Classic Fiction Book Reviews
Why should you bother with the classics?
The Book Pug has a passion for re-introducing readers to Classic novels. They can be overlooked as a bore, when in reality can offer a stimulating and beautifully written read, with timeless themes, characters, and storylines you'll love. Yes, they sometimes require a bit of effort but the payoff is truly worth it.
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
What's it about?
To his horror, Gregor Samsa wakes up in his bed one morning to discover that he has evolved into a large, cockroach-like insect. Minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day, Gregor desperately tries to navigate his disturbing new state of being, and the increasingly disturbing reactions of his family.
What's to like?
What an original book. The author makes this outlandish situation and the rollercoaster of emotions that Gregor and his family experience frighteningly real. The reader can’t help but wonder: How would I deal with this and how would my own family react? The writing is direct, not a word wasted, and makes for page-turning reading.
What's a pain?
This is a very short book at only 70 pages and because it’s so captivating and well written, it’s disappointing when it is suddenly over. Yet its brevity is part of its power. Some readers may also find the storyline rather simplistic, but again this is surely part of its strength to deliver its powerful messages.
Is this book for me?
If you like an original and thought-provoking read that challenges your mind and pushes to you imagine ‘What if…?’ you will love this. If you aren’t keen on the fantastical, nor willing to suspend disbelief, you’ll want to swat this bug on sight.
Book Pug rating? 9 paws/10
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
What's it about?
Young debutante Catherine Morland is invited to Bath by her parents’ friends the Allens, to become acquainted with the world of high society. Before long gossip and romantic entanglements enter her life, and Catherine tries to make sense of who to trust and what’s right and wrong.
What's to like?
This is an excellent satire of British society and Austen cleverly shines a light on the pretentiousness and falsehoods that abound. It provides plenty of laughs, along with an engaging plot, as we journey with Catherine’s innumerable missteps and her attempts to become a more mature young woman.
What's a pain?
Because this is a satire, there are aspects of the plot that push the boundaries of credibility, as Ms Austen has her fun, particularly sending up the trophes of gothic books of the era. But it all works in the end and makes for a highly entertaining and easy read.
Is this book for me?
If you enjoy classic books set in 18th century British society and like the idea of a send-up of the societal norms back then, you’ll love this entertaining read. If you’re looking for deeper meaning, insight, and complex characters, this High Tea will be far too frothy for you.
Book Pug rating? 7 paws/10
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
What's it about?
On the surface, this iconic novel is centred on a crime mystery, but in essence it’s an exploration of religion, justice, love, and life, through the eyes of the Karamazov brothers, Aloysha, Dmitri, and Ivan. A heinous crime forces each brother to face their inner most desires and fears, and confront impossible choices.
What's to like?
Dostoyevsky explores what it means to be human with profound insight, leaving no stone unturned. He is perhaps unmatched by any other writer in this regard. There are moments of pure joy, despair, love, and hatred that the reader experiences, which make this an unforgettable, if not life-changing novel.
What's a pain?
At around 1000 pages, this is a long book. Not only that, it frequently makes for very intense, drawn out, heavy reading. On top of that, Dostoyevsky dives into the absolute depths of human failings and this can be heart-wrenching and depressing at times. This is not for the faint hearted.
Is this book for me?
If you’re motivated to understand what it means to be human, the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, and aren’t put off by a long read, this will absolutely captivate you. If you are less keen on lengthy philosophical explorations, particularly of the darker side of humanity, you won’t want to hang out with these brothers.
Book Pug rating? 9 paws/10
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
What's it about?
In this classic thriller published in 1886, Dr Henry Jekyll is curious to explore and indulge his dark side without the encumbrance of a conscience. His experimentation initially brings him exactly what he desires, but the consequences are ultimately anything but pleasurable.
What's to like?
Robert Louis Stevenson skilfully captivates the reader from the very first chapter, as he builds suspense in this dark and ominous cautionary tale . It is well written and difficult to put down, which is not a problem as it is a novella-size read.
What's a pain?
Given that this book was written more than 100 years ago, what was original, shocking and frightening then, is less so now. This may leave some readers wanting more. The story also perhaps feels like it is over far too soon, because it is so short.
Is this book for me?
If you like tightly woven suspense, the literary style of classic, and a nice quick read, you may well lap this novella up in one sitting. But if you like your suspense slick, edgy, and modern with a complex plot. This Doc isn’t the right medico for you.
Book Pug rating? 7 paws/10
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
What's it about?
Set in early 20th century New York society, this story centres on the strikingly beautiful Lily Bart, who is determined to ‘marry well’. But each time the opportunity arises, Lily vacillates between listening to her head and her heart, with increasingly dire consequences.
What's to like?
This beautifully written novel might be set in the early 20th century, but it remains a poignant cautionary tale, as to the pitfalls of trying to ‘engineer’ life, without really knowing what you want. Lily is a heroine who we want desperately want to see sense. And with each step she takes, we pray the next one will be in the right direction.
What's a pain?
Edith Wharton’s writing style is richly descriptive and evocative, which means we experience a wonderfully immersive sense of the world Lily inhabits. However, Wharton is not shy of meanderingly long sentences and elaborate descriptions, which might not suit every contemporary reader.
Is this book for me?
If you love a novel with a strong, iconic character who you’re willing on to succeed, and appreciate beautifully written prose, this will be an unforgettable read. But if you struggle with elaborate language and fatally flawed characters annoy you, Lily and her troubles won’t be your cup of tea.
Book Pug rating? 9 paws/10
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
What's it about?
This epic tale narrated by a sailor Ishmael, recounts the fanatical quest of Captain Ahab for vengance upon Moby-Dick, the legendary white whale. We witness the pursuit of Moby-Dick across the oceans, and along the way learn everything there is to know about whaling in the 19th century.
What's to like?
Melville brings the all-consuming obsessiveness of this expedition to life in a vivid, visceral, and captivating manner. The characters are rich and memorable. His passion to delve into the detail of the world of whaling with microscope-like descriptiveness makes this a unique reading experience.
What's a pain?
Moby-Dick isn’t the longest book, but at points the story can slow to a tortoise-like pace. This occurs when Melville explains different facets of whales or whaling, down to the most precise level of detail. For some this will fascinating, for others it will be trying and tiresome.
Is this book for me?
If you are on a quest yourself, to read the greatest classics ever written, you must give Moby-Dick a go. It’s a legendary adventure that you won’t ever forget. If you find the very idea of hearing about 19th century whaling a bit of a yawn, you’ll be harpooning Moby-Dick yourself within a few chapters off shore.
Book Pug rating? 8 paws/10
The House of The Dead by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
What's it about?
This semi-autobiographical novel based on Dostoyevsky’s life, recounts the experience of a Russian gentleman, Alexander Petrovitch, over 10 years of imprisonment in a Siberian prison. We journey with him as he endures the most horrific and unfathomable circumstances of prison life.
What's to like?
There is much deep insight in this beautifully written story. On one hand, there is cruelty and disregard for life on the part of both prisoners and the guards. But on the other, there are profound moments of personal connection and appreciation of the simple aspects of life. The contradiction between the two is heart wrenching and enlightening.
What's a pain?
While this is a captivating and masterpiece of a book, the subject matter is frequently deeply depressing and sometimes heart breaking. Dostoyevsky enables the reader to experience the unimaginable, but it is a dark journey that does not make for an uplifting read.
Is this book for me?
If you seek to better understand the nature of man and appreciate profoundly moving and well-written literature, this book will stay with you forever. If you read for light-hearted pleasure or prefer uplifting and inspiring stories, this is the last book for you.
Book Pug rating? 8 paws/10
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
What's it about?
Tolstoy’s much celebrated work set in 19th century Russia is often referred to as the greatest novel of all time. It tells the story of Anna Karenina, a captivatingly beautiful Russian aristocrat, who throws caution to the wind by embarking on an illicit extra-marital affair, with life-changing consequences for all around her.
What's to like?
Anna may well be the most bewitching character in literature. Her fall from grace, flawed decision making, and tragic fate, is truly heart-wrenching. Tolstoy masterfully exposes the essence of what is is to be human, the good, the bad, the light, the darkness. This is a profoundly moving reading experience.
What's a pain?
At 1000 pages, this isn’t a light read. There are also innumerable supporting characters, many with their own significant sub-plots. It’s no mean feat to keep track of it all. Tolstoy’s inevitable and protracted philosophising through the character Levin may also feel a little heavy-handed for some readers.
Is this book for me?
If you’re not shy of a lengthy novel nor literary writing, and adore iconic, tragically flawed characters, this is a an absolute must-read. If you like your novels to be reasonably easy reading with one central plot and a tight cast of players, you’ll sadly be immune to Anna’s intoxicating charm.
Book Pug rating? 9 paws/10
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
What's it about?
A well-off land owner becomes so obsessed with the adventures in his chivalry novels, that it sends him completely delusion. He decides to become a ‘Knight Errant’ and travels the country righting wrongs and conquering evil with his faithful, hapless side-kick Sancho Panza.
What's to like?
Don Quixote’s epic adventures, in what is considered by many as the first ever modern novel, are frequently hilarious; and he really is an incredibly endearing character. There are also bucket loads of sage life lessons in this legendary tale for both Don Quixote and the reader.
What's a pain?
Ironically, Cervantes originally conceived this story as a short novella, but it was so popular on release that he spent another decade until 1615 adding adventures. The finished book was over 1000 pages, and some readers may wish he had cut a tale or two.
Is this book for me?
If you want to experience the great classics of literature, like a bit of fun, and don’t mind a long read, you must add this to your conquests. But if you balk at repetitious humour and a huge tome, you may end up hoping Quixote receives a fatal blow early into his epic adventures.
Book Pug rating? 7 paws/10
A Perfect Spy by John le Carré
What's it about?
British Intelligence Officer Magnus Pym receives news of his father’s death and suddenly disappears without a trace, leaving his family, colleagues, and spy-masters in a spin. As the story unfolds we gradually discover Magnus held many more secrets than anyone could have possibly imagined.
What's to like?
Dubbed the greatest spy novel ever, this is a great work. Magnus is complex, intriguing, and highly entertaining. The plot of this well written page-turner is enthralling, and the support cast of characters are as perfectly crafted as Magnus, including his father, Rick, who is modelled on le Carré’s own father.
What's a pain?
The only thing that is a pain with this iconic spy novel is that it has to end, and is quite impossible to match with another in its genre.
Is this book for me?
If you are fascinated with the enigmatic, cloak & dagger world of old-school spies, this is an unbeatable read and the king of its genre. If you like a fast-paced spy story with a super-hero like protagonist, maybe go for Ludlum instead of le Carré
Book Pug rating? 8 paws/10
Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
What's it about?
The novel unfolds across a single day in the life of wealthy Londoner Clarissa Dalloway, who prepares for a party she will host that evening. Clarissa reflects on people and events that have shaped her. A coincidence links her refined world to war-veteran Septimus, whose life takes a tragic turn.
What's to like?
The writing is rich, energetic, and descriptive. Woolf explores the joys, motivations, and disappointments of its central characters with penetrating insight. Although the novel is a portrayal of the societal challenges of post-war England, the themes and human motivations are timeless.
What's a pain?
While Woolf is without doubt one of the greatest authors of all time, her prose is so jam-packed with colourful description and deep perception that it can be a lot to take in. This means that while the novel is extraordinarily well written, it isn’t always the easiest read.
Is this book for me?
If you want to experience exquisite writing with great human insight, you’ll love Mrs Dalloway. If you prefer your classics to follow a traditional story structure, with a straightforward style and themes that aren’t too deep and meaningful, stay away from Dalloway.
Book Pug rating? 9 paws/10
Middlemarch by George Eliot
What's it about?
The trials, tribulations, joys and disappointments of the leading townsfolk of Middlemarch in England play out in this 19th century soap-opera . The novel shines a light on the choices we can call make in one moment that result in irrevocable consequences for the rest of our lives.
What's to like?
As a reader you’ll really feel like you’re living inside the world of Middlemarch. It is an immersive and vivid experience of 19th century provincial life. Eliot wrenches at your heart when the lead characters including Dorothea, Edward, Rosamond, and Tertius try to navigate life with mixed degrees of success.
What's a pain?
This novel is lengthy and it takes a long time to get going. The reader may be tempted to give up more than once. But persistence does pay off. There is also a thread of feminism in the novel, but it’s dated and limited by the views of the era in which it was written, and that can make for irksome reading.
Is this book for me?
Because it’s so long, this novel is not for the faint-hearted. But if you love an immersive read that digs deep into understanding the complex motivations that drive people, you’ll enjoy this. If you like a fast-paced page-turner, action, or a laugh in your novels, Middlemarch will bore you silly.
Book Pug rating? 7 paws/10
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
What's it about?
Dostoevsky’s masterpiece explores numerable moral dilemmas, but notably crime and the inescapable consequences of guilt, punishment, and desire for redemption. The protagonist Rodion Raskolnikov engages in an internal battle, as horrific as any real war.
What's to like?
The story keeps the reader absolutely riveted to its end. We vicariously experience the unbearable and mounting turmoil inside Raskolnikov’s mind, as he discovers that every which way he turns, his crime haunts him like an inescapable dark shadow.
What's a pain?
This isn’t the easiest read. Not only is this novel fairly lengthy, much of the drama takes place in Raskolnikov’s thoughts rather than in external action. Remembering all the Russian names, who they are, and what they’ve done also requires plenty of focus.
Is this book for me?
If you’re interested in exploring philosophical questions about what it means to be human and the darker side of man, this is a great literary work that will enthral you. If you aren’t into heavy reads and find moral dilemmas wearing, give this a wide berth.
Book Pug rating? 7 paws/10
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
What's it about?
This haunting tale is narrated by a woman who meets and marries a charming, wealthy widower, Max de Winter. Before long she learns there is a dark secret regarding the death of his first wife, Rebecca, that she must uncover to have any chance of happiness.
What's to like?
Du Maurier’s elaborate and evocative use of language literally sweeps you into another world. The characters are bewitching and enigmatic, most notably the spectre of Rebecca, and the grand home by the sea, Manderlay, which feels as alive as any person.
What's a pain?
It takes a while for the real drama to unfold, and so patience is required. Du Maurier’s writing, which while rich in metaphors, and mood, can be elaborate and demanding before it gets to the point. But without this language, it wouldn’t be half the classic it is.
Is this book for me?
If you love escaping into a world of mystery and dark romanticism, Rebecca will be unforgettably satisfying. If expressive prose isn’t your thing, and you want a deeper message from your novels, Rebecca won’t enchant you as she does the rest of us.
Book Pug rating? 8 paws/10
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
What's it about?
Handsome, young society man, Dorian Gray, revels in the power of his youth and beauty, and upon seeing his portrait, makes a wish that the painting ages instead of him. His wish is granted, but Dorian’s life of depravity and hedonism can’t be without consequence.
What's to like?
This late 19th century morality tale has potent themes just as relevant today, if not more so, regarding the perils of lusting after a purely aesthetic life. Wilde’s writing is elegant and darkly atmospheric; and the incisive, witty dialogue is highly entertaining.
What's a pain?
Like many classics of this era, the portrayal of women can err towards being one dimensional and sexist. In addition, Dorian’s corrupt mentor, Lord Henry Wotton, can go on a bit in his lectures regarding society, clearly a reflection of the author’s cynical views.
Is this book for me?
If you enjoy novels set in 19th century England, love clever dialogue and novels that are a cautionary moral tale, this will be a delight for you. If you find the old world of British aristocracy too pretentious to stomach and morality tales a bore, this picture isn’t for you.
Book Pug rating? 7 paws/10
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
What's it about?
Without doubt one of the most iconic novels of all time, War and Peace recounts the experiences of several aristocratic Russian families prior to, during and after Russia’s 1812 war with France led by Napoleon.
What's to like?
Tolstoy remains one of the greatest masters of crafting a captivating plot with intrigue, historical interest, and human tragedy, at both a societal and deeply personal level. The central characters Pierre, Natasha, Andrei, Maria, Helene, and others are unforgettable.
What's a pain?
War and Peace is very long at 1,200 pages and Tolstoy is at ease with extensive, descriptive prose on seemingly minor matters. The end of the novel becomes acutely philosophical and some might find this a little heavy handed on the author’s part.
Is this book for me?
If you love epic novels with intriguing characters and an enthralling plot, set against a grand historical backdrop, this is a must-read classic. If you lose interest with long books, or aren’t interested in war themes, you’ll quickly tire of Tolstoy’s titanic tale.
Book Pug rating? 9 paws/10
Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay
What's it about?
Set in 1900 in an exclusive girls school outside of Melbourne, in Australia, this tale is about a group of girls who mysteriously go missing on a school picnic-outing in nearby bushland. Their disappearance sparks a fervent search, and the event has wide-reaching and tragic consequences that no one could have imagined.
What's to like?
This is a haunting read. The eerie atmosphere of the rugged Australian bushland, the menacing Hanging Rock, and the unrelenting sense of dread are masterfully crafted by the author. The writing style is at times poetic and at others quintessentially direct and ‘Australian’, making the novel a unique read.
What's a pain?
This is quite a short novel and because it is so entrancing, the reader may wish that it had been that little bit longer. There are also incomplete sub-plots and unanswered questions at its conclusion, but that’s all part of this unfathomable mystery.
Is this book for me?
If you love unnerving mysteries and are interested in the fascinating contradiction of 1900’s conventional Australian society with the rugged, natural landscape, this will be a treat for you. If you aren’t interested in inexplicable occurrences and want straight up answers, you won’t want to go on this nightmare picnic.
Book Pug rating? 8 paws/10
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
What's it about?
This is the archetype of all novels that explore the privileged and eccentric world of the British Aristocracy. It’s a coming of age tale set 1920-1940, as seen through the eyes of Charles Ryder, whose introduction to Sebastian Marchmain begins his life-long relationship with his deeply flawed family.
What's to like?
The reader, like Charles Ryder, becomes mesmerised by the wealth, advantage, and entitlement of Sebastian and his family. Themes of indulgent-excess, illicit love, religious zeal, infidelity, and more are deftly handled by Waugh, whose writing is entrancing, poetic, and poignant.
What's a pain?
There is a nonchalance in the writing style that captures this unique English micro-culture to perfection. But as a result the story can feel slow at times. Also, parts of the novel are painstakingly descriptive, and while this paints a vivid picture, these lengthy sentences sometimes take more than they give.
Is this book for me?
If you’ve ever been fascinated with the British Aristocracy or loved the TV series of this novel, you’ll revel in this gem of a book. If you don’t have any patience for the troubles of the rich, or couldn’t care less about the bygone British Empire, you’ll wish you left this self-indulgent family well alone.
Book Pug rating? 8 paws/10
To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
What's it about?
The story of the ill-fated Ramsay family unfolds across annual visits to their summer house on the Scottish Isle of Skye. It’s told from the point of view of alternate characters, and we learn as much as we do from their undisclosed thoughts as we do from what they actually say to others.
What's to like?
Woolf insightfully explores just how much we all keep to ourselves, even in the most everyday interactions with others, and the importance and impact of these ‘micro-concealments’. This incisive view into the complexity of relationships is everything one would expect from this exceptional writer.
What's a pain?
The changing point of view from one character to another, while illuminating, may not not please all readers, as it breaks the growing, enjoyable insight into each character. Similarly, jumps and the gaps in the telling of the story can leave the reader wanting to know much more about exactly what transpired.
Is this book for me?
If you’re interested in psychology, the complexity of human relationships, or simply love great writing, this is a stellar read for you. But if you find stories that dwell on everyday interactions dull, or are irritated by multiple points of view in a story, reading this classic could leave you bored witless.
Book Pug rating? 8 paws/10
