Autumn Reading List: Classics for the Modern Reader
Classic novels by Willa Cather, Charles Dickens, and Evelyn Waugh offer timely reflections on faith, revolution, and journalism.
As the autumn season unfolds, a selection of classic novels offers readers a chance to revisit enduring stories with renewed perspective. These literary works, spanning themes of faith, revolution, and the press, remain relevant for contemporary audiences.
Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather
Willa Cather's "Death Comes for the Archbishop" transports readers to the American Southwest in the 1840s. The novel chronicles the journey of Father Latour, who becomes the titular Archbishop, and his companion Father Joseph, as they embark on a mission to revive the Catholic faith in the region. Their travels take them through landscapes dotted with ancient Indian ruins, encountering diverse groups including Mexicans and Navajo warriors, as well as less devout clergy. While Father Latour is depicted as almost saintly, his irascible sidekick, Father Joseph, provides a compelling counterpoint. Despite its romanticized portrayal of Catholic missions, Cather's masterful prose illuminates the challenges and grandeur of frontier life, presenting a potent depiction of existence on the edge of the known world.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities," a narrative masterfully set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, is considered by many to be his finest novel. The story centers on Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat who has disavowed his title and sought a peaceful life in London. However, the revolution's escalating violence and the excesses of his uncle, the Marquis De St Evremonde, draw him back into the turmoil of France. As Paris descends into a state of terror following the Marquis's murder, Darnay finds himself ensnared by the revolutionary fervor. Dickens skillfully balances the cruelty of the aristocracy with the brutality of the revolutionaries, leaving the reader to ponder the true nature of the enemy.
Scoop by Evelyn Waugh
Evelyn Waugh's "Scoop" stands out as his funniest novel, offering a satirical look at the world of journalism. The proprietor of the Daily Beast, Lord Copper, believes a conflict is brewing in the fictional East African nation of Ishmaelia and decides to send his most esteemed novelist, John Courteney Boot, to cover it. By mistake, the assignment falls to his unassuming cousin, William Boot. Enticed by the prospect of generous expenses, William accepts the role. In Ishmaelia, he encounters seasoned journalists adept at fabricating sensational stories, ultimately leading William to send the "scoop of the decade" back to the Beast—though it proves to be largely fictional. Nearly 90 years after its publication, Waugh's work is still recognized for its unparalleled success in capturing the absurdities of the reporting profession.
