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Charles Dickens: Great Expectations

Revive the classic lover in you and devour on one of Charles Dickens’ highly-acclaimed novel Great Expectations. Generally regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian Period, Charles John Huffman Dickens gave us some of the most influential works in literature such as Oliver Twist, Tale of Two Cities, A Christmal Carol, and many more. First published in serial form in All the Year Round (Dickens’ weekly periodical), Great Expectations tells the story of Pip, a young orphan whose personal growth and development depicts real-life issues of Victorian England ranging from its relationships, colonies, imperfect educational system, and extending concern with social status and mobility.

Washington Irving: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Many have seen the TV or movie version of Washington Irving’s famous short story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow but what better way to appreciate a work of art is to read the original version. First published in his collection The Sketch Books of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent., the short story is set on a Dutch Settlement known as ‘Tarry Town’ where strange tales are told. It revolves around a tall and gangly school master who falls in love with the beautiful Katrina Van Tassel and tries to woo her away from his rival suitors until one night he was hunted by the headless horseman who roams around the town.

Kate Chopin: The Awakening

Considered a landmark work of early feminism, The Awakening by Kate Chopin is definitely a must-read. Catherine O’Flaherty or as many know her, Kate Chopin, was born on February 8, 1850. Even at school or at home, Kate grew up being surrounded with intelligent women that had a great effect on her writing. Though it received much public contempt during its release, The Awakening is one of the earliest American novels that focus on women’s issues without condescension. The story revolves around the character of Edna Pontellier and her struggle to reconcile her liberated beliefs with oppressive social structures of her time.

James Joyce: A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

Considered as James Joyce's most personal work, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man explores the universe of the free mind. This autobiographical novel follows the life of the author’s fictional alter-ego, Stephen Dedalus, as his experiences challenge his own faith, upbringing and intellectual freedom.

Leo Tolstoy: Anna Karenina

Release that hidden book worm and devour on one of the Russian greats, Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy was a Russian novelist and short story writer whose canonicals works set the standards on realist fiction. He was also known for his moral thinking and social reform actions. Originally published in the periodical The Russian Messenger through serial installments between the years 1873 to 1877, Tolstoy considered Anna Karenina as his first true novel.

Robert Louis Stevenson: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Devour on the best Victorian horror story with The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, a book originally written by Robert Louis Stevenson as a chilling shocker that was soon burned and rewritten as the complex tale it is today. The story revolves around a mid-mannered Dr. Jekyll who curiously passes all his riches to a certain Mr. Hyde, an unpleasant character that reeks of darkness and evil. As bizarre incidents unfold in the doctor's life, Hyde's true identity is revealed.