Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi
Staff-created list
If you have already read your way through better known 19th century novelists such as Austen or Dickens and can’t get enough of their vibrant characters and gripping narratives, why not try some lesser known literary classics by the following authors. A Christchurch City Libraries list.
A well known epic read for those who are in the mood to delve into some serious philosophical issues, tragic, exciting. Incredibly humane, it manages to i...Show more
A well known epic read for those who are in the mood to delve into some serious philosophical issues, tragic, exciting. Incredibly humane, it manages to inhabit both the intimate and the grand scale and draws characters that are completely believable, though far removed in time, place and circumstance from the modern reader.
Show less
A well known epic read for those who are in the mood to delve into some serious philosophical issues, tragic, exciting. Incredibly humane, it manages to i...Show more
A well known epic read for those who are in the mood to delve into some serious philosophical issues, tragic, exciting. Incredibly humane, it manages to inhabit both the intimate and the grand scale and draws characters that are completely believable, though far removed in time, place and circumstance from the modern reader.
Show less
Darcy’s Pride, Lizzie’s Prejudice, misunderstandings and adorable side romances - what’s not to love? Since its immediate success in 1813, 'Pride and Prejudice' has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language.
Darcy’s Pride, Lizzie’s Prejudice, misunderstandings and adorable side romances - what’s not to love? Since its immediate success in 1813, 'Pride and Prejudice' has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language.
Show less
Darcy’s Pride, Lizzie’s Prejudice, misunderstandings and adorable side romances - what’s not to love? Since its immediate success in 1813, 'Pride and Prejudice' has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language.
Darcy’s Pride, Lizzie’s Prejudice, misunderstandings and adorable side romances - what’s not to love? Since its immediate success in 1813, 'Pride and Prejudice' has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language.
Show less
This enduring classic is a must read for those who those who love a gripping story, as well as those who love beautiful, evocative prose. A story of two s...Show more
This enduring classic is a must read for those who those who love a gripping story, as well as those who love beautiful, evocative prose. A story of two star crossed lovers, a young farmer falls in love with Lorna, the great grand daughter of the man who killed his father.
Show less
This enduring classic is a must read for those who those who love a gripping story, as well as those who love beautiful, evocative prose. A story of two s...Show more
This enduring classic is a must read for those who those who love a gripping story, as well as those who love beautiful, evocative prose. A story of two star crossed lovers, a young farmer falls in love with Lorna, the great grand daughter of the man who killed his father.
Show less
Packed with mystery, intrigue, and many twists and turns, Lady Audley's Secret is a gripping narrative told briskly yet poetically. Braddon's classic tale...Show more
Packed with mystery, intrigue, and many twists and turns, Lady Audley's Secret is a gripping narrative told briskly yet poetically. Braddon's classic tale tells the story of the beautiful but devious lady Audley and her scandalous secret which will threaten to ruin more than just her reputation.
Show less
Packed with mystery, intrigue, and many twists and turns, Lady Audley's Secret is a gripping narrative told briskly yet poetically. Braddon's classic tale...Show more
Packed with mystery, intrigue, and many twists and turns, Lady Audley's Secret is a gripping narrative told briskly yet poetically. Braddon's classic tale tells the story of the beautiful but devious lady Audley and her scandalous secret which will threaten to ruin more than just her reputation.
Show less
Set in the bleak Yorkshire Moors, this is a novel of transgression, passion and lust. This classically dark romance has achieved cult status through its h...Show more
Set in the bleak Yorkshire Moors, this is a novel of transgression, passion and lust. This classically dark romance has achieved cult status through its haunting language and deft portrayal of an obsessive and dangerous love between Heathcliff and and Catherine, identifying inherited trauma, isolation and 18th century struggles. The only novel written by Emily Bronte, who died a year after this book was published at age 30.
Show less
Set in the bleak Yorkshire Moors, this is a novel of transgression, passion and lust. This classically dark romance has achieved cult status through its h...Show more
Set in the bleak Yorkshire Moors, this is a novel of transgression, passion and lust. This classically dark romance has achieved cult status through its haunting language and deft portrayal of an obsessive and dangerous love between Heathcliff and and Catherine, identifying inherited trauma, isolation and 18th century struggles. The only novel written by Emily Bronte, who died a year after this book was published at age 30.
Show less
In this compelling and touching tribute to 'ordinary' women, their unsung lives, and untold stories, Bennett follows the lives of two sisters from their y...Show more
In this compelling and touching tribute to 'ordinary' women, their unsung lives, and untold stories, Bennett follows the lives of two sisters from their youth in their fathers drapery shop, to their later years in the industrial era. Bennett insightfully takes us through the 'ordinary' lives of two Victorian women, through marriage, war, mistakes, and never ending changes.
Show less
In this compelling and touching tribute to 'ordinary' women, their unsung lives, and untold stories, Bennett follows the lives of two sisters from their y...Show more
In this compelling and touching tribute to 'ordinary' women, their unsung lives, and untold stories, Bennett follows the lives of two sisters from their youth in their fathers drapery shop, to their later years in the industrial era. Bennett insightfully takes us through the 'ordinary' lives of two Victorian women, through marriage, war, mistakes, and never ending changes.
Show less
In this unique text, one of history's finest thinkers looks at hero worship be it for priests, poets, revolutionaries or God- and what it is to be a hero ...Show more
In this unique text, one of history's finest thinkers looks at hero worship be it for priests, poets, revolutionaries or God- and what it is to be a hero worshiper. Whether you agree or disagree with Carlyle's views, this classic remains a fascinating, sincere, and heart felt read with no parallels.
Show less
In this unique text, one of history's finest thinkers looks at hero worship be it for priests, poets, revolutionaries or God- and what it is to be a hero ...Show more
In this unique text, one of history's finest thinkers looks at hero worship be it for priests, poets, revolutionaries or God- and what it is to be a hero worshiper. Whether you agree or disagree with Carlyle's views, this classic remains a fascinating, sincere, and heart felt read with no parallels.
Show less
Orphaned at a young age, Jane has experienced more than her fair share of sorrow and loneliness. When she is employed by the rich and powerful Edward Roch...Show more
Orphaned at a young age, Jane has experienced more than her fair share of sorrow and loneliness. When she is employed by the rich and powerful Edward Rochester, she finds herself drawn to his enigmatic, brooding, complex nature, and Rochester is likewise taken by Jane. What follows is an unconventional Victorian romance featuring a strong female protagonist, and interlaced with elements of gothic fiction.
Show less
Orphaned at a young age, Jane has experienced more than her fair share of sorrow and loneliness. When she is employed by the rich and powerful Edward Roch...Show more
Orphaned at a young age, Jane has experienced more than her fair share of sorrow and loneliness. When she is employed by the rich and powerful Edward Rochester, she finds herself drawn to his enigmatic, brooding, complex nature, and Rochester is likewise taken by Jane. What follows is an unconventional Victorian romance featuring a strong female protagonist, and interlaced with elements of gothic fiction.
Show less
More than a mystery, Collins envelopes romance, vivid characters, and both domestic and exotic landscapes to create a literary masterpiece. In English lit...Show more
More than a mystery, Collins envelopes romance, vivid characters, and both domestic and exotic landscapes to create a literary masterpiece. In English literatures first detective novel, Wilkie Collins spins a captivating tale around the coveted Moonstone, a spoil of war that is stolen from eighteen year old Rachel on the night she receives it.
Show less
More than a mystery, Collins envelopes romance, vivid characters, and both domestic and exotic landscapes to create a literary masterpiece. In English lit...Show more
More than a mystery, Collins envelopes romance, vivid characters, and both domestic and exotic landscapes to create a literary masterpiece. In English literatures first detective novel, Wilkie Collins spins a captivating tale around the coveted Moonstone, a spoil of war that is stolen from eighteen year old Rachel on the night she receives it.
Show less
A read that is densely layered filled with lyrical language and intense narratives. One for those who have time to really delve in and ruminate, a disturb...Show more
A read that is densely layered filled with lyrical language and intense narratives. One for those who have time to really delve in and ruminate, a disturbing and powerful look at imperialism. Conrad's classic novel looks at what happens when Marlowe is sent to the Belgian Congo to bring back a reprobate ivory trader. What Marlowe finds there threatens to bring out the darkness that lies within his own heart as he comes to recognise the fine line between civilisation and brutality.
Show less
A read that is densely layered filled with lyrical language and intense narratives. One for those who have time to really delve in and ruminate, a disturb...Show more
A read that is densely layered filled with lyrical language and intense narratives. One for those who have time to really delve in and ruminate, a disturbing and powerful look at imperialism. Conrad's classic novel looks at what happens when Marlowe is sent to the Belgian Congo to bring back a reprobate ivory trader. What Marlowe finds there threatens to bring out the darkness that lies within his own heart as he comes to recognise the fine line between civilisation and brutality.
Show less
Based on Disraeli's own experiences in the world of politics, Vivian Grey takes us through the hero's life from his childhood to his political ambitions r...Show more
Based on Disraeli's own experiences in the world of politics, Vivian Grey takes us through the hero's life from his childhood to his political ambitions running a doomed publication. A fascinating novel which perfectly captures the mood of English Society, Vivian Grey is both a wonderfully vivid novel of the era, and a fascinating look into the mind of one of Britain's most beloved prime ministers.
Show less
Based on Disraeli's own experiences in the world of politics, Vivian Grey takes us through the hero's life from his childhood to his political ambitions r...Show more
Based on Disraeli's own experiences in the world of politics, Vivian Grey takes us through the hero's life from his childhood to his political ambitions running a doomed publication. A fascinating novel which perfectly captures the mood of English Society, Vivian Grey is both a wonderfully vivid novel of the era, and a fascinating look into the mind of one of Britain's most beloved prime ministers.
Show less
Set in post Napoleonic France, this thrilling classic tells the story of Edmond Dantes from his wrongful imprisonment in the fortess of the Chateau D'if t...Show more
Set in post Napoleonic France, this thrilling classic tells the story of Edmond Dantes from his wrongful imprisonment in the fortess of the Chateau D'if to his reinvention as the powerful, mysterious, and vengeful Count of Monte Cristo. Fast paced, enthralling, and wonderfully intricate, this timeless classic will have you completely hooked from beginning to end.
Show less
Set in post Napoleonic France, this thrilling classic tells the story of Edmond Dantes from his wrongful imprisonment in the fortess of the Chateau D'if t...Show more
Set in post Napoleonic France, this thrilling classic tells the story of Edmond Dantes from his wrongful imprisonment in the fortess of the Chateau D'if to his reinvention as the powerful, mysterious, and vengeful Count of Monte Cristo. Fast paced, enthralling, and wonderfully intricate, this timeless classic will have you completely hooked from beginning to end.
Show less
Set in 19th century England, Middlemarch tells the story of various individuals in the province, including Dorothea Brooke, a young, idealistic woman with...Show more
Set in 19th century England, Middlemarch tells the story of various individuals in the province, including Dorothea Brooke, a young, idealistic woman with dreams of social change, Will Ladislaw, a passionate man with political promise, and Lydgate, an ambitious doctor looking to change things in the close minded village. Eliott writes with passion, insight and humour making Middlemarch remain a memorable and though provoking classic.
Show less
Set in 19th century England, Middlemarch tells the story of various individuals in the province, including Dorothea Brooke, a young, idealistic woman with...Show more
Set in 19th century England, Middlemarch tells the story of various individuals in the province, including Dorothea Brooke, a young, idealistic woman with dreams of social change, Will Ladislaw, a passionate man with political promise, and Lydgate, an ambitious doctor looking to change things in the close minded village. Eliott writes with passion, insight and humour making Middlemarch remain a memorable and though provoking classic.
Show less
Described by some as being "Pride and Prejudice with a social conscience", Gaskells classic explores the harsh realities of life in the mills of...Show more
Described by some as being "Pride and Prejudice with a social conscience", Gaskells classic explores the harsh realities of life in the mills of 19th century northern England. Gaskell looks at the tempestuous relationship between self made mill owner John Thornton, and Margaret Hale, a parsons daughter from the south with a passion for social justice. Filled with strong emotions, real characters, and evocative descriptions of northern London, North and South is a classic with depth and heart.
Show less
Described by some as being "Pride and Prejudice with a social conscience", Gaskells classic explores the harsh realities of life in the mills of...Show more
Described by some as being "Pride and Prejudice with a social conscience", Gaskells classic explores the harsh realities of life in the mills of 19th century northern England. Gaskell looks at the tempestuous relationship between self made mill owner John Thornton, and Margaret Hale, a parsons daughter from the south with a passion for social justice. Filled with strong emotions, real characters, and evocative descriptions of northern London, North and South is a classic with depth and heart.
Show less
New grub street explores the lives of two Victorian authors and the rigorous demands they must meet both in their harsh urban lives and in their unforgivi...Show more
New grub street explores the lives of two Victorian authors and the rigorous demands they must meet both in their harsh urban lives and in their unforgiving profession. Realistic yet non-pitying, Gissing's narrative is an important look at Victorian England's often neglected group of men and women who contributed to peoples thoughts and imaginations.
Show less
New grub street explores the lives of two Victorian authors and the rigorous demands they must meet both in their harsh urban lives and in their unforgivi...Show more
New grub street explores the lives of two Victorian authors and the rigorous demands they must meet both in their harsh urban lives and in their unforgiving profession. Realistic yet non-pitying, Gissing's narrative is an important look at Victorian England's often neglected group of men and women who contributed to peoples thoughts and imaginations.
Show less
Isabel Archer, a spirited young woman from America, is determined to make her own choices when she arrives in Europe, but her decision to marry the charmi...Show more
Isabel Archer, a spirited young woman from America, is determined to make her own choices when she arrives in Europe, but her decision to marry the charming Gilbert Osmond, will take her on a difficult journey to self discovery. This beautifully written classic of love and betrayal will stay etched in readers memories.
Show less
Isabel Archer, a spirited young woman from America, is determined to make her own choices when she arrives in Europe, but her decision to marry the charmi...Show more
Isabel Archer, a spirited young woman from America, is determined to make her own choices when she arrives in Europe, but her decision to marry the charming Gilbert Osmond, will take her on a difficult journey to self discovery. This beautifully written classic of love and betrayal will stay etched in readers memories.
Show less
When John Bold discovers that a good but simple English clergyman is in possession of an income exceeding his foundation, he makes it his mission to put r...Show more
When John Bold discovers that a good but simple English clergyman is in possession of an income exceeding his foundation, he makes it his mission to put right the apparent abuse of his position. A charming, humorous , and ultimately touching classic, 'The Warden' is a wonderful introduction to the Barchester Chronicles.
Show less
When John Bold discovers that a good but simple English clergyman is in possession of an income exceeding his foundation, he makes it his mission to put r...Show more
When John Bold discovers that a good but simple English clergyman is in possession of an income exceeding his foundation, he makes it his mission to put right the apparent abuse of his position. A charming, humorous , and ultimately touching classic, 'The Warden' is a wonderful introduction to the Barchester Chronicles.
Show less
When the talented but mordant Bazarov enters the home of his friend Arkady Kirsanov, his scepticism of Russian society and its hierarchy soon triggers arg...Show more
When the talented but mordant Bazarov enters the home of his friend Arkady Kirsanov, his scepticism of Russian society and its hierarchy soon triggers arguments and even love affairs, in the Kirsanov family, transforming the household just as Russia herself is changing. A fascinating novel of generational rebellion, and cultural upheaval, Turgenev's masterpiece is a fine predecessor to novels such as the Brothers Karamazov and Tolstoy's
'Resurrection'
Show less
When the talented but mordant Bazarov enters the home of his friend Arkady Kirsanov, his scepticism of Russian society and its hierarchy soon triggers arg...Show more
When the talented but mordant Bazarov enters the home of his friend Arkady Kirsanov, his scepticism of Russian society and its hierarchy soon triggers arguments and even love affairs, in the Kirsanov family, transforming the household just as Russia herself is changing. A fascinating novel of generational rebellion, and cultural upheaval, Turgenev's masterpiece is a fine predecessor to novels such as the Brothers Karamazov and Tolstoy's
'Resurrection'
Show less
This touching classic makes for a poignant and perceptive read filled with lyrical language and captivating characters. In 'The Age of Innocence', Wharton...Show more
This touching classic makes for a poignant and perceptive read filled with lyrical language and captivating characters. In 'The Age of Innocence', Wharton looks at the pressures and hypocrisy of society in 20th century America. Newly separated from her husband, a dazzling countess returns to New York to her cousins wedding, only to find the sensitive groom falling hopelessly in love with her.
Show less
This touching classic makes for a poignant and perceptive read filled with lyrical language and captivating characters. In 'The Age of Innocence', Wharton...Show more
This touching classic makes for a poignant and perceptive read filled with lyrical language and captivating characters. In 'The Age of Innocence', Wharton looks at the pressures and hypocrisy of society in 20th century America. Newly separated from her husband, a dazzling countess returns to New York to her cousins wedding, only to find the sensitive groom falling hopelessly in love with her.
Show less
'Therse Raquin' is the haunting story of how a terrible deed committed by one couple in order to remain together, literally, comes back to haunt them. Set...Show more
'Therse Raquin' is the haunting story of how a terrible deed committed by one couple in order to remain together, literally, comes back to haunt them. Set in the dingy back streets of Paris, Zolas classic is a realist novel of passion, crime, and revenge. A dark, frightening and utterly memorable classic you won't be able to put down.
Show less
'Therse Raquin' is the haunting story of how a terrible deed committed by one couple in order to remain together, literally, comes back to haunt them. Set...Show more
'Therse Raquin' is the haunting story of how a terrible deed committed by one couple in order to remain together, literally, comes back to haunt them. Set in the dingy back streets of Paris, Zolas classic is a realist novel of passion, crime, and revenge. A dark, frightening and utterly memorable classic you won't be able to put down.
Show less
Set in the Puritan world of seventeenth century England, 'The Scarlet Letter' tells of how one act leads to the intransigent Hester's ostracization in the...Show more
Set in the Puritan world of seventeenth century England, 'The Scarlet Letter' tells of how one act leads to the intransigent Hester's ostracization in the community. A classic tale of redemption, revenge, and the meaning of justice, Hawthorne's impressive masterpiece is a classic story hauntingly told.
Show less
Set in the Puritan world of seventeenth century England, 'The Scarlet Letter' tells of how one act leads to the intransigent Hester's ostracization in the...Show more
Set in the Puritan world of seventeenth century England, 'The Scarlet Letter' tells of how one act leads to the intransigent Hester's ostracization in the community. A classic tale of redemption, revenge, and the meaning of justice, Hawthorne's impressive masterpiece is a classic story hauntingly told.
Show less