Fanlistings: Literature A-D
Chronicles of Prydain - Lloyd Alexander
Combining Welsh mythology with coming-of-age fantasy quest, this was a favourite series from childhood. I still appreciate the insight of the narrative, and its engagingly fallible heroes.
Isaac Asimov
One of the classic sci-fi writers, his fiction combines great stories with fascinating philosophical speculation and insight. I first read his robot stories and novels, which remain my favourite among his works.
Jane Austen
My favourite 19th century writer. I read Emma in my early teens and immediately wanted to read all her other novels. Her light touch, blending witty observation and romance, make her books a pure delight.
Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
Ever since I read it as a teenager, this is perhaps the 19th century romance I love most - with vivid images and emotions, and one of the strongest heroines: passionate, intelligent and outspoken.
A Little Princess - Frances Hodgeson Burnett
A favourite childhood story. Sarah Crewe transforms her world through her gift of storytelling and imagination. My father chose this for me, which is another thing that makes it particularly special.
The Dark is Rising Sequence - Susan Cooper
A magical and mysterious cycle of stories steeped in Welsh legend, this is another longtime favourite I first read when I was about 10, and still regularly re-read.
Charles Dickens
My introduction to 19th century writing (with Oliver Twist). His characters are vivid; his work satirises the values and institutions of his society, but also shows a belief in basic human goodness. My favourite is Great Expectations.
