A Prescription for...the classics and "something epic"

Some rip-roaring classics for Nancy, who was put off the classics by Jane Eyre, but I lay temptation before her. Plus bonus contemporary suggestions if the classics give you schooldays flashbacks.

Nancy - hello, Nancy! - is hankering after “a couple of great classics” but cautions that Jane Eyre nearly put her off for life, but Dickens wins favour, and “something epic along the lines of Middlesex”.

Now - to my mind - there are books which fulfil both parts of this brief. I think what you need is a really strong narrative to propel you along - t…