Lighthearted literary classics

[shanghao]

Hi everyone, I'm in the mood for reading some classics, but many that's been labelled 'masterpieces' are either too depressing or come across as pretentious and elitist to me.. I'd like to read literary classics that are lighthearted and uplifting without the great emo or contemplative elements, if that makes sense.

Perhaps something like Don Quixote or even War and Peace, but not nearly as lengthy. I also like more modern classics such as Breakfast at Tiffany's or humorous but subtly profound works like I Am A Cat. Thanks in advance and happy holidays!

[Algernon (Darth Anyan)]

I'm not sure if they qualify, I read them a very long time ago, but:
The Pickwick Papers
The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

[Dan's]

Have U ever tried any books from the following authors:

--Stendhal

--Andre Gide

--Allen Rob Grije ( I could easily propse some titles from these authors)

[Betsy]

I think Jane Austen is pretty lighthearted.

[Rochelle Jewel]

Goig to look into The Enchanted April. Never heard of it.

[karen, future RA queen]

Cold Comfort Farm is another funny, lighthearted one. or probably anything by P.G. Wodehouse

[shanghao]

thanks for all your recommendations ! looking forward to checking them out o∩_∩o

[Gea]

I love Woman in White by Wilkie Collins, North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, Persuasion by Jane Austen and David Copperfield by Dickens. They are all fun, entertaining reads. And, yes. A Room With A View is fantastic too.

[Philippa]

Sterne is pretty fun. A Sentimental Journey is shorter than The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman if you don't feel like taking on a massive tome.

[Jason]

hmm classics.... that that are light?! The Great Gatsby, the catcher in the rye, Queer (burroughs), the subterraneans, hot water music, slaughterhouse five, across the river and into the trees, fahrenheit 451, brave new world.... Little, Big (a more modern day classic, but light...ish)

I mixed up some older classics with newer ones.

[Peter]

The Prisoner of Zenda , from distant memory, is a lot of fun.

[Mir]

Three Men in a Boat

[Lisa]

For more modern classics I would recommend The Master and Margarita and A Confederacy of Dunces. Both are "deep" but fun ;-)

[Larissa]

Elizabeth wrote: "Oooh! I forgot The Pursuit of Love & Love in a Cold Climate"

I second these suggestions! Love Nancy Mitford!

[Jason]

try, also The Power of One.

[Linda]

Candide by Voltaire! A particular favorite of mine, a classic from the 1700s, ridiculously sarcastic, downright zany, almost slapstick at parts, but it packs a political punch, too. (Oh, and it's really short.)

[Aisha]

The Blue Castle by Lucy Maud Montgomery