There could be modern masterpieces too. Maybe 'The Great Gatsby' is part of it. This novel delves into the American Dream, wealth, and the hollowness of the upper class in the 1920s. It has vivid descriptions and complex characters that have made it a staple in English literature.
Another possible novel could be 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. It deals with important issues such as racism and injustice in a small Southern town. The story is told through the eyes of a young girl, Scout, and it's a very moving and thought - provoking piece of literature.
One of the well - known works could be 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. It's a gripping crime novel that has complex characters and a convoluted mystery. Another might be 'Gone Girl' which keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its twists and turns in the plot regarding a missing woman. And 'The Silence of the Lambs' is also a classic in this list, with its terrifying and intelligent villain, Hannibal Lecter.
I'm not sure about all the fictions in it specifically. But some popular fictions in general book lists often include works that explore complex human relationships, historical events in a fictionalized way, or unique cultural aspects.
One notable feature is its diverse range of themes. It often explores human nature, relationships, and social issues. For example, some stories might focus on the complexity of family relationships or the struggle of individuals in a changing society. Another feature is the high - quality writing. The authors use vivid language to bring the stories to life, making the characters and settings very engaging.
The writing styles are usually excellent. In 'Moby - Dick', Herman Melville uses very vivid and detailed descriptions to bring the story of the hunt for the white whale to life. His use of language is both poetic and powerful, which is a common trait among these great novels.
One could be 'The Girl on the Train'. It's a gripping psychological thriller that was quite popular and might be on the list. It has a complex plot and interesting characters.
The list of the Sunday Times 100 greatest novels would surely include a diverse range of works. 'War and Peace' by Tolstoy is a masterpiece that would probably be on the list. It delves deep into the nature of war, society, and human relationships. 'Wuthering Heights' with its complex characters and passionate love story is another work that has a strong claim to be on the list. Additionally, works like 'Middlemarch' which is known for its in - depth exploration of provincial English life in the 19th century could be part of this prestigious list.
Some well - known ones might be 'Pride and Prejudice' which is a classic love story exploring social class and relationships. Another could be 'To Kill a Mockingbird' that delves into themes of racism and justice in the American South.
One of the notable features could be the way they handle the endings. Some might have unexpected twists that leave you thinking long after you've finished reading. The use of language is also important. The authors may use beautiful and precise words to convey their ideas. And in terms of themes, they could explore different aspects of human nature, like kindness, greed, or ambition.
The selection for the 'Sunday Times 100 Greatest Novels' likely involved considering multiple factors. Their ability to stand the test of time is important. Novels that have been widely read and studied over the years, like 'War and Peace' which gives a detailed view of Russian society during a war - torn time, would be strong contenders. Also, novels that introduced new writing styles or explored unique themes, such as 'Ulysses' with its complex stream - of - consciousness technique, may have been selected.
The element of surprise in many of these novels is a big highlight. They often have unexpected plot twists that shock the reader.