top of page
Literature Classics
1984
By George Orwell
Set in a dystopian future London, this novel takes a chilling look into a world in which one's every move is being watched, and one careless mistake can have dire consequences.
This is the absolute go-to novel for anyone concerned about the power that our leaders and governments have over our everyday rights and liberties. It is a call-to-arms for anyone who has ever questioned themselves about the authority of the state.
Set in a dystopian future London, this novel takes a chilling look into a world in which one's every move is being watched, and one careless mistake can have dire consequences.
This is the absolute go-to novel for anyone concerned about the power that our leaders and governments have over our everyday rights and liberties. It is a call-to-arms for anyone who has ever questioned themselves about the authority of the state.
A Christmas Carol
By Charles Dickens
The story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. Their intention being to transform Scrooge into a kinder, gentler man.
Surely the most famous Christmas story of all time, it's one of those stories that you know even without reading the book, due to the number of TV and movie adaptations.
The story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. Their intention being to transform Scrooge into a kinder, gentler man.
Surely the most famous Christmas story of all time, it's one of those stories that you know even without reading the book, due to the number of TV and movie adaptations.
Animal Farm
By George Orwell
The animals of Manor Farm decide to rebel against their owner, Mr. Jones, in order to gain control of their own lives and destinies. But before long it is more than just human oppression that the creatures have to worry about.
An original and provocative representation of the darker side of politics; totalitarianism, propaganda, manipulation of history, and the removal of freedom of speech, to name but a few.
The animals of Manor Farm decide to rebel against their owner, Mr. Jones, in order to gain control of their own lives and destinies. But before long it is more than just human oppression that the creatures have to worry about.
An original and provocative representation of the darker side of politics; totalitarianism, propaganda, manipulation of history, and the removal of freedom of speech, to name but a few.
Around the World in Eighty Days
By Jules Verne
A Tale of Two Cities
By Charles Dickens
A depiction of the plight of the French peasantry, demoralized by the aristocracy in the years leading up to the revolution, followed by the corresponding brutality demonstrated by the revolutionaries towards the former aristocrats in the early years of the revolution, and many unflattering social parallels with life in London during the same period.
A depiction of the plight of the French peasantry, demoralized by the aristocracy in the years leading up to the revolution, followed by the corresponding brutality demonstrated by the revolutionaries towards the former aristocrats in the early years of the revolution, and many unflattering social parallels with life in London during the same period.
Fahrenheit 451
By Ray Brdabury
This story is set in a dystopian future America, with a government that burns books in order to 'protect' the public from dangerous ideas and unhappy concepts. It tells the story of Guy Montag, a fireman who questions the book-burning policy and undergoes extraordinary suffering and transformation as a result.
This book holds up a mirror to society in such a unique and honest way, in particular critiquing society's seeming celebration of ignorance and hunger for shallow, mind-numbing entertainment.
This story is set in a dystopian future America, with a government that burns books in order to 'protect' the public from dangerous ideas and unhappy concepts. It tells the story of Guy Montag, a fireman who questions the book-burning policy and undergoes extraordinary suffering and transformation as a result.
This book holds up a mirror to society in such a unique and honest way, in particular critiquing society's seeming celebration of ignorance and hunger for shallow, mind-numbing entertainment.
Great Expectations
By Charles Dickens
Victorian London, and the story of Pip, an orphan, raised by a cruel elder sister, who falls in love with a seemingly unattainable woman of a higher class and greater fortune. He is then given hope by a mysterious wealthy benefactor, who desires Pip to become a gentleman.
As always with Dickens, an epic tale that critiques all levels of society, and introduces unique and memorable characters.
Victorian London, and the story of Pip, an orphan, raised by a cruel elder sister, who falls in love with a seemingly unattainable woman of a higher class and greater fortune. He is then given hope by a mysterious wealthy benefactor, who desires Pip to become a gentleman.
As always with Dickens, an epic tale that critiques all levels of society, and introduces unique and memorable characters.
Jane Eyre
By Charlotte Bronte
The story of a seemingly plain and simple girl as she battles through life's struggles. A cruel and abusive aunt, followed by a tough boarding school, and the death of her closest friend, Jane eventually meets someone she can love. But of course the obstacles to happiness only grow more numerous and relentless.
The gothic influence is clear throughout, with constant references to hauntings, mysterious strangers, and possessed souls.
The story of a seemingly plain and simple girl as she battles through life's struggles. A cruel and abusive aunt, followed by a tough boarding school, and the death of her closest friend, Jane eventually meets someone she can love. But of course the obstacles to happiness only grow more numerous and relentless.
The gothic influence is clear throughout, with constant references to hauntings, mysterious strangers, and possessed souls.
Lord of the Flies
By William Golding
A group of schoolboys get stranded on a desert island, and must find a way of organising themselves, in order to survive, but a split in the camp soon causes tensions to rise.
An incredible work of fiction that really delves into the human soul and pushes the reader to really consider what would become of humanity were it to be stripped of all law and order.
A group of schoolboys get stranded on a desert island, and must find a way of organising themselves, in order to survive, but a split in the camp soon causes tensions to rise.
An incredible work of fiction that really delves into the human soul and pushes the reader to really consider what would become of humanity were it to be stripped of all law and order.
Metamorphosis
By Franz Kafka
Of Mice and Men
By John Steinbeck
A story that follows two migrant workers during Depression-era America. George is savvy, and protective of Lennie, who though very strong, has learning difficulties. The two find work on a farm, but it isn't long before Lennie ends up faced with problems, that George has to try and fix.
Typically of Steinbeck the mood is sombre and the characters' desperation really makes for hard reading.
A story that follows two migrant workers during Depression-era America. George is savvy, and protective of Lennie, who though very strong, has learning difficulties. The two find work on a farm, but it isn't long before Lennie ends up faced with problems, that George has to try and fix.
Typically of Steinbeck the mood is sombre and the characters' desperation really makes for hard reading.
Oliver Twist
By Charles Dickens
The story of an orphan boy and his adventures among London's slums. Oliver is captured by, and forced to work among, pickpockets and thieves until redeemed by a gentleman who has taken an interest in him.
The book is one of the earliest examples of the social novel. It draws the reader's attention to evils such as child labour, the recruitment of children as criminals, and the presence of street children.
The story of an orphan boy and his adventures among London's slums. Oliver is captured by, and forced to work among, pickpockets and thieves until redeemed by a gentleman who has taken an interest in him.
The book is one of the earliest examples of the social novel. It draws the reader's attention to evils such as child labour, the recruitment of children as criminals, and the presence of street children.
Pride and Prejudice
By Jane Austen
A story of the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth Bennet, the daughter of a country gentleman, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a rich aristocratic landowner. Each must overcome the titular sins of pride and prejudice in order to fall in love and marry.
This is a novel that merges romance, drama, with tension, frustration, humour, eye-rolling embarrassment, and one of literature's all-time most stunning plot twists.
A story of the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth Bennet, the daughter of a country gentleman, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a rich aristocratic landowner. Each must overcome the titular sins of pride and prejudice in order to fall in love and marry.
This is a novel that merges romance, drama, with tension, frustration, humour, eye-rolling embarrassment, and one of literature's all-time most stunning plot twists.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
By Mark Twain
This classic buddy tale is told from the point of view of Huck Finn, a barely literate teen who fakes his own death to escape his abusive, drunken father. He encounters a runaway slave named Jim, and the two embark on an adventure down the Mississippi River.
It is a book that still holds much relevance today. The friendship of Huck and Jim highlights many of the great racial injustices of the past, which are oftentimes sadly still evident in today's world.
This classic buddy tale is told from the point of view of Huck Finn, a barely literate teen who fakes his own death to escape his abusive, drunken father. He encounters a runaway slave named Jim, and the two embark on an adventure down the Mississippi River.
It is a book that still holds much relevance today. The friendship of Huck and Jim highlights many of the great racial injustices of the past, which are oftentimes sadly still evident in today's world.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
By Mark Twain
The novel follows the rebellious Tom Sawyer during his formative years as he begins to mature out of his childish, troublemaking behavior.
A great example of the coming-of-age genre, in which a character develops from youthful naivety, to become a more aware and upstanding individual, based on their experiences throughout the story.
The novel follows the rebellious Tom Sawyer during his formative years as he begins to mature out of his childish, troublemaking behavior.
A great example of the coming-of-age genre, in which a character develops from youthful naivety, to become a more aware and upstanding individual, based on their experiences throughout the story.
The Call of the Wild
By Jack London
A large but gentle dog, Buck, is stolen from his human owner, Judge Miller. He is taken and sold as a sled dog in the Yukon region of Canada. He learns how to work as a sled dog and how to survive in the harsh conditions. This consequently leads to a transformation from gentle house-dog, into a savage beast of the wild.
Yet again Jack London demonstrates his mastery of the canine condition.
A large but gentle dog, Buck, is stolen from his human owner, Judge Miller. He is taken and sold as a sled dog in the Yukon region of Canada. He learns how to work as a sled dog and how to survive in the harsh conditions. This consequently leads to a transformation from gentle house-dog, into a savage beast of the wild.
Yet again Jack London demonstrates his mastery of the canine condition.
The Catcher in the Rye
By J. D. Salinger
The story follows two days in the life of 16-year-old Holden Caulfield after he has been expelled from prep school. Confused and disillusioned, Holden searches for truth and rails against the “phoniness” of the adult world.
The novel addresses themes of angst and alienation, and the superficiality of society. It also deals with themes of innocence, identity, belonging, loss, connection, sex, and depression.
The story follows two days in the life of 16-year-old Holden Caulfield after he has been expelled from prep school. Confused and disillusioned, Holden searches for truth and rails against the “phoniness” of the adult world.
The novel addresses themes of angst and alienation, and the superficiality of society. It also deals with themes of innocence, identity, belonging, loss, connection, sex, and depression.
The Grapes of Wrath
By John Steinbeck
This tale follows the Joad family, hardworking farmers who have lost everything in the Oklahoma Dust Bowl in the 1930s. Seeking better opportunities, they decide to make the arduous trek to California. Their situation, however, fails to improve as the Joads struggle to find work.
Not for the faint-hearted, a powerful depiction of what it is to be poor and desperate in this world.
This tale follows the Joad family, hardworking farmers who have lost everything in the Oklahoma Dust Bowl in the 1930s. Seeking better opportunities, they decide to make the arduous trek to California. Their situation, however, fails to improve as the Joads struggle to find work.
Not for the faint-hearted, a powerful depiction of what it is to be poor and desperate in this world.
The Great Gatsby
By F. Scott Fitzgerald
Set in 1925, New York, the novel tells the tragic story of Jay Gatsby, an enigmatic self-made millionaire, and his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, a wealthy young woman whom he loved in his youth.
An intriguing insight into the lives of the upper-class, in early twentieth century East Coast America.
Set in 1925, New York, the novel tells the tragic story of Jay Gatsby, an enigmatic self-made millionaire, and his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, a wealthy young woman whom he loved in his youth.
An intriguing insight into the lives of the upper-class, in early twentieth century East Coast America.
The Hobbit
By J.R.R. Tolkein
Set in the legendary Middle-earth, this tale follows the home-loving hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, who is duped into joining the wizard Gandalf and the thirteen dwarves of Thorin's Company, on a quest to reclaim the dwarves' home and treasure from the dragon Smaug.
Every chapter is a story in itself, filled with action and humour. This is the archetypal fantasy novel, in which so many household name characters appear, such as Gollum and Gandalf.
Set in the legendary Middle-earth, this tale follows the home-loving hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, who is duped into joining the wizard Gandalf and the thirteen dwarves of Thorin's Company, on a quest to reclaim the dwarves' home and treasure from the dragon Smaug.
Every chapter is a story in itself, filled with action and humour. This is the archetypal fantasy novel, in which so many household name characters appear, such as Gollum and Gandalf.
The Lord of the Rings
By J.R.R. Tolkein
A meek Hobbit from the Shire, Frodo, sets out on a journey to destroy the powerful One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron, joined by three other hobbits, a dwarf, an elf, two warrior men and the great wizard, Gandalf.
A trilogy that barely needs an introduction. A truly epic example of world-building from the master of fantasy, Tolkein.
A meek Hobbit from the Shire, Frodo, sets out on a journey to destroy the powerful One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron, joined by three other hobbits, a dwarf, an elf, two warrior men and the great wizard, Gandalf.
A trilogy that barely needs an introduction. A truly epic example of world-building from the master of fantasy, Tolkein.
The Old Man and The Sea
By Ernest Hemingway
The story of Santiago, an aging fisherman who embarks on a personal mission to catch a giant marlin, but must endure a long struggle if he is to be rewarded.
An inspiring story of an unlikely protagonist who goes up against himself in seemingly one last effort to prove to himself that he can master the great creatures of the sea.
The story of Santiago, an aging fisherman who embarks on a personal mission to catch a giant marlin, but must endure a long struggle if he is to be rewarded.
An inspiring story of an unlikely protagonist who goes up against himself in seemingly one last effort to prove to himself that he can master the great creatures of the sea.
The Pearl
By John Steinbeck
A Mexican Indian pearl diver named Kino finds a valuable pearl, but must quickly learn to guard himself and his family from the evil it attracts, in the form of the greedy townsfolk, from priests and doctors, businessmen and gangsters, of the local town. Everyone wants to get their hands on Kino's good fortune.
A Mexican Indian pearl diver named Kino finds a valuable pearl, but must quickly learn to guard himself and his family from the evil it attracts, in the form of the greedy townsfolk, from priests and doctors, businessmen and gangsters, of the local town. Everyone wants to get their hands on Kino's good fortune.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
By Robert Louis Stevenson
Dr Jekyll is a kind, well-respected and intelligent scientist who meddles with the darker side of science, as he wants to bring out his 'second' nature. He does this through transforming himself into Mr Hyde - his evil alter ego who doesn't repent or accept responsibility for his evil crimes and ways.
A fascinating take on the dualism of the good and evil, science versus nature, right and wrong, and so on.
Dr Jekyll is a kind, well-respected and intelligent scientist who meddles with the darker side of science, as he wants to bring out his 'second' nature. He does this through transforming himself into Mr Hyde - his evil alter ego who doesn't repent or accept responsibility for his evil crimes and ways.
A fascinating take on the dualism of the good and evil, science versus nature, right and wrong, and so on.
The Time Machine
By H. G. Wells
A scientist builds a time machine and travels to future. He finds that humanity has devolved into two races: the childlike Eloi and the monstrous Morlocks. His machine disappears, so he explores the future world.
An intriguing tale that offers a dystopian vision of humanity's future.
A scientist builds a time machine and travels to future. He finds that humanity has devolved into two races: the childlike Eloi and the monstrous Morlocks. His machine disappears, so he explores the future world.
An intriguing tale that offers a dystopian vision of humanity's future.
bottom of page