Overlooked gems

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.