In the 1700s, 'Robinson Crusoe' by Daniel Defoe was very popular. It's the story of a man stranded on an island and his struggle for survival. It was one of the first novels to use a realistic style. 'Pamela' by Samuel Richardson was also significant. It was another epistolary novel that focused on the moral and social issues of the time, particularly in relation to the relationship between a young servant girl and her master.
Some well - known 1700s novels include 'Clarissa' by Samuel Richardson. It's an epistolary novel that tells the tragic story of a young woman's pursuit of love and her subsequent downfall. 'The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman' by Laurence Sterne is also notable. It's a very experimental and digressive novel, breaking many of the narrative conventions of the time. And 'Candide' by Voltaire, which is a satirical take on the idea of optimism in the face of the world's many evils.
One popular 2000s novel is 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown. It combines mystery, history, and religious intrigue, which attracted a large number of readers all over the world. Another is 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' by J.K. Rowling. This is part of the much - loved Harry Potter series, and in this book, Harry faces more complex challenges and the wizarding world expands further. Also, 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini is a very impactful 2000s novel. It tells a story of friendship, guilt, and redemption against the backdrop of Afghanistan's complex history.
One popular 70s and 80s horror novel is 'The Exorcist' by William Peter Blatty. It's about a young girl who becomes possessed by a demon and the attempts to exorcise it. Another is Stephen King's 'Carrie'. It tells the story of a bullied high - school girl who discovers she has telekinetic powers and uses them for revenge. And 'Salem's Lot' by King as well, which features a small town overrun by vampires.
In the 70s and 80s, there were some notable horror novels. 'Pet Sematary' by Stephen King is a disturbing one. It deals with the idea of a burial ground that brings things back to life in a very wrong way. 'The Amityville Horror' was also popular. It's based on the supposed true story of a haunted house where a family experiences all sorts of terrifying phenomena. And Clive Barker's 'The Books of Blood' were quite influential in the horror genre during those decades as well.
Well, 'Gone with the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell was still very much loved in the 80s and 90s. Scarlett O'Hara's relationships, especially her complex and often tumultuous feelings for Rhett Butler, are a significant part of the story. 'Bridges of Madison County' by Robert James Waller was also a popular romance novel in the 90s. It tells the story of a brief but intense love affair between a photographer and a housewife. These novels not only had romantic elements but also explored deeper themes like society, family, and personal identity.
One of the popular 80s fantasy novels is 'The Neverending Story' by Michael Ende. It takes readers on a magical journey into the world of Fantastica. Another is 'The Dark Tower' series by Stephen King which combines elements of fantasy, horror and western. And 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis, though it started earlier, was still very popular in the 80s. These novels often feature epic adventures, magical creatures, and complex worlds that captured the imaginations of readers during that decade.
A great 1970's fantasy novel is 'The Once and Future King' by T.H. White. It reimagines the Arthurian legend in a very engaging way. It explores the life of King Arthur from his upbringing to his reign and the complex relationships within his court. Also, 'Watership Down' by Richard Adams, while it may seem like an animal story at first, has strong elements of fantasy. It follows a group of rabbits on their journey to find a new home, with their own language, culture and prophecies.
Well, 'The Tombs of Atuan' by Ursula K. Le Guin is a 1970s fantasy novel worth mentioning. It's part of the Earthsea series and is known for its exploration of a young girl's journey in a world of magic and mystery. 'The Forgotten Beasts of Eld' by Patricia A. McKillip was also popular then. It had beautiful prose and a unique story about a powerful sorceress. And 'A Wizard of Earthsea' by Ursula K. Le Guin was already a classic by the 1970s. It introduced readers to the world of Earthsea and the concept of wizardry and the balance of power within that world.
One popular 80s crime novel is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It introduced the iconic character Hannibal Lecter. Another is 'Gorky Park' by Martin Cruz Smith, which is set in the Soviet Union. And 'A Time to Kill' by John Grisham also gained a lot of attention in the 80s for its courtroom drama and exploration of racial tensions.
One of the well - known s king novels is 'The Shining'. It's a horror classic that takes place in an isolated hotel. The sense of dread and the slow build - up of the supernatural elements make it a captivating read.
One popular 80s romance novel is 'The Princess Bride' by William Goldman. It combines adventure with a sweet love story between Buttercup and Westley. Another is 'Jane Eyre' which, although written earlier, was still widely read in the 80s. The complex relationship between Jane and Mr. Rochester is full of passion and moral struggle. Also, 'Gone with the Wind' remained a favorite. Scarlett O'Hara's love for Ashley and her tumultuous relationship with Rhett Butler are iconic in the romance genre.