When it comes to literature, it’s no secret that everyone has their own unique and individual tastes. However, whether you are passionate about sci-fi novels or crazy for romance, there are a few classic old-school novels that have stood the test of time and become firm favourites in almost every reader’s arsenal.
Here are five of them that everyone should read at least once, when they aren’t playing online casino Dubai games of course!
#1: Herman Melville’s Moby Dick
Melville’s famed novel was not particularly well received when it was first published, taking decades to become even remotely popular. However, despite its prevailing reputation as a slow read, Moby Dick is considered one of the best classics of all time.
Ultimately, the story of Captain Ahab and his obsession with authority – plus its themes of morality, existence, and the unpredictable nature of reality – is what makes this book shine, and it has indeed shone since its 19th century publication!
#2: Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice
This book has inspired so many authors and novels over the years that you are likely familiar with its characters and plot even if you haven’t read it!
The story intricately weaves themes of social class, marriage, manners and personal growth, not to mention the classic trope of two people who hate each other upon sight, only to discover later that they have actually fallen in love, dispelling the myth that enemies can’t be friends.
Aside from all this, the book’s use of language is wonderfully sharp, and it is a read that anyone can enjoy without putting too much thought into it – unless you want to, of course.
#3: James Joyce’s Ulysses
This is not a read for the faint-hearted, but at the same time, it is one that everyone should indulge in at least once. Ulysses is the original postmodern classic, along with being one of the most challenging novels ever penned.
Joyce used the ‘stream of consciousness’ technique before the term even came into being, and the result is an extensive novel packed with intelligent wordplay, unique allusions, obscure humour, intriguing character ruminations, and a puzzling but fascinating storyline that is hailed as revolutionary today.
#4: Harper Lee’s to Kill a Mockingbird
This book may seem simple at first glance, but it tackles themes that are anything but. Prepare yourself for an intense but gripping read that touches heavily on topics of racism, an unfair legal system, and human imperfection, all held together perfectly by Lee’s clear and coherent prose.
To Kill a Mockingbird is a subtle but poignant examination of the belies and attitudes that allow prejudice to persist throughout the ages – and interestingly, it is still just as relevant today as it was in the early 20th century.
#5: Raymond Chandler’s the Big Sleep
The Big Sleep is not often cited on lists of literary classics, in part due to its complex old slang and convoluted plot.
However, its hard-boiled detective story and uniquely bleak and stunning style has gone down in history as something that reads more like a violent poem than a true novel, and it is a real gem. Essentially, it is the one detective story that everyone needs to read if they want to appreciate the genre in all its glory.
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