Ivan Turgenev's 'Fathers and Sons' is a great Russian classic. It examines the generational gap between the fathers, who are more traditional, and the sons, who are influenced by new ideas. It's a very relevant work even today as it shows the clash of different ideologies within a family and society.
A less well - known but still excellent Russian classic is 'Dead Souls' by Nikolai Gogol. It's a satirical look at Russian society, especially the bureaucracy and the concept of 'dead souls' which are serfs who are counted as property. Gogol's use of humor and his unique narrative style make this a memorable read.
Definitely 'The Brothers Karamazov' by Dostoevsky. It's a profound exploration of faith, family, and morality. The complex relationships between the Karamazov brothers and their father are a highlight. It also poses many philosophical questions about good and evil.
Definitely 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the consequences of a crime committed for ideological reasons. The character development is complex and fascinating. 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte is another classic that can't be missed. It has a passionate and tumultuous love story set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors. Also, 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes is a classic that has influenced countless works with its satirical take on chivalry and the power of imagination.
Well, 'The Pillow Book' is a very important classic Japanese novel. Sei Shonagon wrote it during the Heian period. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily life, courtly manners, and the thoughts of a court lady. It's filled with lists, anecdotes, and observations that are both entertaining and informative. 'Snow Country' by Yasunari Kawabata is also a classic. It beautifully portrays the isolation and melancholy of life in a snow - covered rural area, along with themes of love and longing.
Definitely 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison. This novel is not only about the African - American experience but also about identity and invisibility in society at large. It has had a profound impact on the way we think about race, power, and self - discovery. It's a complex and multi - layered work that continues to be studied and discussed today.
Well, 'Cancer Ward' by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn is also significant. It offers a profound look at life in a Soviet prison camp through the experiences of patients in a cancer ward. And 'We' by Yevgeny Zamyatin is an early dystopian novel that influenced later works like '1984' by George Orwell.
One of the top classic Russian novels is 'The Idiot' by Dostoevsky. It presents a pure - hearted but somewhat naive protagonist in a complex and often cruel society. 'A Hero of Our Time' by Mikhail Lermontov is also excellent. It gives insights into the life and psyche of a Byronic hero. And 'Fathers and Sons' by Ivan Turgenev is a significant work that examines the generational and ideological gaps in Russian society.
One of the most influential is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It shows the power of love and the importance of looking beyond first impressions. Another is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' which imparts lessons about justice, racism and moral courage. 'The Alchemist' is also very inspiring as it encourages readers to follow their dreams and listen to their hearts.
I think 'The Pilgrim's Progress' is highly influential. It has been widely read for centuries and has influenced Christian thought and literature. 'Ben - Hur' is also very important. Its story of redemption and the portrayal of Jesus in the background has made it a significant work. 'The Robe' too has had an impact as it brings the story of the crucifixion to life in a fictional yet thought - provoking way.
The Lord of the Rings is highly influential. Its detailed world - building has inspired countless other fantasy works. Another is 'The Chronicles of Narnia'. It has influenced the way we view magical portals and alternate worlds in fantasy. And 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley, while also a horror classic, has had a huge impact on the idea of creating life in literature, which is relevant to fantasy as well.
One of the most well - known classic cyberpunk novels is 'Neuromancer' by William Gibson. It's often considered a seminal work in the cyberpunk genre, introducing many of the concepts like cyberspace that are now iconic in cyberpunk. Another is 'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson, which combines elements of Sumerian mythology with a near - future dystopian society. And 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' by Philip K. Dick, which was the basis for the movie 'Blade Runner' and explores themes of artificial intelligence and what it means to be human in a world filled with androids.
I think 'Dracula' is very influential. It has defined the modern vampire myth in so many ways, from the appearance of vampires to their powers and weaknesses. It has been adapted countless times in movies, TV shows, and other forms of media. 'Frankenstein' is also highly influential. It started the whole idea of a mad scientist creating a living being, which has become a staple in science - fiction and horror ever since.