Top 5 Wednesday

Top 5 Wednesday is a meme created by Gingerreadslainey where followers post book-related stuff every Wednesday! This is a meme I’ve wanted to join for a while, and am so glad I finally got the opportunity. To join T5W and see the topics, check out the Goodreads page.

This Wednesday’s topic is Gateway Books to Your Favourite Genre. My favourite genre, which might surprise some people, is historical fiction! I’m sure many people where expecting me to say fantasy, but I always find myself gravitating back to historical fiction.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

This beautiful retelling of the Trojan War (and one of my all-time favourite novels) is a must-read for any historical fiction fan. Set from the perspective of Patroclus, Achilles’ lover and best friend, we are introduced to a new side of Achilles and the war itself. Achilles has this reputation in history for being a selfish, arrogant warmonger, but he must have been capable of love and friendship, especially considering books 17-18 of the Iliad. The Song of Achilles follows Patroclus and Achilles from childhood to adolescence to the beginning of the famous Trojan War and adulthood. I won’t spoil it for anyone who is not familiar with the epic, but have a box of tissues on stand-by.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

I couldn’t not include Pride and Prejudice in this list. As I’ve mentioned before, I read Pride and Prejudice every few months because it’s just so beautiful and familiar. Sitting down to read this book is like sitting down with an old friend you haven’t seen in years: it’s fun, nostalgic, wistful and sentimental. Don’t let the novel’s prestige fool you either: there are no long winded sentences like a Dickens novel has. The writing is simple but elegant and very easy to read. So if you haven’t read this amazing book, do yourselves a favour and do so immediately.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Jane Eyre is one of those novels that sticks with you years after you have read it. Following Jane from childhood, we watch as she grows into a young lady and becomes a governess at the mysterious Thornfield Hall as well as the object of desire to the haughty Mr. Rochester. Mr. Rochester is on the same level of book boyfriend as Mr. Darcy is. I would say reading this book simply for Mr. Rochester is totally worth it.

From Hell by Alan Moore

If you love conspiracy theories, you need to read From Hell. A colossal graphic novel, it follows one particular theory over the identity of Jack the Ripper and his purpose as to why he began his killing spree. You will never see the twists and turns coming and the final chapter alone is worth the read. The artwork is so beautiful I was on the verge of tears. Be prepared for a wild ride.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde is one of my favourite writers and his only novel is a work of genius. We follow innocent and naive Dorian Gray as he journeys to London and is taken under the wing of Lord Henry Wotton. Henry introduces Dorian to the dark and seedy underworld of London, full of vice and evil. Close friend Basil Hallward paints a portrait of Dorian, who wishes he could remain forever beautiful like his portrait. Dorian soon learns that wishes sometimes come true. This dark novel was ahead of its time and takes you to places you could never dream of.

Which novels do you think are a great introduction into your favourite genre? Let me know and get involved in T5W!