25 books to read before leaving Embley

Losing yourself in a great novel is one of life’s joys. Literature has a great impact on our lives, with words and plots etching themselves into our hearts and minds for generations. Here is our English Department’s top 25 classic fiction picks that students should read before leaving school – as part of our curriculum or for pleasure. 

“They are defined as ‘classic’ for a reason. They have survived the test of time and can still be universally enjoyed. When I read classic fiction, I feel my understanding of the past is broadened as you can recognise aspects of history throughout all of them.”

Year 12 pupil 

“Classic fiction transports you to another world!” 

“Classic fiction is the building block of most current fiction, with many modern books re-imagining classic works or using plot ideas…”