The classics -- which is the "easiest" read? (cover, letter)

[DawnMTL]

I've never been able to read any of the classics. I just can't get into the antiquated language and the slow pace of the story.

However, now that I've read a book on my Kindle, and found that I actually enjoyed it (who knew???), I downloaded a bunch of free classics. What I'd been meaning to do is read my paper books while waiting for some Kindle library books to become available, and I'll still do that, but I thought I'd download some classics and give it another try should I have nothing to read (which would be when? I don't know).

Anyway, can any of you tell me which one of these you think is the easiest to read? By "easiest," I mean the one that has the least old-style language and a faster-paced story than most. I don't want to choose incorrectly and then decide that NONE of the classics are for me.

• Jane Eyre
• Wuthering Heights
• The Scarlet Letter
• The Woman in White
• Little Women
• Middlemarch
• Anna Karenina
• Pride and Prejudice

Thanks!

[peppermint]

Originally Posted by DandJ

I've never been able to read any of the classics. I just can't get into the antiquated language and the slow pace of the story.

However, now that I've read a book on my Kindle, and found that I actually enjoyed it (who knew???), I downloaded a bunch of free classics. What I'd been meaning to do is read my paper books while waiting for some Kindle library books to become available, and I'll still do that, but I thought I'd download some classics and give it another try should I have nothing to read (which would be when? I don't know).

Anyway, can any of you tell me which one of these you think is the easiest to read? By "easiest," I mean the one that has the least old-style language and a faster-paced story than most. I don't want to choose incorrectly and then decide that NONE of the classics are for me.

• Jane Eyre
• Wuthering Heights
• The Scarlet Letter
• The Woman in White
• Little Women
• Middlemarch
• Anna Karenina
• Pride and Prejudice

Thanks!

I'd vote first for The Woman in White or Pride and Prejudice or Little Women. Middlemarch is also brilliant and easy to read. I didn't care for Jane Eyre, but I'm in the minority in my reading circles. I do not like The Scarlet Letter, and I haven't yet read Wuthering Heights or Anna Karenina. Horrible, I know.

[DawnMTL]

Originally Posted by peppermint

I'd vote first for The Woman in White or Pride and Prejudice or Little Women. Middlemarch is also brilliant and easy to read. I didn't care for Jane Eyre, but I'm in the minority in my reading circles. I do not like The Scarlet Letter, and I haven't yet read Wuthering Heights or Anna Karenina. Horrible, I know.

Horrible? You've read five of them. I've read zero. So that makes you AWESOME, not horrible.

Thanks for your rundown. Much appreciated.

[maciesmom]

Loved Pride and Prejudice as well as Jane Eyre. Enjoyed Little Women also...I didn't much care for Wuthering Heights but it was a long time ago so should probably re-read. Have tried Anna Karenina numerous times to no avail....but fully intend to pick it up again one day. Have never picked up Middlemarch or The Woman in White.

[fleetiebelle]

I'd say from that list, the easiest would be Little Women, followed by the Scarlet Letter (maybe because they're both American authors?) I do love P&P, Jane Eyre, and Middlemarch, but they tend to be a little denser. Wuthering Heights is not a favorite, and I haven't read Woman in White or Anna Karenina.

[maciesmom]

Wow - I forgot to include The Scarlet Letter - I really had a hard time drudging through that....

[toosie]

Of the ones you listed and the parameters you gave, I'd start with Little Women. The characters are relatively simple and approachable. There's plenty of action to keep things moving but it's not complex. My second choice from your list would be The Scarlet Letter - it's a quick, easy read but less engaging.

Ummm...just realized something - I'd probably work by author country of origin...start with the Americans, move to the Brits, and tackle the Russians last.

[DawnMTL]

OK, so maybe it wasn't the wisest question because everyone has a different opinion, and now I'm even more confused about where to start! LOL! Good thing that I have a huge pile of other, non-classic, books to read!

[DawnMTL]

Aaaand, I just discovered that I have another classic -- in my night table drawer, not on my Kindle.

House of Mirth (Edith Wharton)

[toosie]

With House of Mirth I'd still follow my closest to farthest from home formula...Probably still start with Little Women but House of Mirth would bump down The Scarlet Letter for me.