What are the must read British novels?

Then there's 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. This novel is not only a horror classic but also a profound exploration of creation and the human condition. The monster's search for acceptance and his vengeful acts create a sense of horror that still resonates today.

Some great high school British novels include 'Oliver Twist' by Charles Dickens. This novel shows the dark side of Victorian society through the eyes of an orphan. 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding is also a classic. It explores the nature of human beings when left in a primitive and unregulated environment. Additionally, 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Dickens is a significant work that depicts the events during the French Revolution from a British perspective.

One of the most well - known is '1984' by George Orwell. It presents a dystopian society where the government has extreme control over people's lives. Another is 'To the Lighthouse' by Virginia Woolf, which is a beautifully written exploration of family, time, and perception. And 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley, which also depicts a disturbing future society, but with a different take on control and human nature compared to '1984'.

One of the top British thriller novels is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex plot full of mystery and a strong female lead. Another great one is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. The twists and turns in this novel are truly mind - boggling. And 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris is also a classic, with its terrifying antagonist Hannibal Lecter.

Must-read British short stories often include 'The Open Window' by Saki. It's known for its clever plot and surprise ending. 'The Selfish Giant' by Oscar Wilde is another gem, with its touching story and moral lessons. 'A Cup of Tea' by Katherine Mansfield is also worth your time for its delicate portrayal of human emotions.

For beginners, 'Pride and Prejudice' is a great start. It has a simple yet engaging plot and the language, while of its time, is not overly difficult to understand. Another good one is 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'. The story is full of fun and the use of language is accessible. 'The Wind in the Willows' by Kenneth Grahame is also suitable. It's a charming story about animal friends.

You could start with 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe as it has influenced many British short story writers. But if you want pure British, 'The Lady with the Dog' by Anton Chekhov, who was Russian but had an influence on British literature, gives a good example of a relationship - centered story. Then move on to more classic British like 'The Canterville Ghost' by Oscar Wilde. It's a witty and humorous take on the ghost story genre, full of Wilde's characteristic sharp social commentary.

Definitely check out 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman which has some British - like qualities in its exploration of a woman's mental state. Among the British short stories, Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes short stories are classics. They not only have great detective plots but also give insights into Victorian England. And don't forget about D. H. Lawrence's short works, for example, 'The Rocking - Horse Winner' which delves into themes of family, greed, and the supernatural.

The settings in the '50 must read classic novels' are quite remarkable. Take 'Wuthering Heights' for instance. The desolate moors not only set the mood but also seem to be a character in themselves. The historical and cultural contexts within these novels are also must - read aspects. They give us insights into different eras. Moreover, the plot twists and turns in novels like 'Great Expectations' keep readers hooked.

Some of the must - read novels in 2019 could be 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood. It's a great follow - up to 'The Handmaid's Tale' and continues to explore the dystopian world she created.