In continutaion of What the “Cat” reads - http://blog.felinemusings.com/2008/01/25/what-the-cat-reads-part-i/
9. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: Ok, I have added another romantic classic set in the time of the American Civil War, but then this is another great book on the strength of the female spirit in times of war. I read the unabridged version of the book, as a teenager and I instantly fell in love with the medieval lifestyle - the knitting, the tea parties, the ball dances, and different affection of the sisters and the times of war.
Mood-o-meter: Romantic classic; unabridged version suggested for teenagers.
10. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: We have seen the movies (Indians have their own version – Bride and Prejudice), and we have liked the characters, so how about reading Austen’s classic! I would suggest this piece of romantic classic because it is refreshing, ironic, witty hilarious, with real-life characters and incidents that can make you shed a smile and shed a tear at the same time.
Mood-o-meter: Romantic classic
Postscript: If you liked Pride and Prejudice, then also add Persuasion by Austen to your reading list.
11. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova: A gripping, chilling tale, based on one of the most awe-inspiring characters in world history and literature, the Dracula. The author expertly weaves history and mystery to give us a book that is a compelling must-read. Based on eight years of research, the book reflects the author’s hard work and passion for a subject that has inspired many a folklores and many researchers. The author’s own passion for the central character in this book is almost contagious, and the avid reader with the love of history, geography, fantasy and occult, will find it hard to keep this book down without reading it from cover to cover. Poignant in its expression of the father-daughter relationship; spine-chilling in the unveiling of the mysterious tale of the supernatural; breathtaking in its scenic description, and scholastic in the portrayal of history, customs, politics and the academic fraternity across global boundaries. The author’s writing style is so convincing and the facts and fiction woven so intricately, that as the patterns in the book evolve, the reader is persuaded that the story is true and alive. This book is a masterpiece of a debut novel, especially as the author effortlessly weaves through the past and the present, through characters, geographies and situations, not giving the female protagonist a name… until the end…
Mood-o-meter: Thriller
12. The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier: Smart, short, sweet and sensuous – that is how I would describe this book. Albeit it ended just a little bit too soon for me and I was slightly disgruntled by the Casanova approach for the male protagonist, but all in all the book was a good read and great insight into the colorful yet tedious life of all the artists involved in making tapestries. I suggest this book as a good companion when you are traveling or need a quick weekend read…
Mood-o-meter: Romantic
13. The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo: The unabridged version of this book may be a tedious read. I hence suggest the abridged version for this classic that examines the concept of love. The book has interwoven intense emotions of awe, fear, condemnation, retribution, jealousy, bur primarily love. The deformed Quasimodo is one of the most tragic figures of all time, and will definitely make you cry, but then knowing the pathos of this character will help you realize how true love transcends physical appearances.
Mood-o-meter: Romantic tragedy
14. Yuganta by Irawati Karve: A great insight into the psyche and the world of the women of another Epoch. For more, read my review of the book - http://blog.felinemusings.com/2008/01/14/yuganta/
Mood-o-meter: Anthropology
15. Anne of Avonlea and Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery: As a teenager, when I read this book, I immediately fell in love with Anne and the little world surrounding her. The book held the charm that most dreamy young girls swiftly proceeding towards womanhood, will find most endearing. A countryside romance that can be the perfect companion of a sunny winter afternoon when you want to go down memory lane….
Mood-o-meter: Romantic classic
16. Maharanis by Lucy Moore: A wonderful insight into the life of the royal prince and princess in the British Raj. It speaks of social and cultural evolution and how women of honor, education, style and lineage can actually make a difference in their family and society. A colorful book about India’s colorful past and its beautiful women. idealized over generations.
Mood-o-meter: History
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