Hello book lovers!
Non-native speaker here, I'm looking to further develop my English through reading novels with rich vocabulary and complex language structures. While I can understand everything I read now without problems, I want to challenge myself with literary works that feature more sophisticated and nuanced language.
I'm particularly drawn to works written in British English, though this isn't a strict requirement. My goal is to expand my vocabulary beyond everyday communication and become more familiar with complex grammatical structures and literary devices.
I have practical reasons for this quest: I'm preparing for the Cambridge C2 Proficiency exam and will soon begin a BA at a British university. While I'm interested in literary classics, I'd prefer works with relatively contemporary language that would be useful in real-life academic and professional contexts.
I've already purchased these books:
– Small Gods by Terry Pratchett
– The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
– Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
– The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
– Possession by A.S. Byatt
I'm looking for additional recommendations that feature:
– Rich, sophisticated vocabulary
– Complex sentence structures and literary devices
– Varied writing styles
– Stories that aren't overly dark or depressing (I prefer books with at least somewhat uplifting endings)
– Relatively modern English that would be useful in contemporary settings
Any suggestions for challenging yet enjoyable reads that might help me elevate my English to the next level? I'm open to any genre as long as the language is intellectually stimulating and the story isn't completely bleak.
Thank you in advance for your recommendations!
by Xiandros_