Classic novels that make great book club picks

The Count of Monte Cristo is pure storytelling magic. Framed for a crime he didn’t commit, young Edmond Dantès is imprisoned for years before escaping and uncovering a vast fortune. Re-emerging into society as the enigmatic Count, he sets about orchestrating an elaborate plan of retribution. This is the perfect read for people who enjoy debating epic plots, dramatic twists, and big moral questions, such as: is revenge ever justified?

Narrated by seventeen-year-old Cassandra Mortmain, I Capture the Castle is a quietly profound coming-of-age story. Set in a crumbling English castle in the 1930s, Cassandra chronicles the eccentricities of her family, the arrival of new neighbours, and her own romantic awakenings with wit and tenderness.  There’s plenty to discuss in this book – from the role of women and artists in society to the bittersweet pull between youthful hope and adult reality.

Part love story, part Gothic mystery, Jane Eyre remains one of the most enduring and empowering novels in the Western canon of literature. From her difficult childhood to her independent adulthood, Jane’s journey is one of self-respect, moral conviction and emotional courage. Whether you’re drawn to its feminist spirit, complex characters, or the tension between passion and principle, this classic continues to provoke meaningful conversation nearly two centuries after it was written.

Moody, atmospheric and endlessly suspenseful, The Hound of the Baskervilles is one of Sherlock Holmes’ most famous cases – and with good reason. Set on the eerie, fog-covered moors of Devon, the story follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate a mysterious death seemingly linked to an age-old family curse and a spectral hound. It’s a brilliant pick for book clubs, inviting conversation around superstition versus science. And, of course, there’s the ever-popular debate: is this the greatest detective story of all time?

For anyone looking for a non-fiction read, Mary Seacole’s classic memoir is a remarkable account of resilience and compassion. Seacole defied the prejudices of her time to become an invaluable figure in the Crimean War – often compared to Florence Nightingale, though her story was overlooked for far too long. This is a brilliant choice for book clubs looking for a lesser-known classic. It opens up rich discussion around race, empire, gender, and one woman’s extraordinary courage in the face of adversity.

Darkly seductive and endlessly quotable, Oscar Wilde’s only novel is a deliciously subversive tale that still feels strikingly modern. When the beautiful Dorian Gray idly wishes to stay forever youthful, a portrait of him begins to age in his place, bearing the marks of his increasingly hedonistic life. Wilde’s sharp wit and philosophical depth offer plenty to unpack – raising powerful questions about appearance, morality and the soul.

When ambitious young scientist Victor Frankenstein brings a creature to life from assembled body parts, he’s horrified by what he’s done and abandons his creation. Left to fend for himself in a world that fears and rejects him, the so-called monster becomes increasingly desperate for companionship and, ultimately, for revenge. Frankenstein is a chilling, emotionally complex story and a powerful choice for book clubs, offering rich discussion around the limits of ambition, empathy, responsibility – and what truly makes someone monstrous.

Full of heart, humour and just the right amount of drama, Little Women is the ultimate comfort read – and a classic that still feels incredibly relatable. The novel follows the four March sisters (sensible Meg, fiery Jo, gentle Beth and ambitious Amy) as they grow up, fall in love, face loss and find their way in the world. Perfect for reading with your closest friends, you’ll find yourself debating which sister you love best and, of course, trying to answer the question of who really should have ended up with Laurie. (Yes, we’re still talking about it!)