Cold Comfort Farm is a great send-up of the old, dramatic tales, featuring orphans sent off the live with dreary relatives (Bronte and such). I know humor wasn't invented in the last fifty years, but as I read the first few chapters, I couldn't believe this book was written in the 1930's. It was hilarious. (The author puts asterisks by her purplest prose, too, so you can fully appreciate it.) 
 While it started strong, I admit I got a bit fatigued about halfway through the book and started skimming. Still, a very fun read. (I highly recommend the movie, however -- it's brilliant.)