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If anyone were to recommend specific books written in English all would of course come with some bias. I am an avid reader and switch back and forth between fiction and non fiction and it is important to keep in mind that both should be considered "literature". If I were to suggest three books with which to be marooned on a desert island . . . let's see: the first book of the Gospels - Matthew; Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" and John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" Why you ask?
First off, throw all preconceptions, religious or otherwise, and delve into the Book of Matthew. I know there will be an outcry by to deny both this books imporance because of personal religions views would be unfortunate. So much of literature in English has a connection of some kind to the story of Jesus Christ's life, whether it be revealed through symbolism, allegory, pagentry, metaphor . . . The life of Christ is known to so many in the English speaking world and to billions others who have a different language. In my opinion The Book of Matthew is a foundational text for someone wanting to develop an appreciation for literature (English or other).
My second choice would be "Things Fall Apart" by Achebe. Along with the book I have mentioned and the suggestion to follow, this novel from 1958 is truly a masterpiece. It was written by a man raised in a society that was not English and not necessary Christian, but the story tells us what happens when those two influences infiltrate his pre industrial, indigineous people. If one has a background in some world history, Christianity, European colonization, plus an interest in family and community dynamics, then "Things Fall Apart" will be more meaningful and more powerful. Great story by truly a great writer. This novel was really the first "post - colonial" piece of literature written by a non - English person from Africa. The novel changed my concept of history and my view of English literature.
My third recommendation is "Of Mice and Med". Because so many questioners and answerers on EduQnA.coms are North American (forgive me for being so presumptuous) an important American novel is essential. (See what I mean about bias!?!) The story of the struggles of poor drifters during the 1930s and the disparity of wealth is worth knowing. Lennie and George are powerful characters and the ending shocks me every time I reread the book even though I know it's coming! The ending works and I would never have it changed even if I could. This novel is sad, funny, touching, revealing and gives incredible insight into life of the marginalized, sort of like "Things Fall Apart" and the story of Jesus in The Book of Matthew.
These are books, I must say, that are for capable readers, and people who are interested in humanity both today and in a historical context. I said before, any list of great reads will come with bias. I am sure mine are shown in the choices I am recommending to you. Good luck getting through these three. I believe they are among the best English literature has to offer.
Lord of the Flies was brilliant! Also Hobson's Choice (the proper full version is funny and also brilliant).
Oi fatty! Give me those glasses!
i agree, lord of the flies was interesting once you got into it. i find it interesting except for the shakespear bits.
I agree with the above, but I"ll generate my own list of must-reads. You've got to include Shakespeare, regardless what else you read . Think about all the quotes that people use every day without knowing they come from Shakespeare. Consider, for example,:
"A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!" (Richard III)
"O, Romeo! Romeo, where for art thou, Romeo?" (Romeo and Juliet)
"All that glistens is not gold." (The Merchant of Venice)
"To be or not to be.." (Hamlet)
"Friends, Romans countyrmen - lent me your ears." (Julius Caesar)
"The play'S the thing in which we'll catch the conscience of the King." (Hamlet)
I have quoted just a few common expressions in the forms used by most people. How dull the language would be without Shakespeare!
While we"re on the subject of literature, you must add "A Tale of Two Cities" and "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, and "The Great Gatsby", if only for its symbolism, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, then "Pride and Prejuduce", "Sense and Semsibility" and "Emma" all by Jane Austen. After these, add "Of Mice and Men" and "The Grapes of Wrath" both by John Steinbeck. That will guive a you a great into ro English Lit. Every single one of thes will give you social commentaries and, in some fashion or other, history comtent.
I prefer the classics to contemporary writers. The classics are always relevant because they hav stood the test of time, with slight modification to our times. But it is the universal themes that provide the substance and endurance of these works.
I recommend a variety; Charles Dickens (Greta Expectations, David Copperfield) Evelyn Waugh (Brideshead Revisited, The Loved One), Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird) Ray Bradbury (Something Wicked This Way Comes, Martian Chronicles), Stephen King The Shining, Salem's Lot, Green Mile, Shawshank Redemption)
each book is unique, wonderful storytelling and takes you totally away from your surroundings and into their worlds.
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