Classics are known for their timeless quality, ability to endure through the reading lists and book clubs of many generations and still hold something significant for the modern listener—whether it’s a commentary on a long-gone era or an ageless tale of adventure. Each must-listen story is paired with an exceptional, show-stopping narrator who takes the story to new heights in this roundup. While you may have read some of the stories below, you’ve certainly never heard them quite like this. You’ll have worked your way through all of the essential classics one day! Discover our list of the best classic audiobooks in our catalogue.
Jane Austen’s 19th-century love story Pride and Prejudice is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beloved classic novels. Still, when paired with a stunning performance by a brilliant narrator, it’s an unforgettable literary event. Narrator Rosamund Pike starred as the protagonist’s sister and best friend, Jane Bennett, in the 2005 film adaptation. Having worked so closely with the story, Pike has an intimate understanding of the narrative and its characters, from the feisty, independent Elizabeth to the dour Mr. Darcy, an intimacy that shines through in her performance here. This listen is a refreshing take on the English literary classic, even if you’ve already read Austen’s tale of feminine wit, unlikely love and repressive society.
Listening to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 20th-century masterwork, The Great Gatsby further highlights the novel’s excess-laden world and brilliant character study. Oscar-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal brings to life the voice of the iconic narrator, Nick Carraway, and the rest of the cast of characters with ease. (In fact, this skilful performance made The Great Gatsby an Audie Award finalist in 2014.) Although the story is told from Carraway’s point of view, it centres around the enthralling life of the mysterious Jay Gatsby, and Gyllenhaal’s subtle yet captivating performance highlights this juxtaposition. He illustrates the people and events of New York’s West Egg with a voice that oozes refinement and style—a perfect complement to the grandeur of Gatsby’s lifestyle.
In this classic book, Hall of Fame Narrator Frank Muller—one of the most accomplished audiobook superstars in the medium’s history—takes on the voice of the iconic seafarer, Ishmael. Narrating the remarkable quest of Captain Ahab and the crew of the whaling ship Pequod, Muller brings out the epicness of Melville’s nautical classic while still emphasising the humble nature of the story’s narrator. While it seems Herman Melville’s Moby Dick has grown almost more powerful than the story itself, this listen does a fantastic job of demonstrating why it became a classic in the first place, keeping you hooked on every last word.
Initially published in 1953, Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man is still painfully relevant in the modern state of American race relations. The utterly enchanting story follows a Black man growing up in trying conditions and striving to make his way in a predominantly white world—a struggle that ultimately leads him to feel a deep sense of invisibility. This profound story, filled with questions about Marxism, Black nationalism, and Black identity, is brought to life by actor Joe Morton. He is renowned for his captivating portrayals of strong Black characters on the stage, on film, and on television. He narrates with a gentle empathy, offering a genuine undercurrent of understanding that demands an audience.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning story by John Steinbeck centres on the plight of a family of impoverished farmers who, plagued by drought and the Dust Bowl, are forced to leave their home in Oklahoma in hopes of a better future in California. Steinbeck’s protagonists, the working poor of the Great Depression, had a very distinct vocabulary and manner of speaking. An entire cast of narrators brings each character to life in this fully-realised performance, making you empathise with the characters and their experiences. The powerful audio performance combined with a timeless story focusing on the dangers of greed makes this listen a classic you’ll want to hear again and again.
This Audible exclusive is narrated by Lord of the Rings superstar Elijah Wood. He does an impeccable job describing Mark Twain’s witty, tongue-in-cheek dialogue with various accents and tambers. Oh, and the story isn’t bad, either as Ernest Hemingway once famously said, All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn. An immersively detailed portrait of antebellum Mississippi, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is simultaneously a raucous boyhood adventure and a searing indictment of the racism that plagued the American South. Wood’s veritable rainbow of accents and Twain’s witty style work together to make this a listen that stands the test of time.
There are few combinations more perfect than Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol and the recognisable voice of the talented Hugh Grant. After all, Dickens wrote some of the most iconic literary classics, such as Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, and A Tale of Two Cities. The Victorian tale of guilt, greed, family, and redemption is matched beautifully by the dynamic (and, at times, appropriately chilling) narration. BAFTA Award-winning actor Hugh Grant brings the story to life with his superb narration, making for a captivating and enjoyable listen. With the arrival of each ghost of Christmas, you get to hear the indignation, fear, remorse, and then, finally, joy in the voice of Grant’s Scrooge.
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston is a seminal work of American fiction that follows Janie Crawford, a Black woman trying to navigate life in Jim Crow-era America. The inimitable Ruby Dee (whose talents have been recognized with many awards, including an Emmy, a Grammy, and an Obie) is the perfect narrator to enliven this necessary selection. (Her career was punctuated by this kind of critical storytelling, from her turn as Ruth Younger in A Raisin in the Sun to Spike Lee’s iconic Do the Right Thing.) The story follows Crawford as she grows from a naive and hopeful teenager to a woman, hardened and empowered by difficult experiences in life and love. As Crawford matures, she is faced with the complex realities of life as a Black woman in the American South, and Dee’s powerhouse performance brings emotional depth and power to the role.
Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking science fiction story of a troubled scientist and the murderous monster he unleashes into the world is made even more suspenseful when Dan Stevens performs it. Stevens may be most familiar to listeners as Matthew Crawley from Downton Abbey. The majority of the story is told from the protagonist's perspective, Victor Frankenstein. He recounts the events leading up to the creation of his monster. Stevens’s cool yet pained voice crafts an intricate portrait of Frankenstein’s inner turmoil. For those who may only be familiar with the horror-film version of the creature and his story, the audiobook is sure to surprise with its deep, cutting themes of grief, isolation, guilt, and the dangers of knowledge.
Academy Award-winning film star Sissy Spacek rose to fame with her portrayal of the titular character in the adaptation of Stephen King’s Carrie and the Loretta Lynn biopic Coal Miner’s Daughter, giving a new voice to Harper Lee’s 1960 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird - one of the best books of the 20th century. Her subtle, charming southern accent is ideally suited for the story’s southern setting, while her tender delivery brilliantly brings to life the voice of little Scout Finch. The novel is filled with heavy storylines concerning racism, miscarriage of justice, and the difficulties of coming of age in the American Deep South. Still, Spacek’s gentle narration helps remind listeners that the story’s protagonist is a naive six-year-old who is just coming to terms with the far-from-perfect world she’s been born into.
According to the Library of Congress, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is generally considered America’s most significant and best-loved homegrown fairytale. In contrast, most people are familiar with the 1939 film adaptation, which starred Judy Garland and brought the story global fame, L. Frank Baum’s original tale contains a host of adventures and details left out of its on-screen counterpart. Anne Hathaway’s performance puts its original beauty on display with her enchanting, dreamlike retelling of Dorothy’s journey and her ability to seamlessly shift between characters, from the cackle of the Wicked Witch to the high-pitched chirp of the Munchkins. Hathaway’s exquisite performance earned her a nomination for an Audie Award in 2013, and it’s not hard to understand why.
Thandie Newton’s narration of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë is a stunning accompaniment to the classic literature masterpiece that won praise over a century ago for its novel reflective approach to telling Jane’s story. The plot, which follows its protagonist from childhood to marriage in the English countryside, is written in prose that can be rather complex. But Newton breezes through Victorian storytelling, making the plotline easy to follow and the characters more relatable. Newton explains Brontë’s classic by saying, “I think we’re so struck by (Jane Eyre) because Charlotte Brontë manages to relate, expertly, what it means to be a human being...and that never changes." (And don’t worry: even though Newton is most famous for her roles as American characters, she narrates Jane Eyre in her pitch-perfect native London accent.)
This Audible exclusive earned Joanne Froggatt (who most notably played maid Anna Bates in Downton Abbey) the 2017 Audible UK Narrator of the Year Award. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë is a gothic novel about love, gender, and revenge. Froggatt offers a passionate performance of the thrilling story, providing an element of persuasiveness that makes the characters’ outlandish behaviours feel entirely justified. The audiobook includes an introduction written by Ann Dinsdale, Chief Curator of the Brontë Museum. This introduction puts the rest of the story in historical perspective, and it offers insight about the author from one of the world’s leading Brontë experts. This classic is genuinely unforgettable with rich language and a cast of brilliant, three-dimensional characters, like protagonists Cathy and Heathcliff, paired with Froggatt’s flawless performance.
![Dracula [Audible Edition]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81iTqQPxj7L._SL800_.jpg?w=3840&q=70)
Bram Stoker’s classic vampire thriller, Dracula, is riveting in its own right. Still, the audiobook is truly hair-raising, bringing together a cast of award-winning narrators to tell the bloodsucking story that would come to inspire countless works of horror fiction. This unparalleled performance is perhaps the best way to become acquainted with the origin story of one of the most ubiquitously terrifying characters in literature. The full-cast narration is suited for Dracula as it is told through a series of letters written by the characters. Cinema icons Alan Cumming and Tim Curry lend their instantly recognizable tenors to voice Dr. John Seward and Abraham Van Helsing. At the same time, Hall of Fame Narrators Simon Vance and Katherine Kellgren skillfully bring Jonathan Harker and Mina Murray to life. With these heavy-hitting narrators working alongside a host of equally talented supporting actors, this audio revamp of Stoker’s classic book won the 2013 Audie Award for Multi-voiced Performance.
The Call of the Wild, the classic adventure thriller written by Jack London and narrated by Pablo Schreiber (known for his roles in American Gods, Orange Is the New Black, and The Wire), is told from the perspective of its canine protagonist, Buck. Buck is stolen from his home in California and forced to train as a sled dog in the Yukon. It’s a unique challenge to voice an animal, but Shreiber expertly exhibits the character’s transition from tame pet to feral—and sometimes, ferocious—beast. Schreiber is an apt choice to narrate this story considering his Yukon-based childhood. This unique background allows him better to understand the region’s harsh conditions than most.
Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina is universally considered one of the most formative works in history, and the author himself has said it was his first true novel. Unfortunately, for many who would seek to experience the classic, it’s also an incredibly challenging read of over 800 pages, with a giant cast and a wide variety of settings. That’s why Maggie Gyllenhaal’s 2016 performance feels like a work of art and a gift to the literary community. It won the title of Audible’s Best Classic the year it was published, and Gyllenhaal’s description of her narrating experience clearly shows that she earned praise. She told Audible, "If I don’t give (each character) the utmost respect and understanding, I’m not doing justice to this brilliantly compassionate book. But at the same time, I also wanted to have a light touch in the way I played the different characters so that the magnificence of the novel could shine through". Her passion for Tolstoy’s masterpiece shines through in her narration, making this classic story more enticing.
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez is one of our list’s most recent classics, initially published in 1967. Its epic quality and magical realism elements made it an instant bestseller and one of the author’s most celebrated works—which is saying a lot, considering Márquez was named the Nobel Laureate in Literature in 1982. The story follows a Colombian family through seven generations, interweaving themes of fate, identity, and the link between the past and the present. Narrator John Lee approaches the text with a rhythmic lilt, underscoring the poetic beauty of the author’s language.
This listen is a reimagined, full-cast rendition of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic Treasure Island. It follows young Jim Hawkins as he and his mother (played by the incomparable Catherine Tate, who’s a standout) are unwittingly caught up in a hunt for buried pirate treasure and wind up among the ranks of the iconic Long John Silver and his crew. There have been several adaptations of this story. Still, this audiobook remains remarkably close to the original text in its interpretation: the narrators in this full-cast superstar performance don’t rely on outlandish, over-the-top performances but instead allow the grimy realities of pirate life to shine through on their own. It’s a coming-of-age story, a tropical adventure, and a piece so influential it’s been referenced in various other works, from J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan to The Shawshank Redemption.
Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 is a dystopian and nightmarish look into a world without books - a story rivalling George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four. Tim Robbins, the Academy Award-winning actor, best known for his superb portrayal of Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption (based on Stephen King’s novella, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption), narrates the story with a clever yet approachable voice. His tone works remarkably well as the voice of Guy Montag, the protagonist who lives his monotonous life by the rules. Guy’s line of work is to destroy printed literature and the homes of those who smuggle it—until he’s provoked by his enigmatic young neighbour, Clarisse. This listen is a critique of censorship and complacency and a celebration of individuality; this listen is a surefire hit for anyone who knows the value of a good book.
Written during the fifth century BC, The Art of War by Sun Tzu is the oldest classic on our list. Still, its enduring popularity proves its relevance in the 21st century. The non-fiction classic’s principles (which are organised into 13 chapters, each concerning a different aspect of warfare) apply to modern-day professions and everyday life. Nevertheless, the narrator, Aidan Gillen, makes the guideless of a straightforward manual and more of a lively and provocative collection of war stories. Gillen, who listeners may recognize as Lord Littlefinger Baelish in HBO’s Game of Thrones, channels that cuttingly cunning, whip-smart delivery into his performance of Sun Tzu’s collection of war strategies.
Another classic book to add to your playlist is The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. This book, first released in the 1890s, remains popular and relevant today as its themes of vanity, anarchy and indulgence continue to strike a chord. We can all relate with wanting to be more beautiful, more popular, more seen or more successful, and the temptation Gray faces hits on a visceral and dark power. This cautionary tale is just as poignant now as the day it was penned, and it translates wonderfully to audio. Russell Tovey narrates with a clarity and emotion that embodies the subtleties and darkness woven throughout this seemingly fickle tale, giving it the weight and emphasis it needs.
Is there any more famous detective than Sherlock Holmes? From the mind of Arthur Conan Doyle, these classic mysteries and detective stories have been loved by generations, and they stand the test of time. They are just as interesting, gripping, and mind bending as ever, and the quirky, distant and yet somehow lovable Holmes continues to capture hearts. This collection of short stories makes for a quick and easy listen—perfect for on the go. Famed actor and voice actor Stephen Fry brings his expertise to this narration for a fun filled listen you will love, whether you’re new to the stories or a long time fan.
You may be familiar with H. G. Wells’ famous (or infamous) The War of the Worlds, but you’ve never heard it quite like this. This mesmerizing story is so well told that on its first ever live reading for an audience—a radio show broadcast—mass panic ensued because people thought the Earth was actually being attacked. It goes to show that this story really is best told out loud. Now, The Musical Drama audiobook version takes the story back to its roots, with a full cast audio experience you have to hear for yourself. Dynamic, exciting, and full of emotion and sound, this is a truly impressive listen and audio masterpiece that elevates the classic story to new heights.
If you studied literature, chances are you’re familiar with Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own. The book was actually first performed as a lecture, making it a natural transition into audiobook format. It is a powerful and important piece of feminist writing that has long been considered a classic and staple of the genre. Informed, groundbreaking, and honest, A Room of One’s Own is an absolute must listen for any fan of the classics, feminism, or simply good writing. Woolf’s distinct style and topics emphasise womanhood as well as the need for freedom, stimulation, and, yes, a place where you can be yourself.
You can’t have a list of classic books without Thomas Hardy, and Tess of the D’Urbervilles is yet another example of Hardy’s mastery of words and language. Tess was considered his greatest masterpiece, a story before its time that broke convention, caused great controversy in the Victorian era, and eventually became a shining example of a strong, virtuous heroine and determined female lead character. Its enlightened and open story will draw you in, and it is nearly impossible not to feel a connection with Tess. Listen along to Audible’s audiobook version narrated by Peter Firth.
Homer’s Odyssey is one of the most well known classics around. This epic saga was translated into English by Emily Wilson, and recounts the universally relatable story of a man trying to find his way home. Of course, The Odyssey involves so much more than that, and the many infamous characters, demi gods, monsters and adventures that our hero encounters on the way have become well known stories in and of themselves. Still, the root of the story is what connects with us and makes this tale an engaging listen even after all these centuries. There is a reason The Odyssey remains a much loved classic even after all these years. Whether it's a favourite or you’re discovering the story for the first time, get swept away on Homer’s epic journey.
Another great classic writer is James Joyce. Though he has several well known works namely, Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man, it is Ulysses that has garnered the most praise. Hailed as one of the single most important novels of the 20th century, the story at the heart of Ulysses documents a seemingly normal day in the streets of Dublin and remains widely popular with audiences. You’ll love this audio adaptation narrated by both Jim Norton and Marcella Riordan, who’ve voiced a number of Joyce’s other works. Funny, engaging, and rich in characters and scenery, Ulysses will make you feel as though you too have been transported to the streets of Dublin.
Here is a story that truly deserves the word ‘epic’. J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring, the first title in the Lord of the Rings series, is an amazing tale of adventure, bravery, loyalty, friendship—and above all, good vs evil. You are likely familiar with the story from the film adaptations or maybe from having read the book previously, but it translates marvelously to audio. Tolkien’s characters and setting will come to life around you as the details and descriptions are read aloud. You’ll feel as though you are right there alongside Frodo and his friends, undertaking a perilous adventure to save Middle-earth.
George Eliot’s ambitious novel, Middlemarch is another must on any list of classic books. This rich and moving drama is a powerful story that will move you and cut right to the heart. The story has a little bit of everything, with a variety of complex characters and interwoven storylines. There is someone or something everyone can relate to in Middlemarch, and you are sure to connect with the story in a deeply real way. In audio form, the story takes on even more emotion and magic, bringing a sense of realism and tangibility to this well-thought-out tale that reaches beyond time.
Fall down the rabbit hole that is Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Though it was originally a simple bedtime story turned children’s book, this weird and wonderful tale became a complete cult classic. Adults, literary fans, oddballs, critics and just about everyone feel in love with this strange tale, one of the many reasons it has become a true classic. Enjoy this beloved story in a new way by listening to the narrated version by Jodie Comer. all the weird characters and funny anecdotes take on a new life in this quirky, fun-filled retelling.
Escape into the magical world of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis. This story takes classic biblical tales and brings them to life with magic, wonder, love and bravery for a children's story that has become a true classic and nostalgic tale for so many. Whether you read it as a child or are discovering the story for the first time as an adult, you will fall in love with the precocious Lucy, questioning Edmund, steadfast Peter, or just Susan. These four children adventure through a series of magical worlds and characters, from evil queens to kindly lions and so much more.
When you think of Crime and Punishment, you may not immediately think of psychological thriller, but Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s masterwork is widely regarded as the very first novel in that genre. It starts out as a straightforward crime drama. The story of a young man in Russia who sets out to kill a man for money, then takes a psychological and introspective turn as the perpetrator finds himself full of guilt and regret. A powerfully thought-provoking look at human nature and how the mind works, Crime and Punishment is a literary classic that truly is just as good today as the day it was written.
Next on our list of best classic books is The Awakening by Kate Chopin. This title is considered a classic due to its depiction of a woman who rejects social norms and expectations and attempts to find out what she really wants for herself. Will she follow the life she desires, or revert back to the comfort of social structures? Simple but poignant, Chopin creates a confidant in Edna, someone who we can explore fantasies of another life with. Her daringness to break free from her chains entices us and we feel a freedom vicariously through her. Yet, The Awakening is also a commentary on the strength of societal expectations and the way these pressures can shape and transform our desires and, ultimately, our path in life.
G. K. Chesterton's The Man Who Was Thursday is a surreal and thrilling tale of rebellion and anarchy. With all the markings of a classic spy story, this book is a great example of an early thriller. Exciting clandestine meetings, secret societies, and anarchist groups create a gripping and suspenseful story that is perfect for fans of mystery, crime, and spy literature. The audiobook version adds a level of depth and tension to the tale that makes the story all the more exciting and suspenseful. Toby Longworth is a seasoned professional who brings years of experience to this impressive narration.
No list of classic novels would be complete without Little Women. This story resonates with so many of us, and we can find bits of ourselves in each of the unique sisters. Whether you’re a Jo, a Meg, a Beth or an Amy, you will be swept up in this beautiful and honest tale of adolescence, sisterhood, family and societal expectations. From the conventional to those that want to break from tradition, Louisa May Alcott has a character for every woman to connect with, which enhances the story all the more. Rich, beautiful, and emotional, this is a wonderful classic.
Experience William Golding’s Lord of the Flies like never before, thanks to the narrative talents of Martin Jarvis. In the audiobook adaptation, Jarvis infuses this classic story of survival, anarchy, and human nature with all the right emotions, emphasis and tone. A cautionary and violent tale, this story is a classic depiction of how society is formed (or goes awry) and the pack mentality mindset that can be so dangerous in human nature. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the story, this classic has a lot to offer and offers a lot to make you think, made even better in audio form.
Last but not least on our list of classics is Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. This story of survival, adventure, and, of course, darkness is a highly revered tale that has remained popular for many, many years. Heart of Darkness lends itself so well to audio, given the nature of the tale, and accomplished actor Kenneth Branagh brings all the subtlety and careful nuance to his narration that this story calls for. The slow building tension, eerie atmosphere, and sense of danger that builds throughout is translated expertly in this rendition for a must-listen adaptation of a true classic.
