We all have our list of classics- from classic movies to songs, clothes to shoes. Who must forget about novels, too? Many novels which might have hit the number one spot on the bestseller list could have been popular in the limelight for a month to a year or so but only a few books have that lasting power to actually withstand major literary transformations and trends for twenty years or more. Here at The Fast Fingers, we provide you a list of our very own top five.
Number 5: Little Women by Luisa May Alcott
If you want to read a book about how teenagers deal with their issues, on how they handle their first infatuations, siblings’ relationship, family and even coping with death, this is THE book. The March children (Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy) being the main characters in this classical novel are definitely different from one another personality-wise but nevertheless, they are epitomes of genuine familial love and respect. It is also about defying the tradition and breaking free from old rules in order to achieve what a person truly dreams about.
Number 4: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas
Adventure, revenge and true love- these are the themes which this novel revolves around with. Edmond Dantes, a young sailor, has been promoted to a higher rank of captain and is already prepared to face the altar and marry Mercedes. However, tragedy came and struck him like a lightning when on the day of his wedding, he was unjustly arrested for the culpability of treason. He was then sent to an island where he met Faria. Faria, a priest, became friends with Edmond and shared him his plans on how to escape the island. He also related to him the story of huge fortune secretly hidden on a certain island- Monte Cristo. This is a novel of real adventure and bravery. A story which tells that in the face of danger and unfair circumstances, one doesn’t simply give up to survive.
Number 3: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Those who weren’t able to read this intense novel yet can easily assume and jump into early conclusions that the story is just another modern version of Romeo and Juliet. Except for the tragic ending, nothing is really common with the two. Wuthering Heights focuses more on how Heathcliff, a poor young boy, grew up in his foster family, fell in love with a woman who married another man and decided to plot his revenge in return.
Number 2: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Maybe the top spice that has been incorporated in making this novel is the main character himself, Holden Caulfield. Like many adolescents to young adults out there who are going through a rather confusing and difficult phase, Holden is this kid with similar angst and outbursts in life. Many of us might find the main character totally relatable to our personality while some might wince at his sarcastic approach with certain matters but nevertheless, this novel is really witty, rich and definitely worth reading.
Number 1: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
This Jane Austen masterpiece lands on the top of the list because no reader will ever say that this novel wasn’t able to pull it off. A love story which is full of humor and seriousness at the same time, Pride and Prejudice is about how women of the first generations have been bred in perfection to marry the most capable bachelors in town to save their own family’s reputation. Women readers will find themselves daydreaming from time to time as they sigh and think of acquiring their own Mr. Darcy.
