One of the well - known ones could be 'Fifty Shades of Grey' by E. L. James. It became very popular and introduced a lot of readers to a more modern take on relationships with an erotic undertone. Another might be 'The Story of O' which is an older classic in the genre, exploring themes of submission and domination in an intense way.
A lesser - known but still great erotic novel is 'Nine and a Half Weeks' by Elizabeth McNeill. It tells a story of a passionate and intense relationship that unfolds over a period of nine and a half weeks. The story is filled with erotic encounters and the exploration of power dynamics within a relationship. 'The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty' by Anne Rice (writing as A. N. Roquelaure) is also popular. It's a retelling of the Sleeping Beauty story but with a very erotic and kinky twist.
Another good one for beginners is 'The Sleeping Beauty Trilogy' by Anne Rice (under the pen name A. N. Roquelaure). These books are based on a well - known fairy tale, so there's a bit of familiarity. The erotic elements are well - integrated into the story, and it's not too overwhelming for those new to the genre. It also explores different power dynamics and relationships in an interesting way.
I think 'Lessons in Chemistry' by Bonnie Garmus is also among the 2023 best novels. It's about a female chemist in the 1960s who faces gender discrimination in the scientific community. The protagonist, Elizabeth Zott, is a brilliant scientist but has to fight against the sexist norms of the time. It's a story that combines humor, feminism, and the love for science, and it shows how a strong - willed woman can break barriers and make her mark in a male - dominated world.
One of the best 2019 novels is 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood. It's a great follow - up to 'The Handmaid's Tale', exploring the world of Gilead further. Another is 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney. It beautifully portrays the complex relationship between two young people. And 'The Nickel Boys' by Colson Whitehead is also remarkable, which is based on a real - life story of a reform school in Florida.
One of the great novels from 1940 is 'The Grapes of Wrath' by John Steinbeck. It tells the story of the Joad family during the Great Depression, highlighting their struggles and hardships as they migrated to California in search of a better life. Another notable one could be 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' by Ernest Hemingway, which is set during the Spanish Civil War and shows the experiences of an American fighting with the Republicans.
Well, 'Lord of the Flies' is a top - notch novel. It shows how a group of boys stranded on an island descend into savagery. 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger is another. It follows the disillusioned Holden Caulfield as he wanders around New York City. And 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy is definitely one of the best. It's an epic novel that chronicles the Napoleonic Wars and the lives of several Russian families during that time.
One of the best 1932 novels could be 'Cold Comfort Farm' by Stella Gibbons. It's a humorous and satirical take on rural life and the conventions of the 'loam and lovechild' type of novel. Another might be 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley, which presents a dystopian future society with a very unique social structure and ideas about human nature and conditioning. There's also 'Light in August' by William Faulkner that delves deep into the complex human psyche and Southern society in the United States.
One of the best 2020 novels is 'The Mirror & the Light' by Hilary Mantel. It's the final part of her Cromwell trilogy and offers a vivid and detailed look at the life of Thomas Cromwell in Tudor England. Another great one is 'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell, which gives a fictionalized account of Shakespeare's family life, especially focusing on the relationship with his son Hamnet. And 'Shuggie Bain' by Douglas Stuart is also notable. It tells a poignant story of a young boy growing up in poverty in Glasgow.
Some of the well - known novels from the 1800s are 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that explores themes of love, class, and social norms. Another is 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, which is a complex tale of a whaling voyage and man's obsession.
'The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet' by David Mitchell is another great one from 2010. Set in the Dutch East Indies in the 18th century, it weaves a rich tapestry of cultures, love, and power struggles. Mitchell's use of language and his ability to create a vivid historical setting are remarkable.
One of the best 2003 novels is 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini. It tells a powerful story of friendship and redemption against the backdrop of Afghanistan's history. Another great one could be 'Quicksilver' by Neal Stephenson. It's a complex and engaging historical - science - fiction blend. And 'Oryx and Crake' by Margaret Atwood is also notable for its dystopian vision.