Hi everyone.
I've always been interested in classics, maybe it's because they are to one tought to us in school ever since we are very little.
I remember distinctly that whenever we started studying a new author I'd read through the list of his or hers publications to find something that interested me besides their most popular book (that's how I tried and failed to read De Profundis by Oscar Wilde, before ever reading The picture of Dorian Gray at the age of 13 maybe 12 )
I've been fortunate enough to be exposed to many classics from most European countries during my school days, but still I think that English and American classics are the most talked about online, that's why I wanted to start this topic.
So, what's a classic from your country (if you are not English or American) you think more people should read?
I love that you introduced this topic! As a literature postgrad student I specialise in world literature and postcolonial studies. Absolutely think people from these countries should put in their thoughts so by all means reply to the original post and to me, but in my opinion in line with my specialisations I've particularly enjoyed reading/studying:
- Nigeria: Anything by Achebe, Wole Soyinka or Buchi Emecheta. For something more contemporary I would definitely recommend Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
- The Caribbean: Masters of the Dew by Jacques Roumain, Crossing the Mangrove by Maryse Condé and one of my absolute favourites is Omeros by Derek Walcott.
In France, I think the most talked about authors are Victor Hugo, Stendhal, Balzac, Camus, Baudelaire... I could name a thousand more ahah.
I've read a few. Sometimes for school, sometimes just because I wanted it. Here are some of my favorite!
- Les Fleurs du mal, Charles Baudelaire : If you like poetry, I'd recommend Baudelaire's work. Mostly very depressing poems, but I find them beautiful and I enjoyed studying them. If you like poetry, you might also want to look into Rimbaud.
- L'Homme qui Rit, Victor Hugo : I love this book. Victor Hugo's book might be extra long, but I find his writing style very enjoyable. The descriptions are long and detailed (but not in the way Balzac spends 3 pages describing a chair). L'Homme qui Rit is a truly beautiful tale. (On a side note, I have not watched the movie adaptations, so I don't know if they're worth watching.)
Following this topic, I might come back to add more if you're interested thank you again Arianna for the initiative!
Anaïs - she/her
"No nightingales. You idiot. We could have been... us."
More people should read Polish fantasy. We have such an extensive culture of fantasy over here, works to rival Tolkien & Game of Thrones & the like. And outside of the Witcher, who most ignorant anglophones only recognise from the terrible Netflix adaptation that isn't even worth the breath to mention it, most people have no clue about all the fantasy classics from over here. Sure, a part of that is due to a lack of English translations, but, honestly, translations are created on demand. If more people demanded English translations of Polish fantasy classics, they'd have more translations!
Great question! I have to go with Victor Hugo's Les Miserables! It is so, so, so good, whether you're a fan of the musical adaptation or not. There's a ton of depth in Hugo's characters, his plot, even his settings, and his prose (even in translation) is beautifully romantic and devastating. I can't recommend that book highly enough.
Introduction to A Journey Through the Classics: Works of art, with their immortal allure, have consistently caught my advantage. Maybe this is because they are the ones that have been imbued in us since our initial school days. I vividly recall my enthusiasm for exploring an author's extensive bibliography beyond their most well-known works in search of lesser-known treasures. Before even discovering "The Picture of Dorian Gray" at the tender age of 12 or 13, this passion led me to try reading Oscar Wilde's "De Profundis." Throughout my education, I had the opportunity to explore a wide range of European classics. In any case, the English and American works of art get the most consideration web-based, provoking me to start this conversation. Body: If you are not from England or the United States, I would like you to contribute a classic from your country to this discussion. Diversifying our literary perspectives and broadening our horizons beyond the works that are frequently highlighted are essential. Nigeria: As a literature postgraduate student with a focus on world literature and postcolonial studies, I strongly encourage you to investigate Nigeria's extensive literary heritage. Numerous Nigerian authors, including Buchi Emecheta, Wole Soyinka, and Chinua Achebe, have made significant contributions to the literary canon. Their works shed light on the complexities of Nigerian society in profound ways. For those looking for a more contemporary viewpoint, I strongly suggest Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's "A big part of a Yellow Sun," which breathtakingly catches the effect of the Biafran Battle on the existence of standard people. The Caribbean: A few notable classics should be recognized for venturing into the vibrant literary landscape of the Caribbean. Jacques Roumain's "Lords of the Dew" exhibits Haiti's battles through striking narrating, revealing insight into the nation's social and political difficulties. Maryse Condé's "Crossing the Mangrove" dives into the complexities of Caribbean culture and character, investigating subjects of having a place and relocation. At last, an outright #1 of mine is Derek Walcott's "Omeros," a beautiful show-stopper that winds around together folklore, history, and individual stories, giving a remarkable point of view on Caribbean life. Conclusion: In a universe of scholarly investigation, expanding our comprehension through the works of art of different nations is critical. We must recognize the lesser-known gems from other nations, despite the fact that online discussions frequently centre on English and American classics. The works of art from Nigeria, with creators like Achebe and Adichie, offer significant experiences into Nigerian culture, while the Caribbean works of art, including works by Condé and Walcott, give a rich embroidery of social intricacies. Allow us to keep on appreciating, sharing, and commending the different scope of works of art that the world brings to the table.
I'm not from France, but one French classic that I highly recommend is The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince) by Antoine St. Exupery. It is one of the most widely translated books, and although it is considered to be a children's story, it has themes and messages that are relevant at any stage of life.
"It is only with the heart that one can see clearly, what's essential is invisible to the eye." ~ Antoine St. Exupery
I am here in India! I am not qualified to categorize something as a "Classic". But I would really like to mention "Ruskin Bond". We read several of his stories during school days, and even now, I read his stories and get mesmerized!
PANACEA - Please do not overvalue your body and mind! Just be life!
Great question! I have to go with Victor Hugo's Les Miserables! It is so, so, so good, whether you're a fan of the musical adaptation or not. There's a ton of depth in Hugo's characters, his plot, even his settings, and his prose (even in translation) is beautifully romantic and devastating. I can't recommend that book highly enough
) 
thank you again Arianna for the initiative!
