5 British Novels from Dickens to Austen
Timeless Classics -- Must Reads of the 1800s
However, there are a few novels written by British authors of the 1800s that every individual should read at some point.
Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a brilliant satire on British society of the 19th century. Class tensions, cultural demands, and moral boundaries are all examined in this humorous romance. Austen combines elegant prose with witty dialogue to produce a novel that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The characters are memorable, the setting is idealistic, and the story is unforgettable.
Bleak House
Charles Dickens' biting satire, Bleak House, is a scathing commentary on the society of Great Britain during the early 1800's. Legal, religious, and educational institutions as well as occupations, traditions, and classes are criticized in this comical yet sobering British novel. The tale of four people whose lives are intertwined as a result of a lawsuit is both touching and heart-breaking.
Jane Eyre
Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte, is unmatched among British novels. Dramatic settings, memorable characters, and an eery plot combine to create a masterpiece. Jane Eyre, a poor orphan, becomes a governess for the ward of a wealthy bachelor. Happiness and prosperity appear to have finally settled within her grasp. However, a terrible secret threatens to undermine her peace forever as she is tempted to betray her character and her heart.
Wuthering Heights
Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte, is a tragic tale set on the Scottish moors. Love and hate battle for mastery as the romance of two people impacts irrevocably two generations of families. This story reveals the dangers of unbridled passion and the beauty of redemption. Although the story is easy to read, the impact of the tale will remain with readers long after the book is set down.
Middlemarch
Middlemarch, by George Eliot, is a charming yet dramatic story of an English neighborhood and its residents. Eliot examines notions about wealth, love, passion, and rationalism as she weaves the character's lives. Contentment and complacency, happiness and tragedy, love and loss are all examined in this lengthy novel. Beautiful language, the stunning English landscape, and characters of depth create a tale both intense and touching.
These novels stand as the most brilliant examples of British writing. They raise questions, provoke thought, and offer their readers an opportunity to come to terms with their own hearts. No reader can leave these novels unchanged. If you are looking for more wonderful classics, check out Robert Teeter's Great Books Lists. This resource is full of book lists and contains enough titles to satisfy the most avid reader.
