TOP 10 BEST NOVELS OF ALL TIME
When it comes to your own book list, it’s more difficult than ever to stay current with the zeitgeist because it seems like a new “must read” is released every week. Even though there are a tonne of fantastic books available, some are regarded as being better or more significant than others due to factors like their outstanding writing, provocative plots, or the barriers they broke when they were first published. Regardless of how often you read novels, there are several that everyone needs to try to read at least once in their lifetime. We’ve reduced it to our top 10 must-read novels, many of which are still on school reading lists today, to offer you a solid literary foundation.
1. To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee:
The Pulitzer Prize-winning book “To Kill a Mockingbird,” which was published in 1960, examines social injustice and racial inequity in the American South. The novel’s compelling plot, endearing characters, and timeless message have made it an American classic and a required read for many schools. The plot centres on Atticus Finch, a white attorney, and his efforts to preserve Tom Robinson’s life when he is wrongfully accused of raping a white lady. To Kill a Mockingbird is regarded as one of the best novels of the 20th century because it tackles the difficult subject of racism in the United States with humour, tenderness, and compassion.
2. One Hundred Years of Solitude’ by Gabriel Garcia Marquez:
This literary classic is a paradigm-shifting novel that represents the height of magical realism, the genre popularised by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. The Buendia family’s multigenerational problems with loneliness, love, sorrow, and dreamlike experiences are chronicled in the book. The book broke down the barriers between conventional literary forms, which are why everybody interested in literature should read it.
3. ‘Don Quixote’ by Miguel de Cervantes:
Miguel de Cervantes wrote the epic novel Don Quixote in Spanish. It was first released in 1605 and 1615 in two parts. Often referred to be the first modern novel and among the finest pieces of writing ever composed, it is regarded as a foundational piece of Western literature. Being one of the best-selling novels of all time, Don Quixote is also one of the works that is translated into many languages worldwide. The protagonist of the book is Alonso Quixano, who comes to believe he is a knight after reading so many novels on chivalry and knights. The book is renowned for its sarcasm, humour, and heartfelt tale about the human condition that holds true even now.
4. ‘Anna Karenina’ by Leo Tolstoy:
Many people believe that Anna Karenina is one of the greatest books ever written, and it has been adapted for the stage and screen multiple times. The story of Anna Karenina, a married woman from high society who becomes involved in a romantic relationship with a wealthy count, is told in this literary masterpiece that showcases exceptional character development. The hallmarks of this masterwork are Tolstoy’s vivid settings, unforgettable characters, and intricate descriptions. The story of the fatal romance between the sensual and disobedient Anna and the handsome officer Count Vronsky is told in Anna Karenina. Tragic events transpire as Anna decides against her apathetic marriage and has to put up with social injustices. This authoritative version, written by an award-winning team, comes with an insightful introduction and explanatory notes.
5. ‘Moby-Dick’ by Herman Melville:
The classic American novel Moby-Dick, written by Herman Melville and published in 1851, chronicles the experiences of the sailor Ishmael on the whaling ship Pequod, which is commanded by Ahab. The book is renowned for its in-depth examination of concepts like fate, retaliation, and obsession. Although Moby-Dick was not well accepted when it was first published, it is now regarded as one of the best American novels ever written. When Moby-Dick was released in 1891, it received poor reviews, was a commercial failure, and was no longer in print. The author passed away in 1891.
6. ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen:
Jane Austen’s 1813 book Pride and Prejudice, which follows Elizabeth Bennet through her family’s quest for marriage and wealth, is a study of her life. The book is still regarded as one of the greatest classics of all time since it has withstood the test of time. Literary experts and general readers’ lists of “most-loved books” have repeatedly placed Pride and Prejudice in the upper echelons. With over 20 million copies sold, it has emerged as one of the most well-known novels in English literature and served as an inspiration for numerous contemporary literary rip-offs. Dramatic adaptations, reprints, unofficial sequels, films, and television shows have depicted Pride and Prejudice’s iconic characters and themes for over a century.
7. ‘The Great Gatsby’ by Scott F. Fitzgerald:
You may have read The Great Gatsby in school because it is regarded as one of the best texts for teaching students how to read literature critically. Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The story is told from the viewpoint of Nick Carraway, a young guy who recently relocated to New York City and made friends with Jay Gatsby, his eccentric nouveau riche neighbour who has an enigmatic past. The Great Gatsby critiques the notion of the “American Dream” while offering an insider’s view of the Jazz Age in 1920s American history. The novel’s cover art, which has a piercing face projected into a dark blue night sky and lights from a cityscape, is arguably its most well-known feature.
8. ‘War and Peace’ by Leo Tolstoy:
A long and intricate book, “War and Peace,” narrates the epic tale of Napoleon’s conquest of Russia and what happened later. The plot of the book is full with interesting and endearing characters, such as the wise and spiritually-awakened Pierre Bezukhov. Themes of politics, religion, humanity, love, conflict, and peace are all explored in Tolstoy’s masterwork. Even now, many still rank it as one of the greatest novels ever produced. After revisions, the full text was published in 1869. It is still recognised as Tolstoy’s best work of literature and is a highly acclaimed work of world literature on a global scale.
9. ‘Catch-22’ by Joseph Heller:
Published in 1961, the satirical novel Catch-22 illustrates the ridiculousness and duplicity of war and military administration. Captain John Yossarian, the main character of the book, is furious about the Catch-22 rule and decides to carry out more bombing missions in order to demonstrate his insanity and earn grounding. Heller’s book is a masterwork of sarcasm, comedy, and human nature that is revolutionising the literary discussion of war.
10. ‘Beloved’ by Toni Morrison:
The book Beloved explores the terrible ramifications of American slavery and its damaging impact on the Black people. The story of Sethe, a former slave, and her daughter Denver, who live on Cincinnati’s outskirts, is told in this 19th-century novel. In Morrison’s work, the legacy of slavery in America is critically examined, along with the painful and therapeutic effects of pursuing freedom.
Conclusion:
To sum up, this essay tried to highlight the top ten novels ever written. Although opinions on literature are subjective, the works on this list are unquestionably masterpieces in their field, evoking strong feelings and leaving a lasting impression on readers of all ages.
