As the weather gets colder every day, Autumn is the perfect time to cozy up with a novel and stay warm inside. There is nothing better than curling up with a good book to escape the cold weather. Fall is also the perfect time to revisit some cozy classic novels to bring back that nostalgic fall feeling. Check out this list of seven classic books that make the perfect fall read.
- “Practical Magic” by Alice Hoffman
Nothing says fall read quite like witches, and this 1995 novel is a cozy and witchy tale about friendship and community. The 1998 film by the same name has become a Halloween cult classic, but the book dives even deeper into the lives of the Owens sisters and is well worth a read. The novel follows Gillian and Sally Owens, sisters from a long line of witchy women, as they try to escape their magical history. But the bonds of family and magic ultimately bring them back together in this heartwarming autumn story. If you finish this novel and want more of the Owens sisters, the author has recently published two prequels, “The Rules of Magic” and “Magic Lessons” as well as one sequel, “The Book of Magic.”
2.“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte
Published in 1847, this classic gothic novel is one of the most famous romance stories, and the gloomy English countryside setting feels perfect for fall. The plot follows Jane Eyre as she grows up an orphan and eventually becomes a governess at the mysterious Thornfield Hall. There she meets the brooding Mr. Rochester who she eventually falls in love with, although their romance is not without its complications as secrets and dark histories begin to be revealed. “Jane Eyre” was ahead of its time and still makes the perfect fall read today if you’re looking for something mysterious, dark and romantic.
3.“Rebecca” by Daphne Du Maurier
This 1938 gothic romance is a must read for fall due to the dark and mysterious setting and sinister plot. The story follows a young woman who marries an older widower, only to discover that her new husband and his household is haunted by his first wife Rebecca. This bestselling novel has never gone out of print and has been adapted into several films, including a recent 2020 adaptation on Netflix starring Lily James and Armie Hammer. Be warned, once you pick up this novel, it might be impossible to stop reading until the dramatic finale.
4.“Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery
On a more wholesome note, “Anne of Green Gables” is a feel-good fall time novel that will warm your heart. Published in 1908 as a children’s book, “Anne of Green Gables” has become a classic for all ages, and readers have been falling in love with Anne’s story for generations. The book follows a young orphan named Anne Shirley as she comes to live with a new family in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Anne is a beloved and iconic main character who is talkative and always optimistic, and her adventures in her new home, from school to romance, is a heartfelt and wholesome story.
5.“Northanger Alley” by Jane Austen
Jane Austen’s Gothic 1818 horror satire, “Northanger Abbey” is a must read for anyone who loves horror, comedy or romance, because this novel has all three. The main character is a 17-year-old young woman named Catherine Morland who is obsessed with gothic novels and has an overactive imagination. This imagination gets her into trouble when she travels to the estate of Northanger Abbey, which she believes to have a sinister history. While there, she falls in love and has many adventures, and this novel is a phenomenal read for fall thanks to the mysterious atmosphere and gothic themes.
6.“Little Women” by Lousia May Alcott
Published in 1868, this coming-of-age novel follows the lives of four sisters, Jo, Amy, Beth and Meg, as they transition from childhood to womanhood. This novel will make you laugh, cry and wish there was more when you finally reach the last page. If you are a fan of witty and ambitious female heroines, this novel might be a perfect fit, and the cozy, homey feel of the novel makes it a great read for fall. If you’re a fan of this novel, there have also been several film adaptations made including a 2019 Greta Gerwig adaptation starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh and Timothee Chalamet.
7.“Dracula” by Bram Stoker
This list wouldn’t be complete without the iconic “Dracula” by Bram Stoker, one of the most famous pieces of English literature. Based on Transylvanian folklore and history, this novel is considered the father of all vampire lore and makes for a haunting Autumn read. As a quintessential gothic novel, “Dracula” is full of horror, suspense and even some romance, and the spooky themes are perfect for curling up by the fire on a rainy day. This 1897 novel still thrills and captivates readers today and is well worth your time.
Grace Giger can be reached at [email protected]