The Victorian era, spanning from 1837 to 1901, was not only a time of significant social and technological change but also a golden age for literature. This period produced some of the most enduring and influential novels in English literature, reflecting the complexities of a society grappling with issues such as class disparity, gender roles, and moral dilemmas. In our exploration of the top 7 best novels from Victorian Era, we will delve into a selection of works that showcase the richness of this literary period.
You may also like:
- Top 7 Best Dystopian Novels You Must Read
- Top 7 Best Novels for Middle Schoolers: You shouldn’t miss
1. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins (1859)
Regarded as one of the best novels from Victorian Era and an early example of detective fiction, The Woman in White, published in 1859, presents a suspenseful and haunting narrative centered on a young woman facing escalating peril, alongside her friends’ efforts to rescue her. The novel is notable for its innovative structure, employing multiple character narrators that evoke the feel of witness testimonies in a legal setting. Upon its release, it garnered immense popularity and delves into the inequitable financial circumstances of married women, whose assets were legally transferred to their husbands before the reforms of 1882, rendering them particularly susceptible to exploitation.
2. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (1847)
Jane Eyre, authored by Charlotte Brontë in 1847, stands as a significant romance and a groundbreaking piece of literature. This profound psychological narrative serves as a coming-of-age tale and is regarded as one of the most impactful novels in literary history. The story chronicles the life of its protagonist, Jane Eyre, beginning with her challenging and abusive upbringing, including her time at Lowood School, and extending to her role as a governess for the mysterious Mr. Rochester, highlighting the evolution of their relationship. For those interested in further exploration, Jean Rhys’s Wide Sargasso Sea, a fictional prequel that delves into the life of Mr. Rochester’s first wife, is a compelling read, penned more than a century later.
3. Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson (1886)
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, authored by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1886, is a brief yet psychologically intriguing and profoundly unsettling gothic novella. It delves into the dual aspects of human nature, illustrating how good and evil can exist simultaneously within a single individual. The work garnered immense attention, leading to the term “Jekyll and Hyde” entering common usage to describe a person who appears virtuous and respectable while concealing a potential for malevolent thoughts and actions. It is reported that Stevenson composed the initial draft in a frenzied burst of inspiration, completing it in just three days.
4. Wonderful Adventures of Mrs Seacole in Many Lands by Mary Seacole (1857)
The Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands, authored by Mary Seacole in 1857, is not a conventional novel; however, it holds significance as the first autobiography by a Black woman published in the United Kingdom, characterized by a compelling narrative style. Born in Jamaica, Mary Seacole gained considerable recognition and respect for her contributions as a nurse during the Crimean War. Her remarkable memoir recounts her experiences with the same energy, humor, and dynamism found in the most thrilling works of fiction.
5. Daniel Deronda by George Eliot (1876)
Daniel Deronda, authored by George Eliot and released in 1876, stands as her final literary work and is distinctive for being set in her contemporary society rather than in a historical context. Consistent with Eliot’s literary style, the novel explores complex moral themes. However, it garnered significant controversy during its publication due to its notably favorable depiction of Jewish individuals and the concept of Zionism, which was uncommon in British literature of that era. The narrative intertwines themes of gambling, manipulation, and familial secrets, presenting a dual storyline that focuses on the morally upright yet conflicted protagonist, Daniel Deronda, and the headstrong and captivating Gwendolen Harleth. In short, this is one of the best novels from Victorian Era that you should read.
6. Tess of the d’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy (1891)
Tess of the d’Urbervilles, authored by Thomas Hardy in 1891, presents a narrative that was profoundly contentious regarding sexual morality during its time. It is uncommon to encounter such a thorough and empathetic portrayal of a 19th-century “fallen woman,” as indicated by the novel’s subtitle, “A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented.” The protagonist, Tess, endures a traumatic experience of rape, subsequently giving birth to a child who tragically dies, and her circumstances continue to deteriorate thereafter. The narrative is far from uplifting; rather, it serves as a powerful critique of the restricted rights afforded to women and laborers in contrast to those enjoyed by men from the privileged middle and upper classes.
7. Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome (1889)
Published in 1889, this enduringly humorous novel remains a classic in travel literature. It follows the misadventures of three inept young men, accompanied by a dog, as they embark on a leisurely boating excursion along the Thames River. Their quest for idyllic picnic spots, refreshing air, and snippets of local history often veers into comedic territory, despite occasional attempts at a more serious or romantic portrayal of rural travel. This work is not only an exceptionally amusing summer read but also offers a glimpse into the leisurely pursuits of the Victorian upper class.
Leave a Reply