8 must-read classics to help you learn English

There’s a reason classic novels are known as “classics.” They’re beautifully written, forming the foundation of the English language as we know it. Classics feature captivating stories and reflect the complexities of human nature, societal norms, and subtle nuances of language evolution. 

Here are 8 classic novels that will allow you to travel back in time and explore the literary wonders of the past while improving your English skills. 

1. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Step into the Jazz Age of the 1920s as Nick Carraway tells the story of the mysterious and wealthy Jay Gatsby. Gatsby throws extravagant parties in the hopes of catching the attention of his past love, Daisy Buchanan. The novel explores themes of wealth, the American Dream, and the emptiness that often accompanies excess. 

The captivating prose, vivid imagery, and complex characters make this novel a linguistic feast for English learners. It also offers an insight into English during the Roaring Twenties. After you’ve read the book, you can watch the beautiful film starring Leonardo Di Caprio and Carey Mulligan. 

2. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger 

Holden Caulfield, a troubled American teenager, is constantly being expelled from school. Holden, unimpressed by the adult world, is overwhelmed by the hypocrisy he experiences at school and by the adults around him. He leaves his latest school to spend time in New York City. Wandering the city, he hopes to mourn the loss of his brother Allie and find meaningful, real connections in a superficial world that has only ever let him down. 

This classic is celebrated for its exploration of teenage angst, identity, and the challenges of growing up. Holden's use of colloquial language also makes the novel a compelling study for English learners.

3. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou 

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is an autobiography that tells the story of the author, Maya Angelou’s, childhood and teenage years. Raised in America, in the racially segregated Jim Crow South, Angelou navigates a turbulent and traumatic childhood. Through her story, the reader gets a raw, emotional insight into the structures of prejudice and oppression.

Beautifully written, this autobiography explores themes of racial discrimination and gender inequality. Angelou's story captures her resilience, defiance, and triumph against those who sought to oppress her.

4. Animal Farm by George Orwell 

Meet Napoleon and Snowball, the pigs looking to overthrow their human owner to create a fair society (well, farm) where everyone is equal. The animals establish their own rules for running the farm and are promised equality and prosperity. However, as Napoleon and Snowball gain more and more power, they begin to exploit the other animals, becoming increasingly similar to the oppressive human keepers they had hoped to escape. 

Through intriguing animal characters and simple language, Orwell crafts a powerful commentary on the dangers of totalitarianism.

5. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Are you a Greaser or a Soc? The Outsiders is a gripping story about two rival teenage gangs, in 1960s Oklahoma. Ponyboy Curtis is a Greaser and narrates his experiences as he navigates conflicts with the wealthier gang known as the Socs. When a violent clash between the two groups results in a tragic end, Ponyboy and his friends must confront the harsh realities of their divided society. Through friendship and loyalty, they discover that despite their differences, they share common struggles and dreams. 

This coming-of-age novel will keep you on your toes and have you rooting for all the characters. After reading, you can also watch the 1983 cult-classic movie adaptation starring Patrick Swayze, Tom Cruise, and many more stars.

6. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott 

This novel follows the lives of the four March sisters — Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy — as they grow up during the Civil War era in Concord, Massachusetts. Little Women explores the sisters’ joys, struggles, and bonds as they navigate love, friendship, and personal ambitions. Each sister has her own dreams and aspirations, from Meg's desire for a traditional family life to Jo's ambitions as a writer. 

The heartwarming novel is wonderfully written and you’ll fall in love with the sisters and their stories. After reading the book, you can watch the 2019 movie adaptation starring Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Saoirse Ronan, and Timothy Chalamet. 

7. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare 

This famous tragedy is set in Verona, Italy, and is a play, not a novel. It tells the tale of Romeo and Juliet, star-crossed lovers from two feuding families, the Montagues and the Capulets. Despite their families' hatred of each other, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet fall deeply in love at first sight. Their secret romance leads to a series of misunderstandings, duels, and tragic events, ultimately resulting in the deaths of both Romeo and Juliet. 

The Shakespearean language may be hard to grasp at times, but there are modern-day English translations. And you can watch the Baz Luhrmann movie adaptation starring a young Leonardo DiCaprio and Clare Danes. 

8. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is a gripping tale of scientific ambition and its tragic consequences. Dr. Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist, becomes obsessed with creating new life. He succeeds in bringing his creature to life but recoils in horror at its appearance. Rejected by its creator and by society, the monstrous creature seeks revenge, leading to a violent confrontation. 

This novel significantly impacted the popularity of gothic literature, sparking a new fascination and interest in the horror genre. 

We hope you enjoy this list of classical novels and that they help you improve your English skills while exploring captivating stories and mesmerizing characters. Happy reading!