Kate, I found myself agreeing with so many of your picks! As soon as you mentioned David Copperfield, a warm feeling swept over me - and then when you shared how you always smile like that when you talk about this novel, this feeling only increased! It might not be his most mature or polished novel (that probably goes to Bleak House or Our Mutual Friend) David Copperfield, as you said, has such an emotional impact on the reader, doesn't it? Wives and Daughters is definitely my favourite Gaskell, too. Great video. Please keep them coming. Greetings from Tasmania.
I loved your vlog so much so I sent it to my daughter. She replied: I loved that UA-cam video about the 25 Victorian novels! I’ve been in a little bit of a reading funk, but it made me excited to read again. And I loved that she used “scrapes” to describe getting into trouble…such a Victorian word LOL! I think you sent me a video of hers that originally got me into reading.
I have a number of these sitting on my shelf to read and am going to add quite a few more based on your descriptions! I am rereading Jane Eyre this month and am so glad to see it so high on your list! This was wonderful! 😊
@@jensreadinglife I would love to hear what you think of them! Jane Eyre is wonderful anytime but I think it's especially appealing in the cooler months.
I found The Cloister and the Hearth at a sale for .50, but I haven't read it yet. I didn't realize it was about Erasmus' family. I have always had a bit of a soft spot for Erasmus!I I also have a copy of The Heir of Redclyffe waiting to be read.
Wives and Daughters really is number one, I agree 💜 I've got a few more to read from your list, hopefully soon Daniel Deronda.. and I really want to read The Cloister and the Hearth, super curious! Thanks Kate for an awesome list, really given me some things to think about... Happy reading! 💜📚
Thanks for your thoughts! I think you convinced me to read these three next year: The Cloister and the Hearth - Reade Can You Forgive Her? - Trollope Wives and Daughters - Gaskell (I'm wondering how you thought this beats Middlemarch! Looking forward to finding out.)
Thank you so much! I'm already a fan of many of these and now I can put the ones I've missed on my library list! Middlemarch and Jane Eyre are my number 2 and 3 also! My number one actually takes place in about 1820 so it couldn't honestly be called Victorian, but to call it Regency would be extremely misleading as it's all rural and it's tone is Victorian to me. -It's, "Precious Bane," by Mary Webb. Love your list!
That so true about rereading Kate, some of my favorite books are those that just improve on rereading, that’s why I need to reread Middlemarch to see if I love it as much the second time and the same goes for Mary Barton. Thank you for this end of Victober treat!
I’ve only read David Copperfield of those on your list . Goal for this year is to read more of these ! Thank you for your list , it helps give me guidance.
What a treat- I’m so glad you got to film this. I’ve never really sat and thought what my top 25 Victorian reads would be to be honest but I think diary of a nobody and lady audley’s secret would be in there somewhere xx
I want to read uncle Silas now! I've heard so little about this one but you made it sound so intriguing! And I'm now in the mood to reread Jane Eyre! My favorite Victorian stories to revisit may be cliché,, but one is Stevenson's Dr Jeckle and Mr Hyde, and the other is Dickon's a Christmas Carol. ❤ I also find myself rereading Dracula every few years.
Wow! I've never done a count of how many Victorian era books I've read, let alone my top 25. The only book on your list that I've also read, is, fortunately, "Middlemarch," which would be close to the top for me, too. You actually intrigued me with Romola. It sounds thematically like a period piece rewrite of The Mill on the Floss: the heroine's having a time-absorbing father, his making a large library accessible to her. A man entering the picture and upsetting the apple cart sounds autobiographical too. I love George Eliot and enjoyed teaching her in college. We read her one paranormal story, which is an underrated Gothic, "The Lifted Veil." The main character's mad scientist buddy even went to the same university as Victor Frankenstein! LOL! Appreciate very much this list as recommendations. Am currently reading LeFanu's The Room in the Dragon Volant, and Uncle Silas sounds intriguing. Ditto Man and Wife. Have both North and South and The Belton Estate on my shelf. Enjoy very much your content and your enthusiasm for this great period of literature.
@@MicahHarris-k9m Thank you, Micah! Oooh that is so interesting to think about The Mill On the Floss and Romola parallels! I will be contemplating that.
Wives and daughters is my number one too ❤. Such a wonderful list, some of those books are totally new to me and now I want to read them. I also love Trollope and Gaskell and Middlemarch is amazing.
I so enjoyed this! Gave me so many possibilities to read! I did do love Mary Barton too! One of my favorites not listed is Shirley by Charlotte Brontë. Lovely vlog!
A big ol’ smile was on my face the whole time! So many great books-I’m going to get to all of the ones I haven’t read before as soon as possible! I was surprised, in a good way, to see Mary Barton outrank North and South! I loved to see all of the Lotties on your list! 😊🎉
So glad you mentioned George Eliot's "Daniel Deronda". It's really a ground breaking novel. I love Trollope's "Belton Estate". But the Barchester series is closer to my heart.
That Alan Rickman narration is just perfect so would be worth a listen. I still need to read Wives and Daughters! Missed it the year that it was a group read.
Hi Kate! I hope you are all doing well! My list would also contain The Woman in White, The Canterville Ghost and The Heir of Redclyffe. The faith in that book is so beautifully written. Praying for you all!
I've read Woman in White three times and I loved it every time. I'm eager to read it again, except I think I should reread Moonstone first, because I've only read that one once. I'm definitely Team Collins!
Lovely list - I'm definitely off to find out about Charlotte M Yonge! My top 25 would definitely include something by Margaret Oliphant - there's domestic reality with some mystery thrown in ...
@@katehowereads Many thanks for replying; I'm just starting in on Dynevor Terrace vol I ... I recently very much enjoyed Margaret Oliphant's 'Joyce', which seemed to me a bit different as I think she actually planned out the plot in advance; I've come to believe that her prodigious output was at least partly generated by coming up with an interesting set of characters, starting to write, and seeing what developed. One thing I really love is her knowledge of gardening and natural history, which gives a nice depth to many of the books. She also has what I consider to be quite a modern understanding of human interactions - though the books have a thoroughly Victorian setting! Look forward to your next video
@ricktownend9144 I will definitely try to prioritize Joyce by her! I hadn't noticed her knowledge of natural history and gardening before but now will keep an eye out for it as that sounds delightful.
The way you speak about Wives and Daughters is simply delicious. I tried listening to it, but couldn't get along with the narration. Maybe it's a book that needs to be physically read first. Daniel Deronda and Uncle Silas are going to the very top of my TBR.
@@BorderCollieInALibrary I think it's definitely worth trying again. I'm curious, who was the narrator? I'm very biased in favor of Nadia May but I don't know if she was who you listened to.
I'm excited but nervous to start Middlemarch! I'm starting it in December and will be slowly reading it - as it was released serially.
Thanks for this list! I'm creating a list for my Victorian TBR for 2025 and I'll add several of these.
@@mitzireadsandwrites Oooh! Can't wait to hear what you think of them, Mitzi!
Loved this!! Domestic realism with romance and a mystery subplot - YES, my absolute FAVOURITE type of classic!! The perfect novel.
Kate, I found myself agreeing with so many of your picks! As soon as you mentioned David Copperfield, a warm feeling swept over me - and then when you shared how you always smile like that when you talk about this novel, this feeling only increased! It might not be his most mature or polished novel (that probably goes to Bleak House or Our Mutual Friend) David Copperfield, as you said, has such an emotional impact on the reader, doesn't it? Wives and Daughters is definitely my favourite Gaskell, too. Great video. Please keep them coming. Greetings from Tasmania.
I loved your vlog so much so I sent it to my daughter.
She replied:
I loved that UA-cam video about the 25 Victorian novels! I’ve been in a little bit of a reading funk, but it made me excited to read again. And I loved that she used “scrapes” to describe getting into trouble…such a Victorian word LOL! I think you sent me a video of hers that originally got me into reading.
I love your energy for reading these books. Very motivating!
Alan Rickman narrating sounds sublime! I love the Canterville Ghost.
This is such a great list! I love all the Gaskell on here ❤ And this makes me want to read Can You Forgive Her. It sounds so good!
A perfect video! The summaries are intriguing - I added the ones I havent read yet to my to-read-list. Thanks!
I have a number of these sitting on my shelf to read and am going to add quite a few more based on your descriptions! I am rereading Jane Eyre this month and am so glad to see it so high on your list! This was wonderful! 😊
@@jensreadinglife I would love to hear what you think of them! Jane Eyre is wonderful anytime but I think it's especially appealing in the cooler months.
I found The Cloister and the Hearth at a sale for .50, but I haven't read it yet. I didn't realize it was about Erasmus' family. I have always had a bit of a soft spot for Erasmus!I I also have a copy of The Heir of Redclyffe waiting to be read.
♥️♥️♥️so many wonderful books! I’ve read SO many of these (and loved them!) thanks to you !
Wives and Daughters really is number one, I agree 💜 I've got a few more to read from your list, hopefully soon Daniel Deronda.. and I really want to read The Cloister and the Hearth, super curious! Thanks Kate for an awesome list, really given me some things to think about... Happy reading! 💜📚
Also my number one❤
Thanks for your thoughts! I think you convinced me to read these three next year:
The Cloister and the Hearth - Reade
Can You Forgive Her? - Trollope
Wives and Daughters - Gaskell (I'm wondering how you thought this beats Middlemarch! Looking forward to finding out.)
Really great video thanks Kate.
Wonderful choice!
Thank you so much! I'm already a fan of many of these and now I can put the ones I've missed on my library list! Middlemarch and Jane Eyre are my number 2 and 3 also! My number one actually takes place in about 1820 so it couldn't honestly be called Victorian, but to call it Regency would be extremely misleading as it's all rural and it's tone is Victorian to me. -It's, "Precious Bane," by Mary Webb. Love your list!
That so true about rereading Kate, some of my favorite books are those that just improve on rereading, that’s why I need to reread Middlemarch to see if I love it as much the second time and the same goes for Mary Barton. Thank you for this end of Victober treat!
@@josmith5992 oooh! I would love to hear what you think of them upon rereading them!
I’ve only read David Copperfield of those on your list . Goal for this year is to read more of these ! Thank you for your list , it helps give me guidance.
@@libertylady4041 Please keep me updated on what you read!
What a treat- I’m so glad you got to film this. I’ve never really sat and thought what my top 25 Victorian reads would be to be honest but I think diary of a nobody and lady audley’s secret would be in there somewhere xx
@@amandalavelle2638 Thank you, Amanda! Those are both very fun books!
So many great books! I'm still a Victorian newbie and all the enthusiasm and great descriptions make me want to read everything. Thank you!
@@Fernie4243 You have so many amazing books waiting for you!
Bless you for bringing this to us, Kate. Your list is great, and I hope to read some more of these books in the coming months.
I want to read uncle Silas now! I've heard so little about this one but you made it sound so intriguing! And I'm now in the mood to reread Jane Eyre! My favorite Victorian stories to revisit may be cliché,, but one is Stevenson's Dr Jeckle and Mr Hyde, and the other is Dickon's a Christmas Carol. ❤ I also find myself rereading Dracula every few years.
@@janetmorgan9728 Uncle Silas is so worth a read!! So fun to have favorites that you enjoy rereading.
I read The Return of the Native with the Alan Rickman audio this month! it was so good. I loved it!
@@jessicayork9035 😍😍😍
Wow! I've never done a count of how many Victorian era books I've read, let alone my top 25. The only book on your list that I've also read, is, fortunately, "Middlemarch," which would be close to the top for me, too. You actually intrigued me with Romola. It sounds thematically like a period piece rewrite of The Mill on the Floss: the heroine's having a time-absorbing father, his making a large library accessible to her. A man entering the picture and upsetting the apple cart sounds autobiographical too. I love George Eliot and enjoyed teaching her in college. We read her one paranormal story, which is an underrated Gothic, "The Lifted Veil." The main character's mad scientist buddy even went to the same university as Victor Frankenstein! LOL! Appreciate very much this list as recommendations. Am currently reading LeFanu's The Room in the Dragon Volant, and Uncle Silas sounds intriguing. Ditto Man and Wife. Have both North and South and The Belton Estate on my shelf. Enjoy very much your content and your enthusiasm for this great period of literature.
@@MicahHarris-k9m Thank you, Micah! Oooh that is so interesting to think about The Mill On the Floss and Romola parallels! I will be contemplating that.
Yay it's Kate!!🎉🎉❤❤❤
I think i may use your list to help me read from my shelf next year! I own a good many of them already so i might as well!
@@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD I look forward to hearing what you think of your different Victorian books!
Wives and daughters is my number one too ❤. Such a wonderful list, some of those books are totally new to me and now I want to read them. I also love Trollope and Gaskell and Middlemarch is amazing.
@@alicialozano2802 I love that we have the same number one!
I so enjoyed this! Gave me so many possibilities to read!
I did do love Mary Barton too!
One of my favorites not listed is Shirley by Charlotte Brontë.
Lovely vlog!
@@Candycekampie I really want to try Shirley another time because there were definitely aspects of it I liked.
A big ol’ smile was on my face the whole time! So many great books-I’m going to get to all of the ones I haven’t read before as soon as possible! I was surprised, in a good way, to see Mary Barton outrank North and South! I loved to see all of the Lotties on your list! 😊🎉
@@darrylfriesen Yes! I definitely could change my mind about Mary Barton vs. North and South but I think the vibe of Mary Barton is so captivating.
Excellent top 25! That book by Charles Read intrigues me!
@@faithbooks7906 Thank you, Faith! Oh my goodness - I can't talk it up enough!
So glad you mentioned George Eliot's "Daniel Deronda". It's really a ground breaking novel. I love Trollope's "Belton Estate". But the Barchester series is closer to my heart.
That Alan Rickman narration is just perfect so would be worth a listen. I still need to read Wives and Daughters! Missed it the year that it was a group read.
@@tillysshelf I'll definitely treat myself to it next year! I can't say enough good things about Wives and Daughters! It is such a treat of a book.
Hi Kate! I hope you are all doing well! My list would also contain The Woman in White, The Canterville Ghost and The Heir of Redclyffe. The faith in that book is so beautifully written. Praying for you all!
The Alan Rickman The Return of the Native audiobook is great! I just listened to it for Victober. Highly recommend.
Loved this!! ❤
I've read Woman in White three times and I loved it every time. I'm eager to read it again, except I think I should reread Moonstone first, because I've only read that one once. I'm definitely Team Collins!
Lovely list - I'm definitely off to find out about Charlotte M Yonge! My top 25 would definitely include something by Margaret Oliphant - there's domestic reality with some mystery thrown in ...
@@ricktownend9144 I hope you enjoy Yonge! I am so intrigued - what Oliphant are your favorites?
@@katehowereads Many thanks for replying; I'm just starting in on Dynevor Terrace vol I ... I recently very much enjoyed Margaret Oliphant's 'Joyce', which seemed to me a bit different as I think she actually planned out the plot in advance; I've come to believe that her prodigious output was at least partly generated by coming up with an interesting set of characters, starting to write, and seeing what developed. One thing I really love is her knowledge of gardening and natural history, which gives a nice depth to many of the books. She also has what I consider to be quite a modern understanding of human interactions - though the books have a thoroughly Victorian setting!
Look forward to your next video
@ricktownend9144 I will definitely try to prioritize Joyce by her! I hadn't noticed her knowledge of natural history and gardening before but now will keep an eye out for it as that sounds delightful.
Ha! More surprises as I watch! Middlemarch and Daniel Deronda were in different positions than I thought they’d be! 😆
@@darrylfriesen I totally agonize over which one I love more 🤣🤣
@@katehowereads Same!!!
The way you speak about Wives and Daughters is simply delicious. I tried listening to it, but couldn't get along with the narration. Maybe it's a book that needs to be physically read first.
Daniel Deronda and Uncle Silas are going to the very top of my TBR.
@@BorderCollieInALibrary I think it's definitely worth trying again. I'm curious, who was the narrator? I'm very biased in favor of Nadia May but I don't know if she was who you listened to.
@@katehowereads
It was by Prunella Scales.
I will look for Nadia May's narration for sure. Thank you!
@BorderCollieInALibrary In my experience I haven't loved Prunella Scales as a narrator.
Such a wonderful top 25. I was hoping to see Deerbrook. I am in the middle of a re-read. 😊.
@@Praire22 Do you know several times after filming this I have agonized about whether or not I should have included Deerbrook? 🤣🤦♀️🤷♀️
@ Awwww… I know how much you love it. You have said so many times.😀😀😀
There are some authors on here which I haven't read I'm tempted by... 'Jane Eyre' is my favourite.
@@clarepotter7584 Jane Eyre is such an amazing book. I think Jane feels like a dear friend to so many readers.
厉害👍🎉