Raskolnikov is a desperately impoverished young student and intellectual who robs and murders a moneylender to ease his own financial problems and, he rationalises, to better the world by expelling it of her evil doings. However, after he falls ill, he is eventually burdened by his past actions and seeks salvation. Was it justifiable homicide? Captivating and often disturbing, this novel explores this and other profound life concepts. Crime and Punishment is considered to be the one of the most influential Russian novels ever written. Read it and see why.

Orphaned early in life, Jane Eyre endures life with a cruel aunt, harsh boarding school and generous lashings of cruelty. From this grew Jane's strength of character and quest for freedom and equality. Jane eventually secures a job as a governess and falls in love with the owner of the manor, Edward Rochester. Despite her plainness, she captures his heart. But can they overcome differences in social status, age and experience? Will a secret he has come between them? Will she follow her convictions even if it meant losing her true love? Will love conquer all? Jane Eyre is a sensational love story Bronte style with truckloads of gutsy character building material to boot.

The lives of the poor and downtrodden during early 19th century France was, as this title suggests, miserable. This story by Victor Hugo centres on ex-convict Jean Valjean who is determined to escape his past and redeem himself. But a minor misdemeanour and a persistent policeman, Javert, puts Jean Valjean's efforts under constant threat. His freedom means that he is able to uphold his vow to look after, Cosette, the infant daughter of a prostitute. But what price freedom? Les Miserables brings us a story with history, love, moral arguments and much, much more. Powerful social commentary, moving and very touching.

First published in 1848, The Communist Manifesto summarises the communist thought and theories of Friedrich Engels and Karl Marx. A foundation document for the Marxist movement, The Communist Manifesto proposes ways for the proletarian working class to overthrow the ruling upper classes in order to achieve a communist society with no class boundaries.

A classic adventure story often considered, along with The Three Musketeers, as Dumas' best work and one of the best novels of all time. Amazingly the plot is based on a true story.