Seeming as my blog is about what new books I come across and my thoughts on them, I wouldn't want all those books I have already read to go ignored. So here you will find some of my favourite reads and books I would highly recommend. This will take a while to build up... I have a lot of books!
Enjoy x
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontё: This has long been recognised as a classic but in my eyes, it really is one of the absolute best. I personally have a massive soft spot for the Brontё sisters, especially Emily. You should read her poetry as well, it is just as hauntingly beautiful as this novel and captures the same pained love that seems to define part of Emily's character. One of the most tragic love stories in literature, it's right up there with Romeo and Juliet for me. Set in wild moors much like where Emily herself spent so much time, the beauty of lost, lonely souls is captured and immortalised in Cathy and Heathcliff. Not only is the story itself captivating but her narrative style is ingenious. Her multi-narrative technique may at first seem confusing but for me it simply adds to the depth of the story as the passion this couple inspires runs deep through time and the various people that encounter their story. An absolute must on any book shelf; it is a story that everyone should know.
Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer: I was introduced to the works of Jeffrey Archer a few years ago and this book was the first of his I read. I was only familiar with Archer within the context of the media and had no idea what to expect of his literature. I was blown away. This novel is firmly one of my most favourite books and I always recommend it to anyone that will listen! It is the story of the lives of two men, one American, one Polish, and how over the years their lives become entangled despite their very different origins and experiences. It is a tale of struggle, strength and tribulation but throughout it all the message of hope, determination and possibility. This novel is the first part of a trilogy. I have read the other two parts and although enjoyable, they do not accomplish the same range of emotions as rawly and beautifully as this book does. Although I particularly recommend this novel, so many of his other works are definitely worth reading. Personal recommendations are A Prisoner of Birth, Sons of Fortune and First Among Equals.
Atonement by Ian McEwan: I really enjoy this novel. For me though, its enjoyment does not lie primarily within the story but in the author's style. McEwan presents his characters in a kind of 'what-if' manner by playing with two realities within the novel and manipulating the course of events in the character's lives. This makes for an interesting read and provides a fresh perception on how a novel can work and the way it can affect a reader. McEwan is a clever author and I greatly admire his literary skills. Saying that, the plot line is very enjoyable as well as it follows the characters' lives preceding and during World War II, thereby playing on the emotions such a time period can brew as well as playing on the novel's structure. I didn't particularly enjoy the film adapted from this novel, but that may well be more to do with my dislike for Keira Knightley rather than the failings of the film. Regardless, this novel is a really great read and a great example of the work of a talented, contemporary author.
