Books take you to those uncharted territories of which you never dreamt. As we age, and connect the various dots in life, we realise how much of an impact some stories leave on us. Remember what Hermione used to do? – ‘When in doubt, go to the library.’ Though a library may be one of the last places you would wish to visit right now, what with the admission tension clinging to most of you, you can find a means of release by adding the following four classics to your own personal library:
1). Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
This is a mysterious book. When you complete it, you won’t be able to tell why you liked it. This beauty of uncertainty and of being not able to reason with the story makes you love the book more. There are no heroes, no heroines, no sacrifices, but still, the novel as a whole grips you. The protagonist, Mr. Heathcliff, is a saturnine figure, who delivers some of the most beautiful and passionate dialogues which will remain with you for the rest of your life.
2). A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
It is one of the most widely read works of Dickens. Set in two cities- London and Paris- against the backdrop of the French Revolution, this is a story of love and self-sacrifice. Structured elegantly within the story is a diverse array of characters. As always, Dickens’ language is beautiful and this does not let you put the book down. Its climax will leave you astounded.
3).The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Let not the size of the novel dampen your heart, you will find yourself wishing that it never gets over once you embark on this journey with Edmond Dantes, the protagonist. Dumas’ story really ‘creates a thirst for reading’ (these are the words of Victor Hugo for Dumas). This novel is inspired by a real-life case of a wrongful imprisonment, and leaves a deep impact on its readers. You won’t be able to help but agree with Edmond Dantes that ‘On what slender threads do life and fortune hang’.
4). Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
Classified as a modern classic, Rebecca is a tale of a girl facing difficulty with ‘the Other Woman’. The heroine, who is the narrator too, remains anonymous throughout the novel. Her life takes on a new turn when she marries a man and comes to the ominous Manderley. Who is Rebecca, and why does she haunt the story even when she is dead? Well, read the gripping novel to know for thyself!
Just one more advice- do not read the e-books of these novels or you won’t get the right feeling of the old times and the heart-touching and overwhelming dialogues. Get the hard copies, and feel that world within your hands, and let your mind relax.
