Are you thinking about what to read after this one? With all the recently published books, WhatsOn has brought this week’s book selection. Bring out your inner bookworm and spend the entire day reading. With fantasy or historical fiction, books can awaken even the most dormant imaginations, melt. Even the hardiest hearts with a steamy romance novel, or allow us to experience life from someone else’s perspective through nonfiction . Books also offer an escape when the real world feels too stressful or frightening.
1. Nineteen Eighty-Four, by George Orwell
Although dismal, Nineteen Eighty-Four is a vital book to read. Published in 1949, it’s the author’s depiction of a dystopian future. And that is characterized by authoritarian state monitoring, mind control, and eternal conflict. The main character of the book is Winston, whose job is to edit old news to fit the party line. We follow Winston as he plots to overthrow the government he works for. Its iconic first line, “It was a bright frigid day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen,” establishes the unpleasant mood for the remainder of this unnerving book. Without you realizing it, you probably already employ words from this popular book; examples include “Big Brother” and “Room 101.” As you read “1984,” think about these concerns.
2. His Dark Materials, a trilogy by Philip Pullman
Three books make up Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials: Northern Lights (also known as The Golden Compass in the US). The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass. The story takes place in a fantasy world with many parallel universes. And some of which resemble Oxford in the real world. The main character, Lyra, lives in a world where humans are followed by creatures called daemons. who represent their souls in animal form. Lyra attends the fictional Jordan College in Oxford. You will be drawn in straight away by the interesting parallels. And early disparities between Lyra’s universe and reality. And where you will undoubtedly be riveted as you travel with Lyra. As she reaches adulthood and learns that space and time are not what she had anticipated.
3. Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens
Another coming-of-age tale, and probably the best one ever told, is presented here. Give Charles Dickens another try if you find him or if studying him in school turned you off of him. Like all of his books, Great Expectations is humorous and has a colorful cast of characters with creative names. It narrates the story of Pip, an orphan from a low-income upbringing. He discovers a lesson in life after finding personal fortune. That is to be an unpleasant experience that causes him to turn for the worst. The only people he has ever loved.
Along the journey, he encounters the mysterious Miss Havisham. She is an elderly woman who has been left at the altar while her entire body has frozen.
4. Rebecca, by Daphne du Maurier
Even if you don’t often enjoy the Gothic, Rebecca will keep you riveted. After becoming married to Maxim de Winter, the proprietor of Manderley, the story’s unnamed narrator describes her terrifying experiences there. The scary Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper, is keen to demonstrate to Maxim’s new bride. That she is not a replacement for her beloved Rebecca. She drowned the year before, Manderley shows to be plagued by memories of Maxim’s former wife. We watch as the second Mrs. de Winter tries to blend in at Manderley. And learns the truth about Rebecca’s true identity and what actually transpired to her. You will be tormented by its opening lines, just as millions of readers have been.
