For beginners, 'Pride and Prejudice' is a great start. It has a simple yet engaging plot about the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. The language, while Victorian, is not overly difficult to understand. Another good option is 'Oliver Twist'. The story of the orphan boy trying to survive in a cruel world is easy to follow. 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson is also a good beginner - friendly choice. It's a short and thrilling story about the duality of human nature.
I would recommend 'Jane Eyre' for beginners. It has a strong female protagonist, and the story of her love and her struggle for independence is very appealing. The writing is clear and the themes are relatable. 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens is also a good one. It's a short and well - known story that gives a good taste of Victorian literature. And 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll, although it has a more fantastical element, is a fun and easy - to - read Victorian work.
Beginning with 'Wuthering Heights' can be interesting. It has a passionate love story at its core, and the description of the moors and the characters' emotions are vivid. 'The Invisible Man' by H.G. Wells is also suitable for beginners. It's a science - fiction story set in Victorian times, which is a different take on the era's literature. And 'Silas Marner' by George Eliot is a good choice. It's about a lonely weaver and how his life changes when a child enters it, with themes of redemption and community.