10 Timeless Classic Novels That Are Still Relevant Today: Why You Should Add Them to Your Reading List

Classic novels have a timeless quality that allows them to remain relevant even decades or centuries after they were first published. These novels offer a glimpse into different eras, cultures, and perspectives, and they often explore themes and issues that still resonate with readers today. In this blog post, we'll be exploring 10 classic novels that are still relevant today and why they should be on your reading list.

From Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, these novels continue to captivate readers and spark important conversations about the world we live in. Whether you're interested in exploring themes of social inequality, the corrupting influence of power, or the complexities of love and identity, these classic novels have something to offer.

One novel that continues to captivate readers (myself included) is Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. This story of passion and revenge on the windswept moors of England explores the destructive power of love and the consequences of unchecked passion. Although it was first published in 1847, the novel's themes of obsession, jealousy, and destructive relationships continue to resonate with readers today.

In this blog post, I'll be diving deeper into some of my favorite themes and issues explored in Wuthering Heights and some of my other favorite classic novels. We'll explore why these stories and their themes are still relevant today and why they should be on your reading (ore re-reading) list. So whether you're a fan of classic literature or just looking for a thought-provoking read go grab a cup of tea and settle in, because we've got some classics to explore.

Let's start with one of my personal favorite novels, Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. I've talked more about my obsession with this novel and Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff's twisted, tortuous passion over on my shawcatreads TikTok. This central theme of passions run amuck and general challenging societal norms that we find in Wuthering Heights is a running theme in a lot of Victorian and Gothic literature, which is some of my favorite stuff.

This novel is is a prime example of gothic literature, with its atmospheric setting, haunted characters, and supernatural elements. Gothic literature is a genre that emerged in the late 18th century, characterized by dark, mysterious, and supernatural elements. Gothic novels are typically set in the near past, and often feature bleak and foreboding settings, haunted or cursed characters, and themes of madness, death, obsession, and terror. Gothic literature can be seen as a reaction to the previous Enlightenment focus on rationality and science, and a desire to explore the darker and more complex aspects of human nature.

Wuthering Heights was published in 1847. It is a story of love, revenge, and tragedy, set in the wild moors of Yorkshire, England. The novel is narrated by a newcomer to the area, Lockwood, who becomes intrigued by the history of his landlord, Heathcliff, and the neighboring property of Wuthering Heights. Through Lockwood's narration, the story of Heathcliff's doomed love for Catherine Earnshaw, and the destructive consequences of that love, is revealed.

The novel challenges the norms and expectations of society of its time as well as the boundaries between different categories of existence itself. This is also another one of my favorite novels that explores the construction of identity and challenges things like the boundaries between human and nonhuman in a lot of interesting and thought-provoking ways. Heathcliff is often described in animalistic terms and what constitutes appropriate and "normal" behavior in human society gets questioned throughout the entire story. The boundary between the states of being alive and dead are also blurred, with Catherine's ghost haunting Heathcliff. In this way, Wuthering Heights challenges traditional notions of order and stability, and instead explores the darker and more mysterious aspects of human existence.

To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel by Harper Lee originally published in 1960. The story is set in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama during the 1930s, and follows the lives of a young girl named Scout Finch and her brother Jem, as they come of age and learn about the world around them. The novel explores themes of racism, injustice, and the loss of innocence, and is told through the eyes of Scout.

Atticus Finch, Scout and Jem's father, is a prominent lawyer in Maycomb who is assigned to defend a black man, Tom Robinson, who has been accused of raping a white woman. Despite the town's hostility towards him, Atticus takes on the case and represents Tom with the utmost integrity and compassion, even though he knows that the odds are against him. Through Atticus' unwavering sense of justice and morality, he teaches his children valuable lessons about empathy, courage, and the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult.

Atticus Finch is one my my most beloved literary fathers because he embodies the qualities that we all admire in a parent - kindness, intelligence, strength, and a deep sense of compassion. He is a role model for his children and for readers alike, showing us that it is possible to stand up for what is right in a world that is often unjust. His unwavering belief in justice and equality, and his willingness to fight for those principles, make him a hero in the eyes of many readers, and a literary father figure that we can all look up to.

1984 is a novel by George Orwell set in a dystopian society called Oceania, where the government, led by a figure known as Big Brother, controls every aspect of citizens' lives. The novel follows the life of Winston Smith, a low-level member of the ruling Party who begins to question the regime's practices and beliefs. As he becomes involved with a resistance movement and falls in love with a fellow rebel named Julia, Winston comes to understand the true nature of the society he lives in and the horrifying consequences of dissent.

Published in 1949, 1984 is considered a classic of dystopian literature, exploring themes of totalitarianism, surveillance, censorship, and the nature of truth. These themes are as relevant today as they were when the book was first published, as we continue to grapple with issues of government overreach, privacy concerns, and the manipulation of information in the digital age. The novel serves as a warning about the dangers of allowing a government to have too much power, and a call to action for individuals to resist oppressive regimes and fight for their own freedoms and rights.

Pride and Prejudice is a novel by Jane Austen. The book was published in 1813 and is set in the early 19th century in rural England. The storyline follows the life of Elizabeth Bennet, the second eldest of five daughters, as she navigates the social norms and expectations of her time in search of love and happiness. As Elizabeth meets a variety of suitors, including the wealthy and seemingly arrogant Mr. Darcy, she begins to question her own prejudices and assumptions about the people around her, and ultimately finds true love in an unexpected place.

This novel is significant in the world of literature for its exploration of themes such as marriage, social class, and the role of women in society. Austen's sharp wit and social commentary, as well as her vivid and complex characters, have made the novel a beloved classic that continues to be read and studied today.

Readers may be familiar with several different adaptations of Pride and Prejudice, including film and television adaptations, stage productions, and even modern retellings such as the novel Bridget Jones's Diary. My own personal favorite is the 1990's adaptation by A&E, featuring Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. My aunt tortured me and made me watch it often as a child, and overtime I came to actually appreciate and understand just how good it was (thanks, aunt Barbara!) I am also very much a fan of the film adaptation starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen (who I also love in HBO's Succession). Over the years, these different adaptations have helped to bring the story and its themes to new audiences and keep the novel relevant in popular culture. Overall, Pride and Prejudice remains one of my favorites and a timeless and important work of literature, exploring the complexities of human relationships and the enduring power of love.

Their Eyes Were Watching God  is a novel by Zora Neale Hurston, first published in 1937. The story follows the life of Janie Crawford, a young African American woman who grows up in the rural South and experiences love, loss, and self-discovery over the course of her life.

Janie's journey is significant in the world of literature for its exploration of themes such as race, gender, and identity. Through Janie's experiences, Hurston challenges traditional notions of femininity and womanhood, and gives voice to the often-overlooked experiences and perspectives of African American women. The novel is also significant for its use of dialect and vernacular, which reflects the cultural and linguistic richness of African American communities.

Their Eyes Were Watching God has been hailed as a landmark work of African American and feminist literature, and its impact can be seen in the works of later writers such as Alice Walker and Toni Morrison. The novel's enduring popularity and influence have also been bolstered by its inclusion in high school and college curricula, as well as numerous adaptations for stage and screen.

Jane Eyre is a novel by Charlotte Bronte, published in 1847. It tells the story of Jane Eyre, an orphaned young woman who becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she falls in love with her employer, Mr. Rochester. However, as Jane uncovers dark secrets about Mr. Rochester and his past, she is forced to confront her own beliefs and values in order to find her place in the world.

Like the other works of the Bronte sisters, this book is significant in the world of literature for its portrayal of a strong, independent, and complex female protagonist. Jane's struggles against societal expectations and gender roles, as well as her unwavering sense of self and morality, have made her a beloved character and an enduring symbol of feminist empowerment.

The novel is also notable for its incorporation of numerous Gothic elements, including eerie and atmospheric settings, mysterious occurrences, and supernatural events. Through its use of Gothic tropes, Charlotte Bronte creates a sense of unease and suspense that adds depth and complexity to the story, while also highlighting the psychological struggles and emotional turmoil of its characters.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald explores themes of wealth, social status, and the American Dream that are still relevant today. Published in 1925, the story is set in the 1920s and follows the life of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and mysterious man who is in love with Daisy Buchanan, a married woman. Through Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy, the novel explores themes of love, wealth, and the corruption of the American Dream.

The significance of Gatsby lies in its commentary on the excess and extravagance of the Roaring Twenties, a time of great wealth and prosperity in America. Fitzgerald depicts a society obsessed with materialism and status, where people's worth is measured by their possessions and their ability to throw lavish parties.

Today, the novel's themes are still relevant, as we continue to grapple with issues of excessive wealth and inequality. The opulence and excess depicted in the story can be seen as a reflection of the wealth gap and the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few in modern society. The novel also raises questions about the morality of extreme wealth and the impact it has on individuals and society as a whole.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is an 1890 novel by Oscar Wilde. The story follows the life of Dorian Gray, a young man who becomes enamored with his own beauty and youth. When he has his portrait painted, he makes a wish that he will remain young and beautiful while the portrait ages and shows the effects of his debauchery and sins.

The novel's commentary focuses on the broader societal obsession with beauty, youth, and appearance. Wilde explores the dangers of valuing surface-level qualities over substance, and the potential consequences of prioritizing physical beauty above all else.

Today's culture is similarly obsessed with youth and beauty, with the rise of social media and the pressure to present a perfect image to the world. The themes of Dorian Gray remain relevant as ever, as we continue to grapple with the impact of societal pressure to conform to an ideal of beauty.

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein explores the dangers of unchecked scientific progress and the ethical responsibilities of scientific discovery. Published in 1818, the story follows Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a monster in his laboratory using various body parts. The novel explores themes of ambition, responsibility, and the consequences of playing God.

Shelley's novel is widely regarded as one of the first works of horror fiction, and has had a lasting impact on the genre in popular culture. The novel also raises important questions about the ethics of scientific experimentation, and the dangers of unchecked ambition.

Mary Shelley wrote this story as part of a friendly competition with her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and their fellow writer friend, Lord Byron. The three were staying together in Switzerland in 1816, which was known as the "Year Without a Summer" due to the after-effects of the volcanic eruption of Mount Tambora the previous year. To pass the time during a period of bad weather, they decided to each write a ghost story.

Mary Shelley struggled at first to come up with an idea, but eventually hit upon the concept of a scientist creating life in a laboratory. This idea was likely influenced by the scientific debates and experiments taking place at the time, as well as Shelley's own interest in science and philosophy.

As she worked on the story, Shelley drew on various literary and philosophical influences, including John Milton's Paradise Lost and the works of her husband and father, the feminist philosopher William Godwin. The novel was published anonymously in 1818, and its initial reception was mixed.

Despite its rocky start, Frankenstein has gone on to become a literary classic and a cultural phenomenon, inspiring numerous interpretations in popular culture. Frankenstein has been adapted numerous times in various forms of media, including film, television, and theater. One notable adaptation is Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein", which is a comedic take on the original story and one of my favorite movies of all time. These adaptations have helped to keep the story relevant and popular to modern audiences.

In addition to its significance in the horror genre, Shelley's Frankenstein also continues to be relevant today as a cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement and the importance of ethical considerations in scientific pursuits. The novel's exploration of themes such as the relationship between creator and creation, and the consequences of unchecked ambition, continue to resonate with modern audiences, and make this story a truly timeless work of literature.

Brave New World  is a dystopian novel by Aldous Huxley, originally published in 1932. The story takes place in a future society where humans are genetically engineered and conditioned to conform to a rigid social hierarchy. The novel explores themes of individuality, freedom, and the dangers of a conformist society.

This novel presents an exploration of the dangers of a society that values conformity and stability over individuality and freedom. The novel's themes of consumerism, mass media, and the effects of technology on human behavior are particularly relevant in today's society, where the rise of social media and the increasing reliance on technology have raised concerns about the impact of these factors on our sense of identity and individuality.

Moreover, the novel's exploration of the role of government in shaping society is also relevant today, particularly in the context of debates over privacy and the balance between individual rights and state control. The novel's themes have also influenced popular culture and have been referenced in various works of literature, film, and music.

Overall, Brave New World is a significant work of literature that offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of a conformist society that prioritizes stability and control over individuality and freedom. Its exploration of the impact of technology, consumerism, and government control on human behavior remains relevant today, and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving individuality and freedom in a rapidly changing world.

These books offer a rich tapestry of themes and issues that continue to captivate readers and inspire important conversations about the world we live in. If you're looking for a thought-provoking read that will challenge your perspectives and your understanding of the world and humanity, I encourage you to pick up one of these classic novels. You might be surprised at how much they still have to offer, even decades or centuries after they were first published.

Reading is one of the best ways to learn and grow, and these classic novels are a testament to that. So why not challenge yourself to read something new and dive into a classic that has stood the test of time? You never know what insights and revelations you might uncover. Go read!