What Classic Novel Should I Start With? Here's my list of classic novels for beginners.

Diving into the classics can be daunting, but to answer the question of what classic novel should I start with?, I listed my ideas of which books you could choose to begin reading classic literature, and why, chosen mainly from 19th century English literature. Starting with some of the reasons why these novels can feel very different to modern novels, I also give some suggestions for how to approach these books. Tilly has a look in too, as usual!

[jennyaldridge]

This is a great selection. I’ve read a few and have a few others on my bookshelf. I haven’t read any Trollope but The Way we Live Now sounds like my cup of tea.
I only started seriously reading classics 2 years ago but was surprised how easy most of them are. However I also found how much more I could get out of them by deep reading or reading twice especially with a group.
My first book was War and Peace which was long but excellent. My favourites include The Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler, Dickens Tale of Two Cities, Jane Eyre and The count of Monte Cristo.

[susannaheanes]

I grew up reading classic literature because that is what was on the bookshelves in my parents’ home. I think it resulted in my being a bit anachronistic in my thinking in some ways, I simply love old things, and as you say, the elegance of the language, but I accept that about myself. I do love the classics, and have reread a lot of them over the years. Reading Bleak House again at the moment! Thank you for another pleasant video, like a nice chat with an old friend ❤ and really wonderful recommendations, some of which I’ve not yet read.

[theophilos]

For a classic novel to start with a good bet would be ‘Jane Eyre’ by Charlotte Bronte (1845) then ‘Wuthering Heights’ by her younger sister Emily Bronte (1846) - and go from there …

[susanbolster]

Rosamunde, that was wonderful! I am sitting here knitting and it was so relaxing listening to your voice which is lovely and soothing. You could read the
ingredients on a cereal box and I would be signing up. Love your hints and recommendations. Sorry you and Tilly are so hot! I live in MA near the ocean
so we aren’t too uncomfortable here. Looking forward to your next video!

[TCFire-ic]

Just discovered your channel 😊 and enjoyed this video! I went through a long phase of reading the classics in my 40s and 50s. This started after I saw "Wuthering Heights" on Masterpiece theater. I love Allister Cooke's comments on the book and this version with Orla Brady is the very best!!! I decided I had to read the book, and it is still my favorite 😊 I was very grateful for the notes at the back, as the character of Joseph was written exactly how he spoke! Amazing piece of work from such a young woman 😮 I became quite obsessed with the life stories of the Bronte's and anything written in the 1800s. Emma is another favorite, and the way Jane Austin sense of humor highlights her characters faults without making us dislike them entirely 😊 I look forward to seeing more of your videos! So sad that so many do not appreciate what they are missing ❤ I was amazed at how many new words and catch phrases I learned and still use. Cheers to you and those who make the effort and time to enrich their souls and minds with great literature! Never forget that the Bible is the greatest book written by the greatest personage in the universe, who promises us a wonderful future forever ❤❤❤

[hyacinthh]

Great Expectations was absolutely great. It was my very first Charles Dickens book to read. I hope to never forget Joe. ❤ We should all be so blessed with such a steadfast friend.

[arbicuswoo]

Your channel is new to me and I just wanted to pop in and say I love your style and your taste. The tip you gave about knowing the story before reading the novel is a good one. I often tell people the same. I also love Dickens, and I was thrilled to see you recommend Trollope’s The Way We Live Now. Trollope is so insightful and knows how to write a memorable character, and is somehow so easy to read.

[eveningprimrose]

I thoroughly enjoyed A Tale of Two Cities. I bought an edition with notes, which helped. That book still lives in my head many months later.

[maxinejones]

While I think it’s too long and involved for a beginning classic read, I really loved “War and Peace” by Tolstoy. It is often referred to as a joke for its length, etc. But I was captivated by the characters and the history.

[josephcossey]

I recently read "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins. Almost 500 pages of small print in the Penguin Classics edition but a compulsive page-turner nevertheless, it features multiple viewpoints and is an early example of the police detective novel. Highly recommended!

[janmorrismusic]

I can’t help but add David Copperfield to the list. So many memorable characters! Love your channel and appreciate your thoughtful recommendations. 😊

[deelynn]

Thank you for your lists. i read for pleasure alone these days. The internet articles seem to take up all my time. but i used to read a lot.

[stardust]

Looking back on my childhood reading---my first British authors of note were reading "Oliver Twist" by Dickens, all of the "Winnie the Pooh" books by A.A. Milne, "A Wind In the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame, as well as "The Jungle Book/s" by Rudyard Kipling. NOT the Disney version of things either. Even though these were written for young readers, the language is evocative and nuanced, and of a different age. I suppose only Oliver Twist would be considered in the realm of classical novels as well as an adult's book. Of course, I've read a lot more Dickens by now!

[beth]

Thank you for your suggestions and reviews, for your kindness and for what feels like friendship. I found you at the perfect time, and you bring me peace.

[shieldsybirdknits]

Hi rosamunde! I’m new to your channel and wanted to say hi 👋. I’ve always loved the classics & was so happy when your channel came up in my feed. Thank you for making these videos; i’m thoroughly enjoying them!

[josephcossey]

I was amazed to learn recently that Charles Dickens "A Tale Of Two Cities" is the second best selling novel of all time (after Don Quixote). Ironically in a recent poll most Dickens fans chose "Great Expectations" as their all-time favourite.

[bethanyjohnson]

Even though I had a minor in English in college in the late 70's in the US, I had never read many of these classics, so a few years ago I picked up Great Expectations not knowing anything about the storyline. I loved it! I was
enthralled the characters came to live!! Thanks for the recommendations of many more I will have to try.

[Thestashdowndiaries]

I recently started reading classics and I started with Pride and Prejudice, The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Count of Monte Cristo. All just really great books. Jane Eyre is next on my list of classics to read.

[chericarr]

I started with Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, and then absolutely fell in love with Elizabeth Gaskell. They are my top 3 but I am enjoying exploring others.

[hollieshuler]

Perhaps, Cold Comfort Farm. I re-read this book, this year. A very intelligent comedy, filled with all sorts of eccentric characters.