English by books, bookclub

This is a course for literature lovers who like reading and discussing a good book in English. We will talk about the author, the structure, the themes and the characters in the book. Reading is a healthy habit, is fun and often gives food for thought. So why not join our group to improve your English vocabulary while enjoying a good selection of classic and contemporary literature? This class is suitable for anyone with a B2 level and up (mbo/havo/vwo niveau).
1.        The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
This novel follows Christopher, a 15-year-old boy with autism, as he investigates the mysterious death of a neighbor’s dog. Told from his unique perspective, the story explores themes of truth, family, and personal discovery, highlighting the challenges of navigating a world that often feels confusing and overwhelming.
2.        To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Set in the racially segregated South during the 1930s, this novel tells the story of Scout Finch, a young girl who witnesses her father, lawyer Atticus Finch, defend an innocent black man accused of raping a white woman. The novel addresses racism, morality, and the loss of innocence in a deeply divided society.
3.        Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
In this gothic classic, Victor Frankenstein, a scientist, creates a living being from dead tissue, only to be horrified by his creation. The novel explores themes of ambition, isolation, and the consequences of unchecked scientific experimentation, while questioning the nature of humanity and responsibility toward one’s creations. Booklist 2025
4.        Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
This novel follows Billy Pilgrim, an optometrist and soldier, who becomes “unstuck in time,” experiencing different moments of his life—including his time as a prisoner of war during World War II. Blending absurdity with tragedy, it critiques the horrors of war, fate, and the illusion of free will.
5.        Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
Set in a single day in London, this modernist novel explores the inner lives of Clarissa Dalloway, who is preparing for a party, and Septimus Warren Smith, a shell-shocked war veteran. Through stream-of-consciousness narration, Woolf examines themes of time, identity, mental illness, and the connections between individuals.
6.        Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie
This epic novel follows Saleem Sinai, born at the exact moment of India’s independence in 1947, and explores his life intertwined with the country’s turbulent history. Blending magical realism with historical fiction, it delves into themes of identity, nationalism, and the complex legacy of post-colonial India, as Saleem navigates his extraordinary powers and personal challenges.

Klik hier voor de uitleg van de niveaus en benodigde kennis.