If you aren’t me you may be wrapped in a nice cozy blanket, cuddled under the soft knit yarn blanket, or a old, smooth quilt knitted before you were born, (that’s been me.) but me? I am in the coolest outfit I own, since it is nearly in the nineties . . . *sighs* Maybe I should make some ice tea. I am dreaming of hot chocolate, a cozy blanket, and colorful leaves falling to the ground in reds, yellows, oranges, and browns.
Today, I have 5 World Fiction favorites, and I have not given a review link, my thoughts, or anything to say about the books since they are all pretty good for everybody though some people may have other thoughts and there are some things that may disagree with, but I recommend them for anyone. The two Henty books are likely better for 13 up though, and Sherlock is 16/19 up depending on maturity and reading likes this is nothing like the shows though.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
About: Since its immediate success in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. Jane Austen called this brilliant work “her own darling child” and its vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, “as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print.” The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr. Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilized sparring. And Jane Austen’s radiant wit sparkles as her characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, making this book the most superb comedy of manners of Regency England.
![Collected Works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Delphi Classics) by [DOYLE, SIR ARTHUR Conan]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51gPiap0mAL._SY346_.jpg)
The Adventures of The Dying Detective by Sir Arthur Doyle
About: “The Adventure of the Dying Detective”, in some editions simply titled “The Dying Detective”, is one of the 56 Sherlock Holmes short stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Together with seven other stories, it is collected as His Last Bow.
A March On London by G.A. Henty
About: A march on London, being a story of Wat Tyler’s insurrection. With eight illus. by W.H. Margetson, By: G.A.Henty George Alfred Henty (8 December 1832 – 16 November 1902) was a prolific English novelist and war correspondent.He is best known for his historical adventure stories that were popular in the late 19th century. His works include The Dragon & The Raven (1886), For The Temple (1888), Under Drake’s Flag (1883) and In Freedom’s Cause (1885).Biography–G.A.Henty was born in Trumpington, near Cambridge. He was a sickly child who had to spend long periods in bed. During his frequent illnesses he became an avid reader and developed a wide range of interests which he carried into adulthood. He attended Westminster School, London, and later Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where he was a keen sportsman. He left the university early without completing his degree to volunteer for the Army Hospital Commissariat when the Crimean War began. He was sent to the Crimea and while there he witnessed the appalling conditions under which the British soldier had to fight. His letters home were filled with vivid descriptions of what he saw. His father was impressed by his letters and sent them to The Morning Advertiser newspaper which printed them. This initial writing success was a factor in Henty’s later decision to accept the offer to become a special correspondent, the early name for journalists now better known as war correspondents…
When London Burned by G.A. Henty
About: A fantastic historical adventure novel set during the time of the Great Fire of London by the master of the genre G. A. Henty.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
About: “One of the most delightful and enduring classics of children’s literature, The Secret Garden by Victorian author Frances Hodgson Burnett has remained a firm favorite with children the world over ever since it made its first appearance. Initially published as a serial story in 1910 in The American Magazine, it was brought out in novel form in 1911.
The plot centers round Mary Lennox, a young English girl who returns to England from India, having suffered the immense trauma by losing both her parents in a cholera epidemic. However, her memories of her parents are not pleasant, as they were a selfish, neglectful and pleasure-seeking couple. Mary is given to the care of her uncle Archibald Craven, whom she has never met. She travels to his home, Misselthwaite Manor located in the gloomy Yorkshire, a vast change from the sunny and warm climate she was used to. When she arrives, she is a rude, stubborn and given to stormy temper tantrums. However, her nature undergoes a gradual transformation when she learns of the tragedies that have befallen her strict and disciplinarian uncle whom she earlier feared and despised. Once when he’s away from home, Mary discovers a charming walled garden which is always kept locked. The mystery deepens when she hears sounds of sobbing from somewhere within her uncle’s vast mansion. The kindly servants ignore her queries or pretend they haven’t heard, spiking Mary’s curiosity.
The Secret Garden appeals to both young and old alike. It has wonderful elements of mystery, spirituality, charming characters and an authentic rendering of childhood emotions and experiences. Commonsense, truth and kindness, compassion and a belief in the essential goodness of human beings lie at the heart of this unforgettable story. It is the best known of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s works, though most of us have definitely heard of, if not read, her other novel Little Lord Fauntleroy.
The book has been adapted extensively on stage, film and television and translated into all the world’s major languages. In 1991, a Japanese anime version was launched for television in Japan. It remains a popular and beloved story of a child’s journey into maturity, and a must-read for every child, parent, teacher and anyone who would enjoy this fascinating glimpse of childhood. One of the most delightful and enduring classics of children’s literature, The Secret Garden by Victorian author Frances Hodgson Burnett has remained a firm favorite with children the world over ever since it made its first appearance. Initially published as a serial story in 1910 in The American Magazine, it was brought out in novel form in 1911.”
Have you read any of these books? Do you agree they are great for anybody? Have you read or watched Sherlock?
Abigail Kay Harris 
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