Laura Molloy discusses the best classics to read this winter
Winter is officially here. The days are getting darker, the hours spent studying are piling higher, and the weather is definitely getting colder! In other words, the atmosphere is perfect for getting comfortable and reading a classic. Classic novels can appear daunting at first, but fear not! We We have compiled the perfect list to get you started.
Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
The original enemies to lovers! Pride and Prejudice focuses on the love story between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. Their story includes more misunderstandings and miscommunication than Sally Rooney could ever dream of. From longing glances to hand flexes (okay that was in the movie but the point still stands), this is a perfect read for those touch-starved this cuffing season.
Wuthering Heights - Emily Brontë
Wuthering Heights recounts the troublesome love between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. If you’re less into the enemies to lovers trope and more just into the enemies; then this might be the perfect read for you! Misery, grief and pain are all central to Emily Brontë’s one and only novel. If you are taking on this text, having a character map close by is suggested!
Northanger Abbey - Jane Austen
Another one of Austen’s masterpieces! Northanger Abbey is perfect to read around the holidays. The protagonist Catherine Moreland is the embodiment of youth and playfulness; the perfect antidote to studying in the run up to Christmas. Catherine also happens to be the queen of Delulu is the Solulu; if you’re looking for a shorter option to get into Austen, this is the ideal read.
Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
“Please, Sir, I want some more,” Oliver begs. What better novel to indulge in when writing your letter to Santa? If you’re feeling sad this winter as you browse the Brown Thomas and Arnotts websites, Oliver Twist is the perfect companion. The story follows the orphan Oliver Twist and the adventures he embarks on throughout his life.
The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerlad
Books, notes, exams, assignments, stress, stress, and more stress. All floating around every student’s mind in Winter. Why not distract yourself with images of lavish parties and wealth? The Great Gatsby will take you all the way back to the Roaring 20’s. It tells the story of Nick Carraway, and his friend Jay Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy. The novel is short in size making it a great choice in between exams.
Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
Thinking of starting a secret love affair this winter? This book will put some sense to into you. Set in 19th century Russia, Anna Karenina tells the story of Anna Karenina and her affair with Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky. The novel is long, complex and ends devastatingly, but if you bring up you’re reading it at Christmas dinner, you'll be sure to win some aura points.
We hope you enjoy this list and fall into the joy (trap) of reading classic literature!
Please note if you do read Jane Asuten, your standards for men will never be the same.