First published in 1749, Henry Fielding’s coming-of-age novel The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling or Tom Jones is a funny and entertaining story with a fair bit of social commentary. Set in 18th century England, the protagonist of this novel - Tom Jones is an abandoned child, who grew in the household of Squire Allworthy. Tom grows into a wild young man who is also a womeniser. He, however, has a kind heart, often does the right thing and has developed affection for his neighbors daughter, Sophia - who is also in love with him. However, Sophia is being forced to marry the bully boy Blifil. Sophia runs away to escape from the marriage, meets with Tom at London and starts a new life. The story ends happily ever-after, but not before a series of adventure and misadventure. Tom Jones is a comic novel that will entertain anyone.
Fielding, Henry. Tom Jones, London : Penguin, 1966.
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The Scarlet Pimpernel is a romantic adventure story, Set at the time of French Revolution. Sir Percy, a charismatic English aristocrat, is the protagonist of this novel. He and his adventure-loving friends, known as the the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, set out to rescue the members of the French aristocracy from the daily execution at the guillotine during the reign of terror. Sir Percy, or the Scarlet Pimpernel - is a master of disguise, elusive and able to escape from the stickiest situation. Like a clever thief, every time the Scarlet Pimpernel escapes, he leaves a card with a picture of scarlet pimpernel behind for his enemies. The Scarlet Pimpernel becomes a sensation and the French authorities start an international manhunt to catch him. It is a slow-paced novel, with a strong, unpredictable plot - that would keep the reader occupied.
Orczy, Emmuska. The Scarlet Pimpernel, London : Everyman’s Library, 1999.
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