roonee Ah, autumn – the season of cosy blankets, hot teas and hot chocolates, and, of course, the perfect book to whisk you away to another world. While the latest bestsellers are always tempting, there’s something about classic literature that feels especially inviting when the leaves start to fall. So, dust off that reading nook, prepare your favourite drink, and let’s dive into some timeless tales.
1. Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
Autumn’s a season of romance, and what better way to indulge in it than with Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice? Set against a backdrop of English countryside estates, this beloved classic explores the intricate dance of love, pride, and societal expectations. Fall in love with Elizabeth Bennet’s wit and Mr. Darcy’s brooding charm as you sip your tea.
2. Wuthering Heights – Emily Brontë
If you’re craving a story with a touch of Gothic eeriness, Wuthering Heights is your ticket. Emily Brontë’s dark and tumultuous tale set on the windswept moors of West Yorkshire is the perfect accompaniment to a chilly autumn evening. The love between Cathy and Heathcliff is as intense as the changing seasons. We’ve written about visiting Brontë Country here if you want to take a literary trip!
3. Dracula – Bram Stoker
Halloween is just around the corner, making it the ideal time to sink your teeth into Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” This Gothic masterpiece introduces the world to the iconic vampire Count Dracula and the fearless vampire hunter Van Helsing. As autumn nights grow longer, let this classic chill your spine. This classic was inspired by Yorkshire’s Whitby – you can find our notes on Whitby here.
4. Frankenstein – Mary Shelley
Another classic that aligns perfectly with the season’s spooky side is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Delve into the story of Victor Frankenstein and his creation, the tragic monster. The novel’s exploration of ambition, isolation, and the boundaries of science is thought-provoking and perfect for reading on blustery autumn evenings.
5. The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett
For many of us, Autumn is a time of transformation, and The Secret Garden is a story of renewal and growth. Follow young Mary Lennox as she discovers a hidden garden on her uncle’s Yorkshire estate. As the garden blooms with the season, so do the hearts of its caretakers. It’s a tale of healing, friendship, and the magic of nature.
6. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow – Washington Irving
No list of autumn reads is complete without Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Set in the Dutch settlement of Tarry Town, this short story weaves a headless specter, Ichabod Crane, and the captivating Katrina Van Tassel into a timeless tale of terror and mystery. A perfect read for a chilly October night.
7. Anne of Green Gables – Lucy Maud Montgomery
For a heartwarming and wholesome autumn experience, journey to Prince Edward Island with Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables. Lucy Maud Montgomery’s delightful tale of an imaginative orphan girl navigating the challenges and joys of rural life is like a warm cup of cocoa for the soul. If you haven’t checked it out yet, we also love Netflix’s adaptation – Anne with an E.
Happy reading! 📚🍂
