene. Genes are the organic replicators that inhabit every living creature on Earth, and their primary mechanism for survival is by passing from parent to offspring through sexual or asexual reproduction. While genes are not conscious entities, their influence on organisms often makes them seem like master strategists.

One striking example from the book involves the parasitic behavior of cuckoo birds, which lay their eggs in the nests of other birds, like robins. The cuckoo egg is cleverly disguised to resemble the host bird’s eggs. The unsuspecting host incubates the egg, and once it hatches, the cuckoo chick instinctively pushes the host’s real eggs out of the nest, ensuring it receives all the parental care and resources. Though this happens unconsciously, natural selection has favored the genes that enable these behaviors in cuckoos, ensuring their survival and propagation. Cuckoos that failed to disguise their eggs did not survive to pass on their genes. This process of differential survival based on fitness to the environment has driven the evolution of the vast diversity in appearance and behavior among living beings.

The book also challenges the popular but misleading view that evolution favors traits that benefit the group or species as a whole. For instance, when a prey bird spots a predator and sounds an alarm, it seems like an act of group altruism. However, this behavior also increases the caller's own safety, as the alarm may confuse the predator and make it harder to locate any single bird. The alarm call itself has evolved to be difficult for predators to pinpoint. Thus, the "selfish" genes that promote such behavior have outcompeted those that favored less effective strategies. The concept of the "selfish gene" offers a simpler explanation for complex behaviors, which the more chaotic and diverse “good of the species” view struggles to address.

Organisms often care for their kin because, from a genetic perspective, ensuring the survival and reproduction of kin is another way to propagate one’s own genes. Kin share a greater proportion of genes with each other than with unrelated individuals. On average, an organism shares half its genes with its offspring and siblings, a quarter with its grandchildren, nieces, or nephews, and so on. This genetic relatedness explains the evolution of kin altruism.

No discussion of evolution would be complete without addressing the intriguing phenomenon of sexual selection, which the book covers in detail. The fundamental genetic difference between males and females relates to sexual reproduction. Female sexual genes, like eggs, are larger and fewer in number, making them a valuable resource for which male sperm must compete. The ultimate goal of every gene is not just to create offspring but to ensure that the offspring survive to adulthood and reproduce, continuing the gene line. This creates a value in caring for offspring, leading to sexual conflict.

For males, it is advantageous to produce as many offspring as possible while leaving the burden of care to someone else. However, females, who often carry the offspring within their bodies, are under evolutionary pressure to choose males likely to contribute to child-rearing. This has led to various courting rituals across the animal kingdom, ranging from nest-building and food-sharing to elaborate dances and displays of plumage.

Dawkins approaches the topic with a first-principles mindset, questioning even the most basic premises, such as why bodies exist at all, why there is such variation between males and females, and why females bear offspring instead of males. The seemingly cold and heartless outcomes of natural selection are balanced by the success of strategies like tit-for-tat, where mutual cooperation can evolve. Nature seems to achieve a balance approaching fairness, shaped by the competition between selfish genes.

This book is considered a significant contribution to evolutionary biology, a field that has been controversial since Darwin's “The Origin of Species.” Beyond its scientific insights, “The Selfish Gene” is also a pleasure to read, filled with engaging anecdotes and examples from nature, all presented in a fluid and accessible style.