If you had to recommend just one 'classic'

[berri]

What would it be?

Going on holiday soon and I want to try something different - it'll be my last chance to get stuck into a book before the arrival of DC2 and I'm aware I haven't read any of the classics....what would you recommend if you had to choose one? Or maybe two, wishful thinking that I'll have time ;)

[porridgewithalmondmilk]

Another vote for Wuthering Heights here.

[wiganwagonwheelworks]

The Moonstone, though I'm sure someone's said it already. Brilliant.

[LapinDeBois]

Gah, I thought I might be the first to say that Persuasion is the best Austen, but others beat me to it.

Instead, I will throw another couple of more modern 'should be classics' into the mix: The Raj Quartet and the English Patient. Both wonderful, wonderful books.

[dolcelatte]

Yes to Austen, Brontes, Hardy, Fitzgerald and others already mentioned.

i also think Animal Farm is well worth a read (and much shorter than 1984).

If you are looking for a modern classic, Kite Runner is wonderful.