C1 books for language learners
C1 is an estimate for the original text, not a simplified retelling. Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein, The Picture of Dorian Gray sit in that range: real sentences, not a graded summary.
Pride and Prejudice
Mrs Bennet’s hunt for husbands begins with Austen’s most famous sentence.
Jane Austen · 1813
Frankenstein
Victor Frankenstein tells of his childhood in Geneva, before the creature.
Mary Shelley · 1818
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Basil Hallward’s studio, roses, and the portrait that starts the trouble.
Oscar Wilde · 1890
FAQ
What does C1 mean for these books?
C1 is an estimate for the original text, not a simplified retelling. Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein, The Picture of Dorian Gray sit in that range: real sentences, not a graded summary.
Can I read the whole book?
This page shows the opening. A free LingoRead account opens the public-domain text and keeps the translation beside it.
Which book should I start with?
Start with Pride and Prejudice. If it feels easy, move up a level. If not, stay with the words that repeat.