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Do you love humorous and amusing stories? Then you will love this short story written by none other than Jane Austen when she was still a young teenager."In a retired part of the County of Sussex, there is a village (for what I know to the contrary) called Evelyn, perhaps one of the most beautiful spots in the south of England. A gentleman passing through it on horseback about twenty years ago, was so entirely of my opinion in this respect, that he put up at the little alehouse in it and enquired with great earnestness whether there were any house to be left in the parish."With over-the-top characters and the hero's exhilarating freedom, this novel is a fascinating look into young Austen's mind.Jane Austen (1775-1817) is one of the most beloved British writers of all time. During her short life, she published six novels: ´Sense and Sensibility´, ´Pride and Prejudice´, ´Mansfield Park´, ´Emma´, ´Northanger Abbey´ and ´Persuasion´, that are all considered as literary classics today.Her writing is full of sharp observations on the society in which she evolved, as well as ripe with timeless irony, and a solid dose of humour. She has created immortal characters that have inspired countless authors, novels, and movies such as Bridget Jones and Clueless.The most notable film adapted from a Jane Austen novel is Pride and Prejudice from 2005 starring Keira Knightley (kbown for Pirates of the Caribbean) and Matthew Macfadyen.

Though best known as a novelist, Anthony Trollope was also a prolific writer of non-fiction works. ‘North America’ is a study of the country at a time of great change, as observed by Trollope during the height of the Civil War. ‘North America’ offers insight and observations from Trollope on everything from his first impressions of the Mississippi River and the Niagara Falls, to his thoughts on the culture and politics of North America at the time. A fascinating snapshot in time of North America, as seen through the eyes of a much-loved novelist.Anthony Trollope (1815 – 1882) was a Victorian writer and author of 47 novels. He also wrote an autobiography, short stories and plays, travel articles, reviews and lectures. A prolific writer, he made no secret of the fact that money was his motivation for writing – an admission which raised eyebrows among his literary contemporaries at the time. The amount of works Trollope authored are testament to his belief in hard work. His first successful novel was The Warden followed by its sequel, Barchester Towers. The Chronicles of Barsetshire are perhaps his most well-known series of novels, though many of his works have been adapted for TV and radio, starring many familiar faces such as Alan Rickman, David Tennant, Bill Nighy and Tom Hollander. Alongside his literary career, Trollope also worked for some time for the Post Office and is credited with the introduction of the iconic post box to Britain. A memorial to Anthony Trollope was unveiled in Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey in 1993.

'The Nottinghill Mystery' is one of the few detective novels not written from the perspective of a detective. One of its main appeals is that it was written through extracts and court case depositions, and not one long narrative; making the reading feel like they are almost one of the jury delivering their final verdict.Set in the 1840s, insurance broker Ralph Henderson must collect evidence against a local professor who is suspected of a number of murders of women over the years.It was first published as an eight-part serial in a magazine but you will struggle not to read it from start to finish in one sitting.Charles Warren Adams originally published 'The Nottinghill Murders' under the pseudonym Charles Felix leaving readers guessing over it's author. The English lawyer and author became involved in bailing out publishing firms after their proprietor died and then went on to publish at least two of his own works under Charles Felix.Born in 1883, he was a prominent anti-vivisection campaigner and was secretary of their society. His first wife died in 1880, and he remarried again five years later.

'Mr. Harley was one of many children. Destined by his father for the church and by his mother for the sea, desirous of pleasing both, he prevailed on Sir John to obtain for him a chaplaincy on board a Man of War. He accordingly cut his hair and sailed.'A short but interesting flash fiction story dedicated to a midshipman on board the Perseverance.Written by a teenage Jane Austen, who loved to read her work to her family, these short stories are a perfect insight into the mind of young Austen.Jane Austen (1775-1817) is one of the most beloved British writers of all time. During her short life, she published six novels: ´Sense and Sensibility´, ´Pride and Prejudice´, ´Mansfield Park´, ´Emma´, ´Northanger Abbey´ and ´Persuasion´, which are all considered literary classics today.Her writing is full of sharp observations on the society in which she lived, as well as ripe with timeless irony, and a solid dose of humour. She has created immortal characters that have inspired countless authors, novels, and movies such as Bridget Jones and Clueless.The most notable adaptation is Joe Wright's 2005 Pride and Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Caribbean) and Matthew Macfadyen (Succession).

Bram Stoker's 'The Watter's Mou'' is a thrilling tale that takes place along the Scottish coast, revealing a different side of Stoker compared to what his readers may already be familiar with.The narrative unfolds with the budding romance between a young coast guard officer and his girlfriend, Maggie. The officer has been assigned to resolve the human smuggling issue, which the local fisherman are suspected to be involved in. Maggie's father is among these fishermen.When Maggie confesses to Willy that her father is in the thick of the smuggling business, Willy is plunged head-first into a moral conundrum. Maggie decides to save her father from his fate by sneaking aboard the smuggling ship. But Maggie just might have walked a little too deep into the 'watter's mou''...Stoker is best known for 'Dracula', famously adapated into the legendary screenplay starring Bela Lugosi. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy the works of H.P. Lovecraft, H.G. Wells and Edgar Allan Poe.Abraham "Bram" Stoker was born in Dublin in 1847. Turning to fiction in his later years, Stoker published his first short story 'The Crystal Cup' (1872) in London Society magazine. In the 1880s and 1890s, he published 'Under the Sunset' (1882) and an adventure novel titled 'The Snake’s Pass' (1890).It was the publication of 'Dracula' in 1897 which launched Stoker into literary stardom.

What wonderful places there are to see and experience in Italy and Germany. The architecture, the food and the people. How lovely to share all this with the person you love the most in the world!The book is a beautifully written and picturesque travel memoir, and also Shelley’s last published work. Her narratives are reminiscent of the travels she took some twenty years ago with her now deceased husband, saturating her language with melancholia and sorrow.Touching upon themes like depression, politics, revolutionary talk and religion, Shelley’s "Rambles" are both an affluent non-fiction piece and a memento on the author’s memory shelf.Mary Shelley was a renowned English novelist, essay and short story writer, biographer, and editor of prose and poetry alike. A voracious reader of all kind of literature, Shelley is one of the major Romantic figures, earning her place as a female writer among the male dominated literary status quo.Best known for her 1818 Gothic masterpiece 'Frankenstein', There have been so many adaptations of it that it is impossible to name them all. The Frankenstein movie from 1994 was very popular starring Robert de Niro, Kenneth Branagh and John Cleese. A 2015 version called Victor Frankenstein stars none other than Daniel Radcliffe, the very famous Harry Potter!Her works also include the apocalyptic novel 'The Last Man' and the historical narrative 'Valperga'. Despite her prolific career, she was mostly remembered as the wife of Percy Bysshe Shelley, one of the leading names in English Romanticism.

Tess is little more than an English farm girl when she meets the man who will change her life: Angel Clare. A kind gentleman and the son of a reverend, Angel could be the answer to Tess’s miserable fate. But with a family on the brink of destitution, she has no time to wait for true love. When another suitor, Alec, begins to fixate on Tess and word of a rich widow by the name of D’Urberville hints at a hidden family fortune, Tess’s life spirals out of control and she is forced to make an impossible choice.A tale of passion, loss, and cruel hardship, ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles’ is one of Hardy's most famous and beloved novels. It has been adapted for the stage and screen many times, including the hugely popular BBC series written by David Nicholls and starring Gemma Arterton and Eddie Redmayne.Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) was an English writer of poetry, novels, and short stories. He belonged to the Victorian realist tradition and was influenced by the writings of Romanticism. His novels strongly criticise Victorian society for constraining individuals in regard to marriage, education, and religion: shunning happiness in the name of social propriety. Hardy’s works explore themes of love, class, and poverty with a painstaking devotion to realism. His best-known works include ‘Far From the Madding Crowd’, ‘The Mayor of Casterbridge’, ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles’, and ‘Jude the Obscure’.

What do we usually find in Jane Austen's novels? At least one girl with a conflict and a handsome man or two to rush in and save the day. If nothing else, Jane was a romantic through and through!Catharine is a young orphan being raised in the country. Her best friends are the four children of the vicar. After the vicar’s death, they have been sent off to various locations to make their way in the world.Mr. and Mrs. Stanley come to visit Catharine and her guardian aunt. They have a daughter Camilla, and a handsome son Edward. Camilla and Catharine become friends and Camilla is sure that Catharine and Edward will become a couple.The heroine, Catharine Percival, is young and naive, but intelligent and spirited. Although she is an orphan, as befits the heroine of a novel written in the late eighteenth century, she is hampered in her adventures by her loving aunt who is overprotective and fearful of the worldCatharine is soon visiting London as well. Will she reunite with her old friends? Will Catharine and Edward become a couple or will something from the past force them apart?Jane Austen (1775-1817) is one of the most beloved British writers of all time. During her short life she published six novels: ´Sense and Sensibility´, ´Pride and Prejudice´, ´Mansfield Park´, ´Emma´, ´Northanger Abbey´ and ´Persuasion´, that are all considered as literary classics today.Her writing is full of sharp observations on the society in which she evolved, as well as ripe with timeless irony, and a solid dose of humour. She has created immortal characters that have inspired countless authors, novels, and movies such as Bridget Jones and Clueless.The most notable film adapted from a Jane Austen novel is Pride and Prejudice from 2005 starring Keira Knightley ( known from Pirates of the Caribbean) and Matthew Macfadyen.

"The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain" is one of Dickens’ Christmas-time novellas, written in the vein of his most popular one, "A Christmas Carol". Professor Redlaw is brooding over his past misery and mistakes, when he is suddenly visited by a ghostly apparition. The spectre comes with a bargain – the professor can be free from his past anguish, but there is a heavy price to be paid. What starts as a festive tale about the spirit of Christmas and joyous celebrations, turns into an exploration of the dark niches of the mind. A psychological warning to all people who are haunted by their past wrongdoings or memories, the novella is also a valuable lesson – it is better to forgive than forget. A five-star recommendation.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

Mystery and romance ensue when the conversation between Alick Craven and his mentor Francis Braybrooke one day turns to Lady Adela Sellingworth, and her stolen jewels.A classical take on the Real Housewives – a beautiful but ageing American heiress battles for the attention of a young man. Ageing gracefully may not be as easy as it seems when your confidence and power are shaken. 'December Love' reflects the struggle to conform the social expectations of ageing with how old we actually feel.Robert Hichens (1864 –1950) was an English journalist, short story writer, and music critic, most known for his satire of the 'Naughty Nineties'. His 1933 novel 'The Paradine Case' was adapted for the silver screen and directed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1947, starring Gregory Peck and Ann Todd. With its international success, "The Garden of Allah" saw three different film adaptations, the latest of which was directed by Richard Boleslawski.

Dangerous storms, treacherous waters and friends who sometimes turn out to be enemies. The life of the Norwegian fishermen was never easy. If you love 'The Vikings' series on Netflix, you will love this book!Set against the harsh beauty of the Lofoten Islands, 'The Last of the Vikings' is a stirring depiction, both of man's perseverance and of the end of an era. Its action centres upon a single fishing season, when the Norwegian peasantry, descendants of the Vikings, make their annual voyage to the islands.For the people at home, fishing was just as hard, but in a different way. The knowledge that your husband, son or father was away for months, risking his life, wore on those staying at home. The main character's wife is described as hating the sea - she never saw God in the sea. He just existed back at her childhood farm.This is a tale of the poor and their ongoing struggle to live and provide for their families. Full of adventures and tales, though quite sad in places, this classic book makes for an interesting read and is one of those stories that should be read at least once in a lifetime!Johan Bojer (born Johan Kristoffer Hansen) was a popular Norwegian novelist and dramatist. He grew up as a foster child in a poor family living in Rissa near Trondheim, Norway. He learned of the realities of poverty early in life.Bojer principally wrote about the lives of poor farmers and fishermen, both in his native Norway and among the Norwegian immigrants in the United States. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times and is best remembered for his novel 'The Emigrants', a major novel dealing with the motivations and trials of Norwegians that emigrated to the plains of North Dakota.

Have you ever told a lie? How about a lie that ruins another man’s reputation? This is the sin that Norby commits and the event that kicks off the storyline in this book. Will he feel guilty and come clean before he ruins another man’s life?Norby is a farmer of wealth and a timber baron at the turn of the 20th century. He guarantees a loan for a young entrepreneur who ends up going bankrupt. Norby is embarrassed so goes along with a lie told to put the entrepreneur in a bad light. As time goes on this lie becomes bigger and bigger and causes more problems for Norby and the poor entrepreneur who works hard to clear his reputation. It eventually becomes difficult to separate the truth from fiction.Bojer explores how a lie effects the unfairly accused, the liar and everyone else involved. As we read how the novel delves into the psychology behind each character’s personality and how they came to be that way, it isn't hard to see why this author was nominated five times for the Nobel prize in literature.Johan Bojer (born Johan Kristoffer Hansen) was a popular Norwegian novelist and dramatist. He grew up as a foster child in a poor family living in Rissa near Trondheim, Norway. He learned of the realities of poverty early in life.Bojer principally wrote about the lives of poor farmers and fishermen, both in his native Norway and among the Norwegian immigrants in the United States. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times and is best remembered for his novel 'The Emigrants', a major novel dealing with the motivations and trials of Norwegians that emigrated to the plains of North Dakota.

Financial ruin, chronic illness and children forced to leave their parents doesn't make for the happiest start to any book. Those are the burdens facing the two siblings, Louise (who takes after her aunt) and Lorentz (who takes after his father).Due to circumstances beyond their control, Louise and Lorentz's parents send them to live with their wealthy grand aunt, Margaret. The agreement was sealed, at least as far as Aunt Margaret is concerned, on the condition that she, and only she can make decisions relating to the children's upbringing. On top of that, Peer and Merle, the impoverished parents, must give up any right to ever see the children again.Lorentz meets his father again in later life. He admires the father and wants to be like him. From that point on, Lorentz’s quest for spiritual enlightenment begins.Though this is a stand alone novel, the author writes about Peer's earlier life in his earlier book ‘ The Great Hunger’.Johan Bojer (born Johan Kristoffer Hansen) was a popular Norwegian novelist and dramatist. He grew up as a foster child in a poor family living in Rissa near Trondheim, Norway. From an early age he learned the realities of poverty.Bojer principally wrote about the lives of the poor farmers and fishermen, both in his native Norway and among the Norwegian immigrants in the United States. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times and is best remembered for his novel 'The Emigrants', a major novel dealing with the motivations and trials of the Norwegians that emigrated to the plains of North Dakota.

"We count by changes and events within us. Not by years." Set in a small village, which stands on the site of a historic skirmish, "The Battle of Life" follows the romantic trials and tribulations of two sisters, Grace and Marion. All the while, they are harangued by their father, Dr Jeddler, who seems to treat life as a joke. With love triangles, false elopements and noble sacrifices, this novella explores the idea that each person must face their own, personal battle and decide whether to resolve it with or without incurring casualties. Despite the themes, this love story is peppered with humour and optimism.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. He is the author of 15 novels, five novellas, and hundreds of short stories. Among his most famous works are 'Oliver Twist' (1839), 'A Christmas Carol' (1843), and 'Great Expectations' (1861). Several of his books have been adapted for film, with characters such as Jacob Marley in 'A Christmas Carol' played by Alec Guinness.

"I cannot imagine," said Sir Godfrey to his Lady, "why we continue in such deplorable Lodgings as these, in a paltry Market-town, while we have 3 good houses of our own situated in some of the finest parts of England, and perfectly ready to receive us!"Another classic short story from Austen's "juvenilia", written in her teenage years and originally shared with her family and friends. Quick-witted, fun and full of the satire she would later be famed for, it is the perfect insight into the mind of young AustenAuthor Robert Rodi enjoyed this story so much that he expanded the short piece into a full-length novel in the mature Austen style.Jane Austen (1775-1817) is one of the most beloved British writers of all time. During her short life, she published six novels: ´Sense and Sensibility´, ´Pride and Prejudice´, ´Mansfield Park´, ´Emma´, ´Northanger Abbey´ and ´Persuasion´, which are all considered literary classics today.Her writing is full of sharp observations on the society in which she lived, as well as ripe with timeless irony, and a solid dose of humour. She has created immortal characters that have inspired countless authors, novels, and movies such as Bridget Jones and Clueless.The most notable adaptation is Joe Wright's 2005 Pride and Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Caribbean) and Matthew Macfadyen (Succession).

'The Dead Letter' follows the brutal murder of Henry Moreland as he waits to board a New York train on the way to see his fiancé. He is fatally stabbed in the neck and his body isn't found until the next morning. Suspicions fall to his protege, Richard Redfield, who hires a detective to clear his name.A classic whodunit, 'The Dead Letter' is full of charming characters and could have easily been made into a series. Readers who enjoy classic detective stories like 'The Adventures of Arsène Lupin' by Maurice Leblanc will enjoy this book.Metta Victoria Fuller Victor, published under the name Seeley Regester, was an American novelist who is often credited with authoring of one of the first detective novels in America - 'The Dead Letters'. She wrote more than 100 novels in her career, and moved with her sister to New York in her late teens to pursue a writing career.She married an editor and publishing pioneer and published her own works under many different names. She died of cancer aged 54.

"All was still. All but my own heart--I could hear it beat. Presently the bedclothes began to slip away slowly toward the foot of the bed, as if some one were pulling them!" In Mark Twain’s "A Ghost Story" from 1875, the narrator rents a room in an old New York City building with upper stories long since given up to dust, cobwebs and silence. On his first night, he experiences something so dreadful that he convinces himself it must be a dream. It isn’t until he finds a giant footprint in the ashes near the hearth, that he realizes something more, perhaps sinister, is at play. Mark Twain masters the balance between horror and humor in this thrilling short story inspired by an infamous real-life nineteenth century hoax.Mark Twain, pseudonym of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, (1835-1910), was an American humorist, lecturer, journalist and novelist who acquired international fame for his adventure stories of boyhood, especially "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" as well as for his travel narratives, especially "The Innocents Abroad", "Roughing It", and "Life on the Mississippi". Twain transcended the apparent limitations of his origins to become a popular public figure and one of America’s most beloved writers.

Norwegian fjords, ships, storms and a large shark that wants to take off your arm ...thank goodness our main character Peer manages to stab it with a knife!Peer is a young lad who, deserted by his parents, is tossed about like second-hand clothing from one foster home to the next. Surprisingly he demonstrates a tremendous amount of resilience in overcoming his social and economic standing, just like his creator and the author of this novel, Johan Bojer.This story examines how an individual's yearning for knowledge in science and religion causes problems, as many intellectuals in the early twentieth century thought them mutually exclusive. This leads Peer into many situations beyond his control.The hunger in the book's title has little to do with being starved of food and much to do with being starved of education and knowledge.Read this classic rags to riches story with an unexpected twist at the end!Johan Bojer (born Johan Kristoffer Hansen) was a popular Norwegian novelist and dramatist. He grew up as a foster child in a poor family living in Rissa near Trondheim, Norway. He learned of the realities of poverty early in his life.Bojer principally wrote about the lives of the poor farmers and fishermen, both in his native Norway and among the Norwegian immigrants in the United States. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times and is best remembered for his novel 'The Emigrants', a major novel dealing with the motivations and trials of Norwegians emigrated on the plains of North Dakota.

What happens to your personality if you don't know who you really are?'He was possessed by the idea of doing the most startling things in order to astonish his fellowmen. He loved to dazzle and amaze people.'The Prisoner Who Sang portrays Andreas, an eccentric and village outcast. He is so lacking in his own identity that he takes on several different personalities and then accuses himself of murdering one of them.Andreas opportunistically takes on many disguises in real life such as an aristocrat and a businessman, and unfortunately crosses the line which leads to some time in prison. This is a humorous but ultimately tragic story of a lonely imaginative man.Johan Bojer (born Johan Kristoffer Hansen) was a popular Norwegian novelist and dramatist. He grew up as a foster child in a poor family living in Rissa near Trondheim, Norway. He learned early the realities of poverty.Bojer principally wrote about the lives of the poor farmers and fishermen, both in his native Norway and among the Norwegian immigrants in the United States. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times. He is best remembered for his novel 'The Emigrants', a major novel dealing with the motivations and trials of Norwegians emigrated on the plains of North Dakota.

'The Shoulder of Shasta' is a touching story interspersed with gothic notes about a middle class English girl named Esse who gradually grows to know and love the swashbuckling American cowboy Dick. A poignant tale set to the backdrop of the picturesque scenery of Mount Shasta in California. Stoker is definitely bringing readers something quite different from his cult classic 'Dracula', starring Bela Lugosi in its film adaptation.Highly recommended for those who enjoy the intensely vivid descriptions of Bram Stoker's other works, as well as those of his contemporaries Edgar Allan Poe, H. G. Wells and H. P. Lovecraft who also specialised in gothic and horror literature.Abraham "Bram" Stoker was born in Dublin in 1847. Turning to fiction in his later years, Stoker published his first short story 'The Crystal Cup' (1872) in London Society magazine. In the 1880s and 1890s, he published 'Under the Sunset' (1882) and an adventure novel titled 'The Snake’s Pass' (1890).It was the publication of 'Dracula' in 1897 which launched Stoker into literary stardom.

"The good old times, the good old times ... what times they were!" Set during the Christmas period, ‘The Chimes’ is an affecting examination of social structure, hypocrisy, and emotional poverty. The central figure, Trotty Veck, is gradually losing his faith in humanity. However, the church bells and a horde of goblins may have the answer to his melancholy. Written in four parts, ‘The Chimes’ sees Dickens dissect the smug attitudes of the wealthy and the bleak fortunes of the poor while focusing on the good that is in everyone.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. He is the author of 15 novels, five novellas, and hundreds of short stories. Among his most famous works are 'Oliver Twist' (1839), 'A Christmas Carol' (1843), and 'Great Expectations' (1861). Several of his books have been adapted for film, with characters such as Jacob Marley in 'A Christmas Carol' played by Alec Guinness.

Is there anything wrong with a man that wants to change the world? What happens when he goes a little too far against the wishes of his family? All Dr. Mark wants to do is help, but is this possible?An idealistic physician, shaped by his reformist mother, decides to practice medicine in a cold area in the far north of Norway among the Sami people. He returns home with his stylish new wife and sets about looking into the social factors that contribute to illness. This leads him into difficulty not least from his jealous wife.Will Dr. Mark's epiphany for social justice outweigh his ability to function rationally in his role as physician and husband? An insightful novel from Northern Norway at the turn of the 20th century.Johan Bojer (born Johan Kristoffer Hansen) was a popular Norwegian novelist and dramatist. He grew up as a foster child in a poor family living in Rissa near Trondheim, Norway. He learned the realities of poverty at an early age.Bojer principally wrote about the lives of the poor farmers and fishermen, both in his native Norway and among the Norwegian immigrants in the United States. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times and is best remembered for his novel 'The Emigrants', a major novel dealing with the trials and tribulations of Norwegians emigrating to the plains of North Dakota.

‘When you are more intimately acquainted with my Alice, you will not be surprised, Lucy, to see the dear creature drink a little too much; for such things happen every day. She has many rare and charming qualities, but sobriety is not one of them.’Decidedly strange, illogical and out of the norm, "Jack and Alice" depicts life in Pammydiddle, a pleasant English town with a love of parties, scandal and gossip.The work is full of parody and a pastiche of many literary trends of the time. Another classic short story from Austen's "juvenilia", written in her teenage years and originally shared with her family and friends. Full of bold, ridiculous characters and the satire she would later be famed for, it is the perfect insight into the quick-witted mind of young Austen.Jane Austen (1775-1817) is one of the most beloved British writers of all time. During her short life, she published six novels: ´Sense and Sensibility´, ´Pride and Prejudice´, ´Mansfield Park´, ´Emma´, ´Northanger Abbey´ and ´Persuasion´, which are all considered literary classics today.Her writing is full of sharp observations on the society in which she lived, as well as ripe with timeless irony, and a solid dose of humour. She has created immortal characters that have inspired countless authors, novels, and movies such as Bridget Jones and Clueless.The most notable adaptation is Joe Wright's 2005 Pride and Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Caribbean) and Matthew Macfadyen (Succession).

"Bleak House" is a long and complex novel by Dickens, exploring the machinations of the English legal system. At the centre of its narrative stands the "Jarndyce vs. Jarndyce" lawsuit, and all the characters are drawn to it like moths to a flame. An obvious and satirical attack on the judicial system, the novel is also a tragic human story about family issues, romance, betrayals, and secrets. It is a novel drowned in fog and hopelessness, where people’s sin-ridden souls wade in mud-covered streets. A five-star recommendation for fans of Dickens.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. Much of his writing first appeared in small instalments in magazines and was widely popular. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

Did you ever dream of going on an adventure to discover unknown lands? Embark on a journey with Mark Twain that will take you through Europe and beyond to the Holy Land. Following Twain’s real 1867 tour alongside a troupe of American tourists, "The Innocents Abroad" winds its way through Paris, the Vatican, Odessa, Constantinople and Cairo. No city is spared from the scathing satire and insightful commentary of Twain’s pen, making it an invaluable chronicle of world history as well as a classic of American literature. Fans of Bill Bryson or Colin Thubron should not miss the timeless wit of Twain's work, which remains one of the most popular travel books ever written.Mark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, (1835-1910) was an American humorist, lecturer, journalist and novelist who acquired international fame for his adventure stories of boyhood, especially "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" as well as for his travel narratives, "The Innocents Abroad", "Roughing It", and "Life on the Mississippi". Twain transcended the apparent limitations of his humble origins to become one of America’s most beloved writers.

How strange and terrifying it must be to leave your home and journey to lands unknown to seek a better life.Bojer's novel tells of a group of young Norwegian villagers who decide to emigrate to North Dakota, where they find that 'breaking the sod and surviving blizzards' is easier than feeling at home in this new land.It is a story of the hardships and joys, successes and setbacks, and perhaps most of all, the longing for both Norway and the US.These are the same feelings felt today by anyone that leaves the country they were born in to go and make a home in a new foreign place. It can be very hard to fit in and sometimes to be accepted for who you are by the local population.This isn’t a story about the grass being greener on the other side for this group of Norwegians, but rather the different ups and downs of life which they found over the Atlantic.The story in this novel is a story as well known among the emigrants that arrive today, as it was among the emigrants that arrived almost 100 years ago.Johan Bojer (born Johan Kristoffer Hansen) was a popular Norwegian novelist and dramatist. He grew up as a foster child in a poor family living in Rissa near Trondheim, Norway. He learned the realities of poverty early in his life.Bojer principally wrote about the lives of the poor farmers and fishermen, both in his native Norway and among the Norwegian immigrants in the United States. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times and is best remembered for his novel 'The Emigrants', a major novel dealing with the motivations and trials of Norwegians that emigrated to the plains of North Dakota.

Captain Hatteras has one goal remaining in life, to reach the North Pole at all costs. With a purpose built steamship he sets out on the greatest voyage of his life but when their fortunes turn, his crew mutinies, destroying their ship in the process. Stranded in the Arctic in winter, Hatteras with a small group of his remaining crew will push further in to the white waste, relying on their intuition and no small amount of luck to survive. What they find will leave them changed men forever. It is a gripping journey marked by Verne’s mastery of science fiction, creating a poignant and memorable conclusion for a brilliant character.Jules Verne (1828-1905) was a French novelist, poet and playwright who is remembered for his significant contribution to the science fiction genre. With the help of editor Pierre-Jules Hetzel he wrote a series of books called "Extraordinary Travels", which includes "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" (1864), "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" (1870), and "Around the World in Eighty Days" (1873). Due to his incredible vision he is often given the moniker ‘The Father of Science Fiction’, shared with fellow science fiction author H.G. Wells. Widely popular with both children and adults, Verne is one of the most translated authors of all time, second only to Agatha Christie and Shakespeare.

A magical tale of family, loss and the healing power of the imagination and hope.In the Ubari Sand Sea in 2011, during the First Libyan Civil War, a mysterious pilot falls from the sky – a sky devil - and makes a home with the family of the little boy who rescues him.A year later, Roseville, Louisiana is faced with the threat of the ever-rising water levels, in the aftermath of economic crisis and corporate environmental damage. 10-year-old Lenny Lockhart is losing the people and the things dearest to him. His only friends now are his elderly but plucky neighbour, Miss Julie, and the town’s lonely librarian, Lucy Albert. His mother has left, and his father is back but damaged after his time in the military.Homeless and neglected, Lenny heads into the dark depths of the Bayou, determined to defeat the sinkhole that is threatening to swallow his town whole. In a race against time, who is it that really needs saving? Is it Lenny, the town, or the broken adults in his life?As these two timelines collide, Lenny tells the deeply touching tale of family and love and the different paths to kindness.A modern reimagining of The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, perfect for fans of Christy Leftheri, Khaled Hosseini and Markus Zusak.‘From Libya to Louisiana, Lenny is a fearless and hugely imaginative novel that perfectly captures the essence of a troubled childhood.’ - Christine Dwyer Hickey"At the centre of this novel is a little boy so kind and courageous, so funny and warm he's literally going to break your heart. McVeigh's storytelling takes her readers on a journey that effortlessly spans time, geography and reality itself. She asks big questions about community, belonging and what makes a real family. - Jan Carson"At the centre of this novel is a little boy so kind and courageous, so funny and warm he’s literally going to break your heart. McVeigh’s storytelling takes her readers on a journey which effortlessly spans time, geography and reality itself. She asks big questions about community, belonging and what makes a real family." – JAN CARSON‘Lenny is a beautiful novel that beguiles the reader with its cast of characters, damaged, quirky and full of humanity, its deep sense of place and connections to a wider universe. Laura McVeigh’s writing is a luminous and sharply observed depiction of loneliness and the redemptive power of love. Lenny continues to shine long after the novel ends.’ —LAURA McKENNALaura McVeigh is a Northern Irish writer and novelist, who has previously been featured in Hollywood’s Top 100 New Writers Young and Hungry List. She is an alumna of both the Royal Court Theatre Young Writers’ Programme and Writers’ Programme, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Her past experience includes working on peace and conflict issues, environmental issues and human rights work.Her 2017 debut novel 'Under the Almond Tree' was an international bestseller, published in ten territories and languages.

1333. Edward III is at war with Scotland. Nineteen-year-old Sir Harry de Lyon yearns to prove himself and jumps at the chance when a powerful English baron, William Montagu, invites him on a secret mission with a dozen elite knights.They ride north, to a crumbling Scottish keep, capturing a feral, half-starved boy within and putting the other inhabitants to the sword.But nobody knows why the flower of English knighthood snuck over the border to capture a savage, dirty teenage boy. Montagu gives the boy to Harry as his squire, with only two rules: don't let him escape, and convert him to the English cause.At first, it's hopeless. The Scottish boy is surly and violent and eats anything that isn't nailed down. Then Harry begins to notice things: that, as well as Gaelic, the boy speaks flawless French, with an accent much different from Harry's Norman one. That he can read Latin too. And when Harry finally convinces the boy – Iain mac Maíl Coluim – to cut his filthy curtain of hair, the face revealed is the most beautiful thing Harry has ever seen.With Iain as his squire, Harry wins tournament after tournament and becomes a favourite of the King. But underneath the pageantry smoulder twin secrets: Harry and Iain's growing passion for each other, and Iain's mysterious heritage. As England hurtles towards war once again, these secrets will destroy everything Harry holds dear.A sexy, slow-burn, enemies to lovers historical romance, Alex De Campi delivers a steamy but tender love story. "Brokeback Mountain" meets "50 Shades of Grey" set again the vivid backdrop of Medieval Britain. Perfect for fans of Madeleine Miller's "Song of Achilles", the novels of C. S. Pascat, and K.J. Charles.This novel contains explicit sexual content and adult themes.Alex de Campi is a thriller writer with an extensive backlist of critically-acclaimed prose and graphic novels including Eisner-nominated heist noir "Bad Girls" (Simon & Schuster). Her most recent books were pulp horror graphic novel "Dracula, Motherf**ker" (Image Comics), sci-fi thriller "Madi: Once Upon A Time in the Future" co-written with Duncan Jones (Z2 Comics), and "True War Stories", an anthology of soldiers’ deployment tales. She is on most social media as @alexdecampi.

At the time of her death in 1815, twenty-nine-year-old Ellen Hutchins had catalogued over a thousand species of seaweed and plants from her native Bantry Bay. Ireland’s first female botanist, Ellen was a major contributor to nineteenth-century scientific discovery. And yet, like so many brilliant women lost in history, it is her personal story that will resonate today.In her remarkable debut novel, Marianne Lee fuses fact with fiction to imagine Ellen’s rich but tormented inner life, repressed by the gender and class confines of her time. Unmarried, childless and sickly, Ellen is considered an ‘unsuccessful’ woman, dutifully bound to her family’s once grand and isolated estate, Ballylickey House. Still, she glimpses a happiness and autonomy she can never quite articulate as she reaches for meaning and expression, until the eruption of a long-simmering family feud and the rise of Ellen’s own darkness – her ‘quiet tide’ – will conspire to destroy her fragile future.A Quiet Tide is a life examined, a heartbreaking, inspiring story that at last captures the essence and humanity of a long-forgotten Irishwoman.Perfect for fans of "Hamnet" by Maggie O'Farrell, "Matrix" by Lauren Groff and "Nora" by Nuala O'Connor.'Though set in the past, the themes of her debut have a modern feel, none more so than in Ellen’s attempts to establish herself in a male-dominated field. Her struggle for autonomy and equality is clear...early in life, Ellen’s headmistress gives her some advice on her restless spirit. "You must strive to curb it. Accept what is around you. Do not fight." Lee’s novel beautifully captures the quiet resistance by one noteworthy Irish woman against this damning advice." The Irish Times‘A beautiful, elegantly written novel about the tangled roots of family and the pursuit of singular passions. Marianne Lee is a new literary star.’ Nuala O’Connor, author of Miss Emily and Becoming BelleMarianne Lee grew up in Tullamore, Co. Offaly and now lives in Dublin with her husband. She has a degree in Visual Communications from the National College of Art and Design and an MPhil in Creative Writing from Trinity College Dublin. Marianne works as a designer and copywriter and has published a selection of poetry as well as self-recorded an album of music. She sings Bach and paints landscapes. A Quiet Tide is her first novel.