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Can you recommend a lovely classic novel?

172 replies

PoloM1nt · 25/09/2019 17:48

I've just been through a phase of reading a lot of contemporary fiction and lots of it was great but I really fancy reading a good classic novel now.

I would like a book that ultimately makes me feel good once I've finished it. A nice 'curl up by the fire' type novel, along the lines of Austen, Hardy, Elliott, the Brontes etc, but I've read those.

Suggestions welcome!

OP posts:
onemouseplace · 25/09/2019 17:51

Anthony Trollope’s - The Warden. Love it - and the first in a series if you get hooked.

Bookridden · 25/09/2019 19:34

Persuasion by Jane Austen. A gentle, wistful love story. It feels right to read in autumn somehow.

Polkadotties · 25/09/2019 19:35

Pride and prejudice

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Notnownotneverever · 25/09/2019 19:37

Have you read Mansfield Park? Don’t know if you meant you have read all the Austen novels?

JapaneseBirdPainting · 25/09/2019 19:38

The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins.

Its enthralling, exciting, devastating and amazing. Pls try it. Highly recommend.

Jamhandprints · 25/09/2019 19:39

I like reading the classics "for boys" I missed out on as a kid/teen by being a girl. They are equally as good as the "girl" classics you mention. Like Treasure Island (Stevenson), Round the World in 80 days (Verne) Anything by Dickens...

Notnownotneverever · 25/09/2019 19:39

Not sure if it’s feel good by the end but try Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg.

Bucatini · 25/09/2019 19:40

Vanity Fair
Lark Rise to Candleford

AriadneThread · 25/09/2019 19:40

I second the moonstone. Really the only classic I have managed to finish!

Also not really what you are after but the Pursuit of Love is great.

Peachypips78 · 25/09/2019 19:40

Middlemarch. Tom Jones. The Woman in White. Tess of the D'Urbervilles. Silas Marner (my fav)

Nowisthemonthofmaying · 25/09/2019 19:41

All of Willie Collins is amazing! I love Trollope too, try The Way We Live Now for an amazing one-off of his. Have you read any Gaskell novels? North and South is great.

thatonesmine · 25/09/2019 19:41

I'm a fan of EM Forster but they don't all have happy endings.

youllhavehadyourtea · 25/09/2019 19:43

Margaret Oliphant - The Curate in Charge.

Mrs Gaskell - WIves and Daughters.

gem584848838 · 25/09/2019 19:43

The woman in white
Pride and prejudice
North and South
Rebecca
Persusaion

badgermushrooms · 25/09/2019 19:43

Here to agree with Anthony Trollope.

youllhavehadyourtea · 25/09/2019 19:45

Kidnapped - R.L. Stevenson.

100PercentThatBitch · 25/09/2019 19:48

David Copperfield it's my favourite Dickens and very entertaining not dry at all

Nyx · 25/09/2019 19:50

David Copperfield - i loved it and I don't love all Dickens. I think it's just what you are looking for!

Legomadx2 · 25/09/2019 19:52

f

Goodmoaning1980 · 25/09/2019 19:54

Cold comfort farm? Bell Jar? Fried green tomatoes is absolutely gorgeous. Tolkien? Harper Lee? My personal fave Rebecca

MamaNewtNewt · 25/09/2019 19:54

Another recommendation for Wilkie Collins especially The Moonstone. I also love the Mayor of Casterbridge but wouldn't say that is feel good.

Goodmoaning1980 · 25/09/2019 19:55

Oh and Bram Stokers Dracula very good

DuckonaBike · 25/09/2019 19:56

Agree David Copperfield is the most readable Dickens.

I would second Trollope, andThe Warden is a great one to start with.

Jane Austen is just better than everyone else. This is a fact.

East Lynne by Ellen Wood - lesser known but gripping!

TinklyLittleLaugh · 25/09/2019 19:57

I capture the castle
The great Gatsby
Persuasion is my favourite though.

iklboo · 25/09/2019 19:59

Fried Green Tomatoes is sooooo much better than the sanitised film version.

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