The Odyssey, an ancient Greek epic poem, is attributed to Homer and is a sequel to the Iliad. The narrative centers on the hero Odysseus and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. Facing numerous challenges, including the wrath of the sea god Poseidon, encounters with mythical creatures like the Cyclops, and temptations from enchantresses like Circe, Odysseus’s journey is a profound exploration of perseverance, loyalty, and the human spirit.
Persuasion is the last novel fully completed by Jane Austen. It was published posthumously in 1817, and it depicts the story of Anne Elliot, a young Englishwoman with modern and liberal ideas about women and society. Eight years prior to the start of the novel, Anne was persuaded to reject a proposal of marriage from Frederick Wentworth, a man she truly loved, due to his lack of fortune and uncertain prospects. However, when Wentworth returns from sea a wealthy and successful captain, Anne must confront her past decisions and the society that led her to make them.
Pegasus by Danielle Steel tells the multi-generational saga of the Wittgensteins, a wealthy German family, who are forced to flee their homeland with the outbreak of World War II. The family’s only hope for survival lies in their pair of magnificent Lipizzaner stallions, named Pegasus. The narrative spans decades and continents, from war-torn Europe to the sun-baked soils of America, exploring themes of family, loss, survival, and the unbreakable bonds between humans and their animals. Through hardships and trials, the Wittgensteins, along with a diverse cast of characters they meet along their journey, discover the true meaning of home, loyalty, and resilience.
Oedipus Rex, also known by its Greek title, Oedipus Tyrannus or Oedipus the King, is an Athenian tragedy by Sophocles that was first performed around 429 BC. The play tells the story of Oedipus, the King of Thebes, who is desperate to avoid a prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother. Despite his efforts to dodge fate, Oedipus inadvertently fulfills the prophecy while seeking to prevent it, leading to tragic consequences. The narrative explores themes of fate vs. free will, blindness and insight, and the quest for truth and identity.
Mythos is a captivating retelling of the ancient Greek myths, reimagined and vividly brought to life by Stephen Fry. The book delves into the origins of the universe, the birth of the gods, and the adventures and misadventures of heroes and mortals alike. Fry’s witty and accessible style breathes new life into these timeless stories, revealing their enduring relevance and the human truths they encapsulate. From the creation of the world to the exploits of Zeus, Hera, Prometheus, and many more, Mythos makes these ancient tales resonate with modern readers, offering insights into love, power, betrayal, and the quest for meaning.
A Tale of Two Cities is set against the backdrop of the French Revolution and explores themes of resurrection, destiny, and sacrifice. It begins with the famous line ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…’ and tells the story of Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton, two men who look similar but lead very different lives. The novel follows their experiences as they become entangled in the love for the same woman and the violent upheavals of the revolution.
A Rose for Emily is a short story by American author William Faulkner, first published in 1930. It tells the story of Emily Grierson, a woman from the South who is both pitied and scorned by her townsfolk. The narrative explores themes of tradition versus change, social isolation, and the power of death over life. Through a non-linear timeline, the story reveals Emily’s tragic life, including her strict upbringing by a controlling father, her brief romantic relationship, and the dark secret she harbors within her home.
A Bone to Pick’ is part of the ‘Aurora Teagarden’ series, written by Charlaine Harris. The story revolves around Aurora ‘Roe’ Teagarden, a small-town librarian with a fascination for true crime. After inheriting a house from her recently deceased friend, Jane Engle, Roe discovers a hidden skull in the house. This discovery leads her on a mysterious journey to solve a murder that her friend had secretly been investigating.
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros is a coming-of-age novel, narrating the story of Esperanza, a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago. The book is a series of vignettes, capturing moments of Esperanza’s life – her dreams, her struggles with poverty and sexism, and her determination to break free from societal constraints.