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George Orwell, ‘1984’.
1984 is a magnificent story which falls under the genres of social/ political sci-fi and Dystopian Fiction. The story which was published in 1949, follows the life of Winston Smith a low ranking member of ‘the Party’, who is frustrated by the omnipresent eyes of the party, and its ominous ruler Big Brother.
“Doublethink means the power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one’s mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them.”
Thematically, the story centres on the devastating consequences of totalitarianism, mass surveillance, and repressive regimentation of people and behaviours in society.
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
East of Eden is John Steinbeck’s most ambitious novel set in Salinas Valley, California. This powerful and ardent novel follows the intertwined destinies of two families- the Trasks and the Hamiltons. The Trasks generations hopelessly re-enact the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Abel.
Steinbeck created some of his most memorable characters and explored his most enduring themes: the mystery of identity; the inexplicability of love, and the murderous consequences of love’s absence.
This is a novel that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I think it’s a perfect book to start this Spring as it is quite long but a very important and enjoyable read.
Frankenstein 1818 by Mary Shelley
Mary Shelly’s, ‘Frankenstein’, which she wrote when she was only 19 years old is highly regarded as the first Sci-Fi novel. The story follows a scientist called Victor Frankenstein, who creates an artificial man from pieces of corpses and brings his creature to life. The story explores deep philosophical ideas of death, life and man vs nature.
“Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.”
Frankenstein is truly another one of my favourite classics of all time. The book teaches us a lesson that, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. To know more, I highly recommend this book.
Chess by Stefan Zweig
At first glance, it seems that this story is about Chess itself. But, the deeper you get into it, you discover that it is more about the human mind, obsession, and much more.
This was Zweig last and most famous story, ‘written in exile in Brazil and explores its author’s anxieties about the situation in Europe following the rise of the Nazi regime.
I cannot recommend this short novella enough, which can easily be read in one sitting.
Wuthering Heights 1847, by Emily Brontë
Wuthering Heights was written by Emily Brontë in 1847. The story follows the life of Heathcliff, a mysterious gypsy-like person, from childhood to his late thirties. Heathcliff is raised in an adopted family and then is reduced to the status of a servant, running away when the young woman he loves decides to marry another.
This story is often misleadingly categorised as a romance story. However, upon reading it, most people will tell you otherwise. It’s dark, and twisted story that conveys the deep themes about life.
The Phantom of the Opera, by Gaston Leroux, 1909.
The Phantom of the Opera is a Gothic novel of romance, honour and tragedy. It follows Christine, a beautiful young singer at the Paris Opera. She is watched by the opera’s phantom- a mysterious masked figure who terrorises the Opera’s management and players.
Christine roses to become the Opera’s star performer, but when the phantom demands her heart in return. She is torn between gratitude and pity for her strange benefactor.
O’L Final Thoughts
Happy Reading 📚
