I would recommend The Scarlet Letter. It's set in Puritan New England. It tells the story of Hester Prynne who has to wear a scarlet 'A' for adultery. It shows the strict moral code of the Puritan society and how one woman struggles against it. You can really feel the historical atmosphere through the descriptions of the town and the people's attitudes.
A Tale of Two Cities is a great choice too. It's set during the French Revolution. Dickens vividly portrays the chaos and upheaval of the time. The story weaves together the lives of characters in both London and Paris. You'll be immersed in the historical events while also following the personal dramas of the characters like Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay.
You could start with War and Peace. It's a huge epic set during the Napoleonic Wars in Russia. It gives a detailed picture of the society at that time, with many different characters from all walks of life. You'll get a sense of the military campaigns as well as the personal stories of love and family.
I'd recommend 'A Death in Vienna'. It has a great blend of mystery, historical elements, and interesting characters. The story unfolds in an engaging way, and it's not too complex for a first - time reader of Silva's works. It can draw you into his world of novels quite effectively.
If you want to start with a classic, go for 'The Scarlet Letter'. It's relatively short and gives a great introduction to American historical fiction with its exploration of Puritan values. It's a story that has endured for a long time and is easy to understand.
If you want a shorter and perhaps more accessible entry point, 'Notes from Underground' might be a good choice. It's a more concentrated exploration of some of Dostoyevsky's key themes, such as the alienation of the individual. It gives you a quick but intense introduction to his unique writing style and his way of delving into the human psyche.
A great one to start with is 'The Grand Sophy'. It has a really engaging story. The character of Sophy is full of life and her antics are both funny and endearing. It gives a good taste of Heyer's writing style, especially her ability to create a vivid Regency - era setting and populate it with interesting characters.
I would recommend starting with 'The Old Man and the Sea'. It's a relatively short novel but is full of deep meaning. It gives you a good taste of Hemingway's writing style with its simple yet evocative language and the powerful story of the old fisherman's battle with the fish.
If you like stories about exploration and the unknown, 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' is a good choice. It's not too long and it will take you on a wild ride through underground caverns and strange geological formations. You'll be introduced to some basic scientific concepts as well, all wrapped up in an exciting adventure story.
I think you could start by choosing a genre you like. If you like adventure, 'Treasure Island' from the list of classic novels might be a good start. It has pirates and hidden treasures. If you prefer love stories, 'Sense and Sensibility' is a great choice. It shows different types of love and relationships. You can also ask for recommendations from friends who are into classic novels.
Another great option is 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien. If you like fantasy, this is a perfect start. It has adventure, interesting characters like Bilbo Baggins, and a richly - created world. It also sets the stage for Tolkien's more complex 'The Lord of the Rings' series.
Just pick one that interests you the most. For example, if you like stories about strong female characters, you could start with 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte. It's an easy read to get into the world of classic fiction.
You could start with choosing a historical period that fascinates you. For example, if you're into the Renaissance, there's a wealth of material on art, politics, and society. Then, read books, both non - fiction about the era and other historical fictions set in that time. This gives you a sense of what's been done before and what gaps you could fill. Another good starting point is to visit museums related to the period or places where historical events took place. It can really bring the era to life and give you inspiration for characters and plotlines.