I am new into classic literature. People told me to start with JANE EYRE and PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. English is not my first language though I am fluent in it, I sometimes cannot comprehend difficult phrases. I want to read an interesting classic novel without feeling overwhelmed by difficult words and phrases. I heard Pride and Prejudice can be a bit tough for beginners. Should I start with Jane Eyre? Is it a good and easy read? Or should I read something else first?
by sadbadmad200
7 Comments
The Count of Monte Cristo is fantastic and I don’t feel like it was particularly difficult for the reader. Dickens is also great for that.
The picture of Dorian Gray is not too hard to read
I recommend starting with classic novellas like *Animal Farm, Of Mice and Men, The Metamorphosis, The Old Man and the Sea, The Stranger, The Little Prince, A Christmas Carol, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Heart of Darkness, Flowers for Algernon,* and the [other titles on this list.](https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1236.World_s_Greatest_Novellas) They are shorter, get to the point quicker, and if you don’t like one you can quickly move on to the next.
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. You will gain insight into the Ozark mountain rural life that can’t be found without reading this book or living there. This is the first book that really made me cry.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Set during the American Civil War. The relationships and dialogues are more important than complicated metaphors and such. The prose is straightforward but evocative.
Try Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. There’s a reason why young students read them.
My husband is a native English speaker and couldn’t understand Pride & Prejudice. The language is old fashioned and formal.