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World Literature
This LibGuide provides tips on researching World Literature, writing papers, and choosing some books to read just for fun.
If you are new to World Literature, the sheer variety of texts and authors can be a bit daunting. So, here are some suggestions for authors and their works to help you get started:
Atala & Rene by François-René Chateaubriand
Call Number: PQ2205.A8 E5
Publication Date: 1952
François-René Chateaubriand is a classic example of a French Romantic Era author. The beautiful, rich descriptions and soap opera quality of the story lines make both of these tales must reads.
The Bacchae of Euripides by Wole Soyinka
Call Number: PR9387.9.S6 B3 1974
ISBN: 0393043967
Publication Date: 1974-10-01
Wole Soyinka is a Nobel Prize winning playwright from Nigeria. In his work, Soyinka rewrites and adapts Euripides' famous work into a series of contradictions that highlight African performative elements against the backdrop of classic Western constructs and conceits.
Claire of the Sea Light by Edwidge Danticat
Call Number: FIC DANTICAT
ISBN: 9780307271792
Publication Date: 2013-08-27
Edwidge Danticat is a highly-acclaimed author from Haiti. Although some of her other works are better known, this novel is haunting and beautiful. It gives insight into life in one small village and how the disappearance of a single child can bring to light the memories and secrets of one close-knit community.
Eva Luna by Isabel Allende
Call Number: PQ8098.1.L54 E813 2016
ISBN: 9781501117084
Publication Date: 2016-04-05
Isabel Allende is a Chilean author who eventually settled down in the Bay Area in California. This book contains rich and evocative language, as well as a compelling character-driven story.
The Mistress of Spices by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Call Number: FIC DIVAKARUNI
ISBN: 0385482388
Publication Date: 1998-02-17
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is an award-winning author who was born and grew up in India before coming to the United States as a graduate student. Her novel is a work of magical realism that combines mysticism, a compelling love story, and heart-breaking choices that draw the reader into the fantastic world that Kivakaruni has created.
The Tale of Genji by Lady Murasaki; Arthur Waley (Translator, Introduction by)
Call Number: FIC MURASAKI
ISBN: 0486414159
Publication Date: 2000-08-24
Lady Murasaki Shikibu was a noblewoman and lady-in-waiting at the imperial court during the Heian Period. Her text is often cited as the world's first novel. This classic Japanese tale follows Hikaru Genji, born to the Emperor during the Heian Period. The novel includes intrigue, elicit affairs, and all of the dangers one would expect of court life.