I think 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne is one of the best. It's set in Puritan New England and explores themes like sin and redemption. Another is 'Moby - Dick' which is not only an adventure story but also has a lot to say about the whaling industry and the human condition in the 19th century. And of course, 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes, which is a very early and influential historical novel about a man's delusions of chivalry in Spain.
Well, 'The Red Badge of Courage' by Stephen Crane is a top pick. It focuses on the psychological experience of a young Union soldier during the Civil War, exploring themes like courage and fear.
One of the most famous classics is 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes. This novel is a satirical take on chivalry and the human imagination. 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte is a classic love story with a strong female lead. It also deals with themes of class, morality, and self - discovery. 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a classic that explores sin, guilt, and redemption in Puritan society.
For me, 'Writing Fiction' by Janet Burroway is one of the best. It goes in - depth on the elements of fiction like point of view, dialogue, and description. 'Zen in the Art of Writing' by Ray Bradbury is also great. Bradbury's thoughts on creativity and the love of writing are inspiring. And 'Make a Scene' by Jordan Rosenfeld is good for learning how to write effective scenes in your novel.
One top historical fiction book is 'The Kite Runner'. It shows the history of Afghanistan from a personal perspective, covering events from the pre - Taliban era to the chaos that followed. Another is 'The Red Tent', which is set in biblical times and tells the story of Dinah in a very engaging way. 'Cold Mountain' is also a great historical fiction work. It's about a Confederate soldier's journey back home during the American Civil War.
For me, '1984' by George Orwell is a top choice. It's a dystopian novel that warns about the dangers of totalitarianism. The concepts in this book are still relevant today, and it makes you think about privacy, freedom, and the power of the state.
Among the best in 2016 fiction are 'LaRose' which is a very emotional and deep story about two families. 'The Vegetarian' is quite unique. It's not just about a diet choice but about a woman's inner struggle and her relationship with the world. 'Commonwealth' is also excellent as it shows how one event can have a ripple effect on multiple lives over time.
I think 'Historical Novels Review' is a must - mention. It has a comprehensive coverage of the historical fiction world. 'BBC History Magazine' is also great. It provides a broad view of history that can enhance your understanding of the settings in historical fiction. 'Smithsonian Magazine' is good too, with its focus on history, culture, and art, which are all elements often found in historical fiction.
Well, 'Station Eleven' was a great 2014 fiction book. It had a unique take on a post - apocalyptic world. Also, 'The Miniaturist' was quite good. The setting in Amsterdam and the mystery around the miniaturist made it a really interesting read. 'The Rosie Project' was also popular for its light - hearted and humorous take on love and relationships.
Well, 'The Godfather' is often at the top of the list. It has been adapted into an iconic movie, but the book itself is a masterpiece. It shows how family and business intertwine in the world of the mafia.
The book 'Yellowface' by R.F. Kuang is a great one in 2023 fiction. It delves into issues like cultural appropriation in the publishing world in a satirical and thought - provoking way.