Some essential historical fictions include 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. This epic novel covers Napoleon's invasion of Russia and gives a broad view of Russian society at that time. 'The Kite Runner' is also a great one. It shows Afghanistan from a more personal and historical perspective, dealing with themes like friendship, betrayal, and the country's history of war and upheaval. 'The Book Thief' is set during World War II in Germany and tells a unique story about a girl's love for books and the horror of the Nazi regime.
One of the great essential historical fictions is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England, giving readers a detailed look at the social structure, politics, and people's lives at that time. Another is 'Gone with the Wind' which shows the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. And 'I, Claudius' offers a fictionalized account of the early Roman Empire, full of intrigue and power struggles.
Well, 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is an important one. It delves into the life of Thomas Cromwell in the Tudor court. It gives a great sense of the politics and the people of that period. Then there's 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens, set during the French Revolution. It shows the contrast between London and Paris and the chaos of the revolution. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also essential. It's set in a medieval monastery and is full of mystery and historical details.
One classic is 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. It's a pioneer in science fiction, exploring themes like the ethics of creation. Another is 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' by Jules Verne, which takes readers on an exciting subterranean adventure. And 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells, a thrilling tale of an alien invasion that has influenced countless works in the genre.
One essential historical fiction book is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It's set in the racially divided South during the 1930s and shows the injustice through the eyes of a young girl. Another is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett, which vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England. 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy is also crucial. It delves into the Napoleonic Wars and the lives of Russian aristocrats during that time.
Well, 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe is a must - read classic short fiction. Poe's masterful use of psychological horror makes it truly gripping. 'Hills Like White Elephants' by Ernest Hemingway is another notable one. It's a short but powerful piece that delves into complex relationships through very subtle dialogue. Also, 'Young Goodman Brown' by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a great example of American short fiction, dealing with themes of faith and the human condition.
There are quite a few great ones. 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett is a classic noir crime novel. It introduced a lot of the tropes that we now associate with the genre. 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie is also a top pick. Christie is a master of the mystery genre, and this book has a really unique and suspenseful plot. 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by James M. Cain is another that stands out, with its dark and seedy story of love and murder.
There are many great ones. 'Jane Eyre' is a must - read. It tells the story of an independent - minded young woman, her love, and her struggles. 'The Handmaid's Tale' is also very relevant as it depicts a dystopian society from a female perspective, making readers think about women's rights and freedoms. And 'Little Women' which shows the lives and growth of four sisters in a warm family setting.
Some of the top 100 novels include 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic love story with great character development. Another is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' which tackles important themes like racism. And '1984' by George Orwell, which is a very thought - provoking dystopian novel.
Definitely 'Gone with the Wind' for its portrayal of a strong female lead. 'The Color Purple' is also very relevant as it shows female empowerment in a tough situation. And 'Wuthering Heights' as it has a complex story about love that can be relatable to many women.
One of the must - read 'hard crime novels' is 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo. It delves deep into the world of organized crime. Another is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. The character of Hannibal Lecter is iconic in the crime genre. Also, 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn is a great example. It has a complex plot full of twists and turns.
One classic action novel is 'The Count of Monte Cristo' by Alexandre Dumas. It's full of revenge, mystery, and exciting escapes. Another is 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' by Jules Verne, which takes readers on a thrilling subterranean adventure. 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker also counts as it has a lot of action-packed moments as the characters battle the vampire.
Well, 'Persepolis' is a really good classical graphic novel. It's an autobiographical story about a young girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. It gives a very personal and eye - opening view of that time and place. Then there's 'V for Vendetta' which is famous for its themes of resistance and the fight against a totalitarian regime. And 'Sandman' by Neil Gaiman is also a classic. It's a dark and fantastical journey through different realms of dreams and nightmares.