Another good option for a beginner is 'Cakes and Ale'. It's a short and humorous novel that gives a taste of Maugham's satirical style. It's a great introduction to his way of looking at the world, especially the world of literature and those within it.
I would recommend 'Of Human Bondage'. Although it's a long novel, it's very accessible. It shows the growth and development of the main character, Philip Carey, in a relatable way. You can easily get immersed in his experiences of love, loss, and self - discovery.
Well, 'Personal Injuries' could be another option. It's not as complex as some of his other works. It has an interesting story about a lawyer getting involved in a rather dicey situation, and it shows Turow's ability to create a suspenseful narrative that's not too overwhelming for someone new to his books.
Sure. 'Quite Ugly One Morning' is a good start. It's not too complex and has a really interesting style that showcases Brookmyre's ability to mix crime and humor.
For a beginner, 'The Bourne Identity' is a great choice. It's one of Ludlum's most well - known works. The story is easy to follow while still being full of excitement and mystery.
For a beginner, 'The Tell - Tale Heart' is a great start. It's short, easy to understand in terms of basic plot, and it gives a good taste of Poe's style of creating a sense of unease and madness in the narrator.
For a beginner, 'The Thief Lord' by Cornelia Funke can also be a great choice. Although it's more of a historical - adventure story set in Venice but with strong German literary influence. It has an engaging plot that follows a group of orphans and their adventures in a city full of secrets. It gives a taste of historical settings and how people lived in that era.
A good choice could also be 'Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said'. It has a fast - paced plot with elements of mystery and science fiction. It shows Philip Dick's unique style of writing and his ability to create a strange yet captivating world.
You could also try 'King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table' by Roger Lancelyn Green. It's a more straightforward retelling of the basic Arthurian stories, which is perfect for someone just getting into the legend. It introduces the key characters like Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot in a simple and engaging way.
I would recommend 'The Mysterious Affair at Styles' as it sets the foundation for Hercule Poirot's character. You can see how his 'little grey cells' work. 'Murder on the Orient Express' is a classic that many people start with. The setting on the train and the intricate mystery are really engaging. Also, 'Cards on the Table' is not too complex for a beginner. It has an interesting premise and Poirot's deductions are fascinating to follow.
Sure. 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien starts with 'In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.' It's simple yet very effective. It draws the reader into the world of hobbits which is a unique and fascinating one. A beginner would easily be able to picture this hole and the hobbit, making them eager to read more.
I'd recommend 'Animal Farm'. It's relatively easy to understand and its cynical view of power and corruption is presented in a very engaging way through the story of the animals on the farm. Another good one is 'The Great Gatsby'. It gives a taste of cynicism towards the upper class and the idea of the American Dream in a beautifully written narrative.