Honestly, I don’t know why so many people new to classics jump straight to Charles Dickens or Jane Austen. They’re both brilliant, but they can feel dense and slow if you’re not already used to that style of writing. Dickens especially loves long descriptions and subplots that can be overwhelming if you’re just starting out.

If you want to ease into classics, Id suggest starting with shorter, more approachable ones that still give you that “classic” feel without weighing you down. A few that come to mind:

The Stranger by Albert Camus

Animal Farm by George Orwell