You’re around B2 or C1
You can follow English, but you want greater precision, confidence and nuance.
A thoughtful way to practise English B2 / C1
Great stories make
better conversations.
Read a memorable scene, notice the language that makes it work, and find your own words to talk about it.
The reading room / 01
Choose your story.
Twenty-one literary worlds. One useful skill: saying what you mean, with nuance.
Made for thoughtful learners
Is this for you?
You enjoy meaningful stories
You would rather discuss character, conflict and ideas than complete disconnected exercises.
You want to use English actively
You learn best by reading, speaking, questioning and writing in your own voice.
Your lesson / 02
Read into it.
Move at your own pace. Your answers stay here when you return.
Recorded lessons / 03
Watch, pause and read more closely.
Short guided lessons combine close reading, useful vocabulary and questions you can answer in your own time.
First recording in production
Featured free lesson · B2
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Explore duality and discover how Stevenson makes Hyde feel frightening even when nobody can explain exactly why.
- Characterisation and atmosphere
- Three useful vocabulary items
- A short speaking task
Member collection
Continue learning through literature.
Full recordings will be paired with the matching reading, activities and answer support.
Antony’s Speech
Persuasion, irony and the language that changes a crowd.
Wuthering Heights
Emotion, conflict and the force of Catherine’s voice.
The Brothers Karamazov
Belief, doubt and expressing complex ideas with nuance.
Recorded lessons will grow with the reading library.Members will receive every complete recording and its supporting activities.
See membership
Your journey / 03
See how far you've read.
Small steps count. Each reading, word check, and written thought moves you forward.
About me / 04
Hello, I’m Aleksa.
I’m a lifelong admirer of books, a TEFL-certified English teacher, and a performer with a background in acting, movement and language learning. I built English Through Literature to inspire others to discover the beauty of language through reading—and to grow in confidence as they learn English.
My lessons combine communicative English teaching with techniques from theatre and performance. Instead of memorising isolated rules, learners step into characters, question motives, debate difficult choices and reshape language in their own voice.
As a language learner myself, I know that progress is not only about accuracy. It is also about finding the courage to speak, taking risks and feeling that your ideas deserve to be heard.
Read closelyNotice how language creates meaning.
Speak honestlyUse literature to form your own ideas.
Learn activelyPerform, discuss, write and reflect.
“Literature should not sit silently on the page. It should become a conversation.”
Aleksa Cakalj · Founder, English Through Literature
Launch list
Be first into the reading room.
Get one message when Premium subscriptions open and new literature lessons become available.
Private lessons / 07
A lesson shaped around you.
Book personalised one-to-one English tuition with Aleksa and explore literature at your own pace. Each private 60-minute lesson is taught live through Zoom and is separate from group membership classes.
€20 / 60 minutes
Book one focused private Zoom lesson whenever you need it.
€180 / ten lessons
Ten 60-minute private Zoom lessons for €18 per lesson, paid upfront.
- Choose a literary work
- B2 or C1 level
- Conversation, close reading, vocabulary or writing feedback
- Live one-to-one lesson through Zoom
- Ten-lesson packages are valid for four months
- Reschedule with at least 24 hours’ notice
Learner reviews / 08
What learners are saying.
Only learners who have attended a class can submit a review. Every review is checked and approved by Aleksa before it appears here.
Reviews are coming soon.
- Attend a classReview access is provided only after a lesson.
- Share your experienceVerified learners can submit one honest review.
- Teacher approvalNothing is published until Aleksa approves it.
Frequently asked questions / 09
Before you begin.
Do I need to read the complete novels first?
No. Each lesson contains an original classroom retelling that gives you the context needed for its activities. You can enjoy the lesson before, during or after reading the book.
What English level are the lessons?
Every lesson offers a B2 and a C1 reading path. You can switch levels at any time and use the more challenging version when you are ready.
How long does one lesson take?
A focused lesson can take about 45–60 minutes. The creative-writing assignment can be completed separately if you prefer a shorter session.
What is included with Premium?
Premium unlocks the complete twenty-one-work library, both language levels, all vocabulary and discussion activities, creative-writing assignments, future premium lessons and two scheduled 60-minute group Zoom lessons each month. Private one-to-one lessons are booked separately.
Who can read the newsletters?
The twenty-one lesson-preview newsletters are a Premium subscriber benefit. Subscribers receive a preview before each lesson and can return to the archive whenever they wish.
How do the live Zoom lessons work?
Premium membership includes two scheduled 60-minute group lessons through Zoom each month. Class dates are announced in advance, and the matching newsletter is scheduled for seven days before class. Missed group classes cannot be exchanged for private tuition. Personalised one-to-one lessons cost €20 each or €180 for a ten-lesson package.
How much is a private lesson?
A 60-minute private Zoom lesson costs €20. A package of ten 60-minute lessons costs €180, saving €20, and is valid for four months. Booking requests will open when the website launches.
Where is my progress saved?
Your lesson progress, reflections and drafts are currently saved in the browser on your device. They do not yet sync between devices.
Can I cancel a subscription?
Yes. Subscription management and cancellation details will be shown clearly before payments become active. No payments are being collected during this private preview.
Owner studio / 10
Assignments & answer keys.
Your private teaching view. Learners never see this section.