As time charges forward, it’s easy to disregard the past. But books from before the YA romantisy craze aren’t as dusty as they seem. In fact, plenty of them made waves when they were first written (and leave a resounding impact today). From Jane Eyre to The Picture of Dorian Gray, here are 5 books that feel relevant and inspiring, like they did when they were first published. 

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Arguably one of the most iconic novels of the Regency era, this classic enemies-to-lovers story swept readers off their feet when it was first published, and has continued to do so for generations. It follows the witty, independent and outspoken Elizabeth Bennett and her complicated but swoonworthy relationship with the cold but enticing Mr. Darcy. While at first glance it’s a comfortingly familiar romance novel, the story holds a weight that makes it unforgettable. It is one of the earliest forms of feminist literature, and features a strong heroine who isn’t afraid to speak her mind and follow her heart. Set in a time when societal expectations were heavy for women, it was both groundbreaking and empowering, and that is a legacy that will always be remembered.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

What do you get when you combine narcissism, eternal beauty and a cursed portrait? Chaos, murder and scandals, of course! Oscar Wilde’s iconic story about obsession with youth and moral decay is one of the most beloved gothic horror novels of all time…and for good reason. Both a warning against the dangers of corruption and a coded toxic love triangle, the story unfolds with the painting of the young and beautiful Dorian Gray. Artist Basil Hallward’s masterpiece becomes a topic of obsession for the subject, who quickly falls under the spell of the charming but heartless Lord Henry Wotton. As Henry pushes him closer to the brink of immorality, Dorian discovers his portrait can age and reflect his inner wickedness while he stays young forever. The consequences? Mortal. This book defies genres and societal expectations about gender, and it’s the perfect story to read on an October night.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Jane Eyre is more than a gothic romance—it’s a revolutionary tale of a woman refusing to be anyone’s shadow. Orphaned, headstrong and fiercely moral, Jane challenges the rigid rules of Victorian society with every choice she makes. Thornfield Hall is full of secrets, but the real shocker isn’t the locked rooms or the mysterious master—it’s Jane herself, daring to demand respect, love and autonomy on her own terms. Brontë’s novel breaks conventions by giving a voice to a heroine who thinks, feels and acts for herself, weaving themes of gender, class and morality into a story that is as thrilling and dark as it is emotionally rich. A story of courage, desire and moral reckoning, it still feels daring and modern centuries after it was written.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley’s classic horror tale is both a radical meditation on creation, and an exploration of the limits of human ambition. When brilliant scientist Victor Frankenstein dares to play god, the monster he brings to life becomes a mirror of society’s prejudice, loneliness and moral blind spots. Written by a 19-year-old woman (on a dare) in a male-dominated literary world, the novel broke boundaries by combining science, philosophy and terror while giving readers one of literature’s most compelling moral quandaries. It’s a story that still challenges our ideas of ethics, power and empathy centuries later.

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

The coming-of-age genre gained a whole new title with this bold and powerful examination of race, justice and morality in the American South. Through the eyes of Scout Finch, readers confront prejudice, inequality and the courage it takes to stand up for what’s right. Lee’s novel broke boundaries by centering a child’s perspective while tackling complex social issues with honesty, compassion and moral urgency. Its enduring power lies in its ability to make readers question their own assumptions and recognize the impact of empathy, integrity, and resistance in an unjust world.

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