“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”
We all play certain roles in life, at work or with family, which require us to suppress how we truly feel to perform our duties.
Set in London, the play revolves around the lives of two such young bachelors, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who decide to lead double lives to cope with the weights of their social obligations.
Jack becomes ‘Earnest’ to escape his country estate and win the heart of Gwendolen Fairfax. Algernon pretends to have a fictional invalid friend named ‘Bunbury’ to avoid family gatherings and responsibilities. Life takes a turn when their alternate identities collide, leading to humorous misunderstandings.
Through this entertaining satire, the story compels us to wonder how society rewards appearance and superficial acts over authentic living and seeking true happiness; making us question are we truly who we allow the world to see?
“He made me see what Life is, and what Death signifies, and why Love is stronger than both.”
At times, the scary exterior is just a cry for lots of love and understanding; and the Canterville Ghost is no different.
The Otis family purchased The Canterville Chase, a haunted castle in England. The castle is home to the ghost of Sir Simon de Canterville, who has been haunting the castle for over three hundred years. To the Ghost’s horror, the new family was just not afraid of him; instead, they set about trying to get rid of him. What ensues is a hilarious cycle of practical jokes and pranks.
Until one day, sweet and sensitive Virginia Otis, the youngest daughter of the family, discovers the ghost’s hiding place. The ghost tells her his story and asks her for help. The key to the Ghost’s peaceful departure to afterlife, is in her innocent, childlike powers.
What does the Ghost ask? Will Virginia be able to do what he needs? Find out in the most endearing tale of kindness, friendship and forgiveness.
“The silence depressed me. It wasn’t the silence of silence. It was my own silence.”
Esther Greenwood is a beautiful and immensely talented young lady who dreamt of being a great writer. As a college student she travelled from Massachusetts to New York to work on a magazine for a month as a guest editor. While there, she is showered with fancy dinners, and elite networking. Esther knew she should be having the time of her life, but something was wrong, and she felt deadened.
Little she knew that this was the beginning of a clinical depression which would take all sense of life out of her. After a visit from a beloved professor, she starts to believe that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Months of treatment later, Esther leaves the mental hospital in time to start college. She now knew that life would be a seesaw of good and bad days, and the bell jar could ring either with sadness or elation, she just needed to hear it jingle and practice what she learnt.
The Bell Jar is an intimate, and uplifting narrative written with the expert stroke of the finest writers of the century; meant to make the reader feel supported and hopeful in their journey.
“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
In the satirical and politically rife land of the Manor Farm, all kinds of animals lived together and ran their civilization led by the visionary Old Major. Under Old Major the animals lead a revolt against their oppressive human owner Mr. Jones. Their dream is to establish a perfect society, which would be free from tyranny, where all animals (beings) will be equal.
The highly engaging, witty and endearing story aims to highlight the dangers of authoritarianism, and governments which pit citizens against each other. Through the compelling conversations between the animal residents of Manor Farm, the story highlights how language is used to manipulate and run propaganda to control the masses and rewrite history.
Animal Farm is a timeless and thought-provoking work, reminding readers the importance of thinking independently in order to safeguard democracy and individual liberties.
“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
In the satirical and politically rife land of the Manor Farm, all kinds of animals lived together and ran their civilization led by the visionary Old Major. Under Old Major the animals lead a revolt against their oppressive human owner Mr. Jones. Their dream is to establish a perfect society, which would be free from tyranny, where all animals (beings) will be equal.
The highly engaging, witty and endearing story aims to highlight the dangers of authoritarianism, and governments which pit citizens against each other. Through the compelling conversations between the animal residents of Manor Farm, the story highlights how language is used to manipulate and run propaganda to control the masses and rewrite history.
Animal Farm is a timeless and thought-provoking work, reminding readers the importance of thinking independently in order to safeguard democracy and individual liberties.
“Words do not express thoughts very well. They always become a little different immediately after they are expressed, a little distorted, a little foolish.”
Set in ancient India, a young and curious Siddhartha moves to the wilderness on a quest to understand the meaning and purpose of our existence in this world.
Siddhartha, as a young Brahmin had become discontented with the superficiality of life, where the chase was for more personal gain and wealth, never for a lasting impact of one’s actions.
As a wandering ascetic, Siddhartha’s search for fulfilment leads to the realization that enlightenment is a deeply personal journey, and that traditional teachings and societal norms may not necessarily lead to true wisdom and contentment.
Siddhartha is a timeless and meditative narrative that urges one to take a journey of self-realization, to find their individualistic path to inner happiness.
- A profound journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
- Explores the search for meaning beyond material pursuits.
- Challenges traditional teachings in the quest for wisdom.
- A timeless meditation on personal fulfillment and contentment.
- Inspires readers to forge their own path to inner peace.
“I will not serve that in which I no longer believe, whether it calls itself my home, my fatherland, or my church: and I will try to express myself in some mode of life or art as freely as I can and as wholly as I can.”
In the 19th century, Stephen Dedalus, a young boy growing up in Dublin, Ireland, shows the grit, self-reflection and courage it takes to absorb life and turn it into art.
Stephen is a sensitive and intelligent boy, yet rebellious and independent. He struggles to break free from the constraints of his family expectations, the dominance of his religious teachings and the politics of his country. In his quest to seek reason behind his actions, he learns to break away from the norm and express his own unique perspective of the world.
Writing poetry and prose become his means of expression, as he highlights the tensions between individuality and conformity.
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man is a timeless and introspective work inviting readers to experience catharsis and self-realization through beautiful poems, prose and motivating conversations.
“Beauty was not everything. Beauty had this penalty — it came too readily, came too completely. It stilled life — froze it.”
It’s the story of a family, like every family, and the many dents and complex love that make up relationships. Follow the Ramsay family over a period of three decades, in three parts ‘The Window,’ ‘Time Passes,’ and ‘The Lighthouse.’
The first part of the novel, ‘The Window,’ introduces the middle-class Ramsay family with eight children. The second, ‘Time Passes,’ takes place ten years later. The Ramsay’s have moved away from the house on the Isle of Skye, and Mrs. Ramsay has died. The house is now empty and neglected. The third part, ‘The Lighthouse,’ takes place ten years later, as the family finally return to the lighthouse, which has been a symbol of desire and longing for many years.
Woolf ’s thoughtful, reflective and sensitive writing allows the readers to delve deep into the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters.
Like a conversation the reader is having in solitude with themselves, every emotion feels lived and relatable, highlighting the enduring power of memory to capture the essence of our lives.
“He who climbs upon the highest mountains laughs at all tragedies, real or imaginary.”
In this philosophical masterpiece, Zarathustra a fictional sage descends from the mountains to share his wisdom with humanity. He challenges conventional thought and explores profound themes of self-overcoming, the will to power, and the nature of existence.
The character of Zarathustra serves as a mouthpiece for Nietzsche’s philosophical ideas, challenging readers to question their beliefs and embrace a more individualistic and self-directed approach to existence. His journey from solitude in the mountains to engagement with humanity symbolizes the philosopher’s quest to achieve the will to power, and the rejection of herd mentality.
Nietzsche’s emphasis on the individual’s potential for self-mastery and creative self-expression resonates throughout Zarathustra’s teachings. It’s an uplifting and motivational read which helps enhance confidence in oneself, leadership skills and focus.
“I don’t know how to be silent when my heart is speaking.”
Set in the enchanting streets of St. Petersburg, this is a story of a young man who is a dreamer, and wanders on the city’s deserted lanes during long summer nights.
On a foggy night, under the hazy streetlights, a young man met Nastenka, who captured his heart with her beauty and innocence. They spent four consecutive nights together, as he becomes increasingly besotted with Nastenka, sharing his innermost thoughts and feelings.
Just as he was beginning to feel safe in their oasis, he discovers that Nastenka is in love with another man; a prince who has promised to return to her after a long absence. Yet, he is certain that even Nastenka is drawn to him, each grappling with their own sense of longing and desire for connection.
Through this vivid narrative of the intoxicating power of hope, the young man’s monologues reveal his absolute yearning for love, while Nastenka’s vulnerability and romantic idealism add layers of emotion to the story.
Through these fragile yet sublime characters we witness the beauty and pain of unrequited love.
- A timeless tale of love, longing, and unfulfilled dreams in St. Petersburg.
- Includes Notes from Underground and A Christmas Tree and a Wedding.
- Explores themes of hope, desire, and the beauty of unrequited love.
- Premium hardbound edition, perfect for classic literature collectors.
- An ideal gift for literature enthusiasts and Dostoevsky fans.
