Books by Jean Rhys
“My first reaction to what is essentially a prequel to my favourite novel ever was indignation. Like: this is fan fiction, at best. But then I read it, and I was blown away. It felt so transgressive. I didn’t know we could do that! I’ll never forgive Jean Rhys, though, for ruining Mr Rochester for me. I mean, I was so in love with him, growing up. He was my first literary crush. She destroyed him. But her language! It’s so economic. I find it mesmerising. I think she was very underappreciated.” Read more...
Historical Novels Set in the Victorian Era
Virginia Feito, Novelist
Interviews where books by Jean Rhys were recommended
Historical Novels Set in the Victorian Era, recommended by Virginia Feito
The Victorian era—defined by its imperial ambition, strict moral and social codes, and flashes of brutality—serves as fertile ground for historical fiction, argues Virginia Feito, whose acclaimed new book Victorian Psycho satirises the hypocrisy of the age. Here, she recommends five boundary-pushing novels that expose the darker underbelly of a most mannered age.
Short Classic Books
Classic books have stood the test of time and continue to appeal to new readers, but they can feel intimidating. Whether you want to ease your way into classic literature by starting with shorter books, don’t have much time to read, or simply admire writers who are able to say more with less, below is a list of short classic books recommended by experts on Five Books over the years.
The best books on British Colonialism, recommended by Charlotte Lydia Riley
Various interpretations of imperial history have become deeply entrenched in the so-called culture wars. But this is nothing new, argues Charlotte Lydia Riley, author of the ‘alternative history’ Imperial Island: historians have always served political agendas. Here she recommends five of the best books on British colonialism.
