Novels to Read Online
If you adore classic literature and need to dive into the exceptional novels of all time, right here’s an in-depth guide to five timeless classics. These masterpieces have captivated readers for generations and are on hand without spending a dime on several platforms. Let’s discover every novel in detail, along with its records, reason, summaries, and famous lines, and where to study them totally free or purchase a copy.
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“Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë
- Written By: Emily Brontë
- Published: 1847
- Pages: Approximately 416
- Purpose: Emily Brontë wrote “Wuthering Heights” as a profound exploration of love, revenge, and the human condition. It reflects intense emotions and raw passion, inspired by the Yorkshire moors where she lived.
Summary: “Wuthering Heights” tells the turbulent tale of Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw’s love. It delves into themes of jealousy, revenge, and the destructive effects of unbridled passion. Heathcliff’s relentless pursuit of revenge after being mistreated as an orphan creates a ripple effect, affecting generations of the Earnshaw and Linton families.
Famous Line: “His and my souls are the same, regardless of what makes them up.”
Reality or Fiction: Although it is a work of fiction, Emily Brontë’s surroundings and her astute observations of human nature served as a major inspiration.
Awards: Despite not being honored during her lifetime, Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights” is now regarded as a literary classic.
Free Access: Project Gutenberg has it available. Amazon and Barnes & Noble provide nicely illustrated paid versions.
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“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
- Written By: Louisa May Alcott
- Published: 1868
- Pages: Approximately 759 (depending on the edition)
- Purpose: “Little Women” was written by Louisa May Alcott to portray the hardships and victories of four sisters during the Civil War. It is a moving depiction of familial ties, personal development, and social expectations, and it was inspired by her own experiences.
Summary: “Little Women” follows the lives of the March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate love, loss, ambition, and self-discovery. Each sister’s journey reflects different facets of womanhood, making it relatable and timeless.
Famous Line: “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”
Reality or Fiction: The story is semi-autobiographical, with Louisa drawing inspiration from her own family.
Awards: Despite the fact that Louisa didn’t get any honors at the time, “Little Women” is now regarded as a classic everywhere.
Free Access: Open Library or Google Books. Paid Versions: Special illustrated editions and collector’s copies on Amazon and Target.
Additional Keywords: Is Little Women a true story, how old is Amy in Little Women?
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“The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” by Arthur Conan Doyle
- Written By: Arthur Conan Doyle
- Published: 1892
- Pages: Approximately 307
- Purpose: With the help of the brilliant Sherlock Holmes and his devoted friend, Dr. Watson, readers will be entertained by the exciting detective mysteries in this collection of short stories.
Summary: This book compiles twelve short stories, including famous cases like “A Scandal in Bohemia” and “The Adventure of the Speckled Band.” Holmes’ deductive reasoning and unparalleled observation skills make each case intriguing and satisfying.
Famous Line: “Once the impossible has been ruled out, whatever is left, no matter how unlikely, must be the truth.”
Reality or Fiction: The characters and cases are fictional, though Holmes’ character is partly inspired by Dr. Joseph Bell, one of Conan Doyle’s professors.
Awards: While Arthur Conan Doyle didn’t win awards for this book, he remains one of the most celebrated authors in detective fiction.
Free Access: Project Gutenberg. Paid Versions: Annotated editions and luxury collections are available on Amazon.
Additional Keywords: the adventures of Sherlock Holmes summary.
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“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley
- Written By: Mary Shelley
- Published: 1818
- Pages: Approximately 280
- Purpose: Mary Shelley wrote “Frankenstein” to explore the consequences of scientific hubris and the ethical dilemmas of creation and responsibility.
Summary: Victor Frankenstein, the protagonist of the book, is a scientist who uses dead tissue to create a living human. However, the creature’s rejection and isolation lead to tragic consequences for Victor and those he loves. The book raises questions about humanity, ethics, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Famous Line: “Beware; for I am fearless and therefore powerful.”
Reality or Fiction: Entirely fictional, though it reflects early 19th-century scientific advancements and debates.
Awards: “Frankenstein” is celebrated as one of the first science fiction novels but did not win awards during Mary Shelley’s lifetime.
Free Access: Gutenberg. Paid Versions: Widely available on Amazon and local bookstores.
Additional Keywords: Frankenstein novel summary, watch Lisa Frankenstein.
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“Moby Dick” by Herman Melville
- Written By: Herman Melville
- Published: 1851
- Pages: Approximately 720
- Purpose: Melville wrote “Moby Dick” as an allegorical tale about obsession, the struggle against nature, and humanity’s relentless pursuit of power.
Summary: The novel follows Captain Ahab’s obsessive quest to hunt down Moby Dick, a giant white whale that had previously maimed him. The narrative, which is told by Ishmael, examines issues of retaliation, the value of obsession, and humanity’s relationship with nature.
Famous Line: “Call me Ishmael.”
Reality or Fiction: Inspired by real-life accounts of whaling and the infamous whale Mocha Dick.
Awards: Initially overlooked, “Moby Dick” is now regarded as one of the greatest American novels.
Free Access: Project Gutenberg. Paid Versions: Leather-bound editions and academic copies are available on Amazon.
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