Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
Whilst working as a lady's companion, the heroine of Rebecca meets Maxim de Winter, a handsome and rich widower whose sudden proposal of marriage takes her by surprise. She accepts, but whisked from glamourous Monte Carlo to the ominous and brooding Manderley, the new Mrs de Winter finds Max a changed man. And the memory of his dead wife Rebecca is forever kept alive in the house. Most interestingly we never find out the name of the heroine, which subliminally reinforces her insignificance compared to Rebecca. Love the atmosphere in this book.
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
An epic historical novel set in 12th century England that tells the story of Philip, prior of Kingsbridge, driven to build the greatest Gothic cathedral the world has known; of Tom, the mason who becomes his architect; of the beautiful, elusive Lady Aliena, haunted by a secret shame; and of a struggle between good and evil that will turn church against state, and brother against brother. A large tome, but absolutely unputdownable. Follet recently published a sequel to this book, which is just as good.
River God by Wilbur Smith
Ancient Egypt lies ravaged by war, as weak men inherit the crown. Taita - a wise eunuch slave, sees the pharaoh only as a symbol of a kingdom's fading glory. Beside Taita stand his proteges, Lostris, daughter of Lord Intef, beautiful beyond her 14 years; and Tanus, proud, young army officer, who has vowed to avenge the death of his father, and seize Lostris as his prize. I enjoy Wilbur Smith books, but I wouldn't rank him as one of my favourite authors. This book however is a real masterpiece. You will find yourself transported to Ancient Egypt.
The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George
Ancient Egypt theme continues with the story of Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile. This saga of ambition, power and passion is told in the first person, from the queen's earliest memories of her father's tenuous rule to her own reign over one of the most glittering kingdoms in the world. It is a big book, but meticulously researched and extremely well written, so well worth the time and effort. I would also strongly recommend The Autobiography of Henry VIII by the same author.
The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
A chilling ghost story. Arthur Kipps, a solicitor, is summoned to attend the funeral of Mrs Alice Drablow. It is not until he glimpses a wasted young woman, dressed all in black, at the funeral, that a creeping sense of unease begins to take hold, a feeling deepened by the reluctance of the locals to talk of the woman in black - and her terrible purpose. I am not a huge fan of the supernatural, but I will never forget the chill down my spine when I read this book.
Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
When Tess Durbeyfield is driven by family poverty to claim kinship with the wealthy D'Urbervilles and seek a portion of their family fortune, meeting her 'cousin' Alec proves to be her downfall. A very different man, Angel Clare, seems to offer her love and salvation, but Tess must choose whether to reveal her past or remain silent. With its sensitive depiction of the wronged Tess and powerful criticism of social convention, this is my favourite Hardy novel and my favourite classic.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Ten strangers, with little in common, are lured to an island mansion off the coast of Devon. Over dinner, a record begins to play, and the voice of an unseen host accuses each person of hiding a guilty secret. That evening,one of them is found murdered. The tension escalates as the survivors realise the killer is not only one of them but is preparing to strike again! and again! I have read all of Christie's books, and this one is by far the best.
The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel
The first book in the Earth's Children series set in the Stone Age. When her parents are killed by an earthquake, 5-year-old Ayla wanders through the forest completely alone. She is rescued by a group of Neanderthals that call themselves the Clan of the Cave Bear. Ayla, a cro-magnon, finds herself challenging the beliefs of the clan. Spellbinding. I have recommended this book to many friends, and they all rush out to buy the second book as soon as they finish this one.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
My childhood favourite. Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert are in for a big surprise. they are waiting for an orphan boy to help with the work at Green Gables; but a skinny, red-haired girl turns up instead. Feisty and full of spirit, Anne Shirley charms her way into the Cuthberts' affection with her vivid imagination and constant chatter. This book brings back many a fond childhood memory.
The Foundation by Isaac Asimov
An epic sci-fi saga set so far in the future that Earth is all but forgotten by humans who live throughout the galaxy. Yet the Galactic Empire is on the brink of collapse. Hari Seldon, a psycho-historian and mathematician, can scientifically predict the future, and it doesn't look pretty: a new Dark Age will send humanity into barbarism in 500 years. He concocts a scheme to save the knowledge of the race in an Encyclopedia Galactica. But this project will take generations to complete, and who will take up the torch after him? Not just for the sci-fi fan.
If you also loved any of the books listed above, stay tuned to my blog! :)
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