Most of these novels are also very well - written in terms of language and narrative structure. 'Wuthering Heights' has a unique narrative style that jumps between different time periods. The descriptions of the moors and the passionate love between Heathcliff and Catherine are beautifully crafted, which is typical of the high - quality writing found in novels on this list.
They often deal with important themes. Take 'Crime and Punishment' for instance. It delves into the moral and psychological consequences of a crime. The internal struggle of Raskolnikov is masterfully portrayed, showing how guilt can eat away at a person.
Since I don't have the actual list of 'the observer best 100 novels', it's difficult to list them out precisely. However, we can make some assumptions. It might include famous works from different genres. For example, from the realm of science fiction, '1984' could be a potential candidate. In the category of epic novels, 'War and Peace' might be there. And for detective stories, 'Sherlock Holmes' series might be part of it. But again, this is just speculation.
Some well - known historical novels could be 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy, 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens. However, without knowing the specific list from 'the observer 10 best historical novels', it's hard to give a definite answer. But these two are often considered great historical novels.
The best novels according to 'observer' might include '1984' by George Orwell. This dystopian novel is highly influential as it warns about the dangers of totalitarianism. It creates a very vivid and disturbing picture of a future society where the government controls every aspect of people's lives. Another one could be 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It shows the glamour and hollowness of the Jazz Age, with its complex characters and themes of love, wealth, and the American Dream.
Sure. 'Pride and Prejudice' is often considered one of the best. It's a classic that explores themes of love, marriage, and social class in 19th - century England. The relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is very engaging.
The 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves is also a great historical novel. It gives a fictionalized but well - researched account of the Roman Empire from the perspective of Claudius. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is set in a medieval monastery and is full of historical details, mystery, and philosophical musings.
Another could be '1984' by George Orwell. It presents a dystopian future where the government has extreme control over the people. It's a powerful warning about the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of individual freedom and privacy.
In a list of best novels, many works have deep cultural significance. 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' is a prime example. It not only tells a family's story but also reflects on the history and culture of Latin America. These novels are also thought - provoking. 'Crime and Punishment' makes readers think about morality, guilt, and redemption. And they usually have a certain level of emotional impact, whether it's the heartbreak in 'A Farewell to Arms' or the hope in 'The Alchemist'.
Most of them often feature a society that is highly controlled. For example, in '1984', the government has extreme surveillance over the people. They also usually have a sense of a future gone wrong, like in 'The Handmaid's Tale' where women's rights are severely restricted. And there's often a struggle against the oppressive system, as seen in 'The Hunger Games' where the protagonist rebels against the Capitol.
Often, they have strong character development. For example, in 'Sense and Sensibility', Austen shows the different natures of Elinor and Marianne. And the settings are usually vivid, like the grand estates in 'Jane Eyre' which add to the mood of the love stories.
Many of the novels in the list often deal with complex social issues. For example, they may explore themes like colonialism as seen in 'Things Fall Apart'. Family dynamics and relationships are also common, like in 'Purple Hibiscus'. Another characteristic is the vivid portrayal of Nigerian culture, be it the festivals, the language, or the social hierarchies.