Several 19th - century novels are top - notch. 'Dracula' is a great one as it popularized the vampire genre. It creates a sense of fear and mystery that still holds today. 'The Scarlet Letter' is excellent as it makes readers think about sin and how society deals with it. 'Middlemarch' is a masterpiece. It shows the interconnectedness of different lives in a community and how small actions can have far - reaching consequences. Through its many characters, it paints a detailed picture of 19th - century society.
These fictions are great because they were often a form of social commentary. Take 'Gulliver's Travels' for instance. Swift used his fictional story to criticize political and social situations in the 18th century. Also, the 18th - century writers had a unique writing style that was developing during that period, which makes these works stand out.
In English literature, 'The Pilgrim's Progress' is a very important 17th - century novel. It's a deeply religious work that has been widely read for its spiritual insights. Another is 'Leicester's Commonwealth', which was a political - based work that gives an interesting view of the times. And Aphra Behn's works like 'The Rover' are also significant as she was one of the first professional female writers in English.
Definitely 'The Grapes of Wrath' by John Steinbeck. It shows the plight of the poor during the Great Depression. It's a story of a family's journey in search of a better life. Another great one is 'Absalom, Absalom!' by William Faulkner. It's a complex exploration of family history, race, and the South.
In the 19th century Irish literary scene, Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' stands out. The way it builds up the horror and the character of Dracula has made it a classic. It has influenced countless horror stories and movies. Then there's 'Castle Rackrent' by Maria Edgeworth. This novel was a pioneer in showing the Irish rural life and the decaying aristocracy. It gives a unique perspective on the social structure in Ireland at that time.
One of the top 20th century novels is 'The Sound and the Fury' by William Faulkner. It has a unique narrative structure. 'Heart of Darkness' by Joseph Conrad is also in that list. It explores the darkness within human nature. And 'Mrs. Dalloway' by Virginia Woolf, which gives an in - depth look at a day in the life of a woman.
Definitely 'Les Misérables'. It's so well - known for its vivid characters and exploration of social issues. Another is 'Madame Bovary' which is famous for its psychological depth. And 'The Red and the Black' is also a great one as it shows the complex social structure of the time.
One of the most important 20th - century novels is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It deals with themes of racial injustice and moral growth in the American South. Another is '1984' by George Orwell, which warns about totalitarianism and the loss of individual freedoms. 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald is also crucial, exploring themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream.
I think 'The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao' by Junot Díaz is a top - notch 21st - century novel. It's about a Dominican - American family and their experiences, with Díaz's unique writing style that combines humor and tragedy. 'My Year of Rest and Relaxation' by Ottessa Moshfegh is also great. It delves into the mind of a young woman who decides to hibernate for a year. And 'Gilead' by Marilynne Robinson is a beautiful, introspective novel about a pastor writing letters to his son.
'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger. It follows the story of Holden Caulfield, a teenager who is disillusioned with the adult world. It has been highly influential in the portrayal of adolescent angst.
'The Snowman' by Jo Nesbø is also highly regarded. The detective Harry Hole has to track down a serial killer who leaves behind snowmen at the crime scenes. Nesbø's writing is gripping, and he creates a very tense and cold - feeling atmosphere throughout the novel, which adds to the overall sense of mystery and danger.