Well, 'Slaughterhouse - Five' by Kurt Vonnegut is a modern war classic. It's a unique take on World War II, with the main character being 'unstuck in time'. It shows the chaos and futility of war. Then there's 'The Things They Carried' by Tim O'Brien. This novel gives a very real and detailed account of what American soldiers carried with them during the Vietnam War, both physically and emotionally.
I also recommend 'Red Storm Rising' by Tom Clancy. It vividly depicts a fictional war scenario that could have occurred during the Cold War. It's filled with military strategy and action, and it gives readers a sense of what the real - life military tensions between the East and the West might have led to.
John Dos Passos' 'Three Soldiers' is also a significant World War 1 classic novel. It focuses on the experiences of three American soldiers during the war. Dos Passos uses various narrative techniques to give a comprehensive view of the war, including the soldiers' disillusionment with the military and the society that sent them to war.
Another is 'Red Sparrow' by Jason Matthews. This novel delves into the world of Russian intelligence and the cat - and - mouse games between the US and Russia. It has interesting characters and a tense plot that really captures the essence of the Cold War era in a more modern context.
Some great modern American classic novels include 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. This novel is not only about a whale hunt but also delves deep into themes of obsession, good and evil, and the human condition. 'The Sun Also Rises' by Ernest Hemingway is a classic that portrays the so - called 'Lost Generation' after World War I, with its themes of love, war, and disillusionment. Additionally, 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison is a powerful exploration of slavery and its aftermath.
A classic war story is 'For Whom the Bell Tolls'. Set during the Spanish Civil War, it tells the story of an American volunteer fighting against the fascists. Then there's 'The Iliad', an ancient Greek epic that describes the Trojan War. It shows the heroism, rivalries, and tragedies on the battlefield. Also, 'Catch - 22' is a satirical war story set in World War II, highlighting the absurdities of war and military bureaucracy.
Another significant 1865 classic novel could be 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' by Jules Verne. This novel takes readers on an exciting journey beneath the Earth's surface, exploring unknown regions and facing various perils along the way. It combines adventure, science, and a sense of wonder that has made it a beloved classic.
One of the well - known classic 1934 novels could be 'Tender Is the Night' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It delves into the lives of the wealthy and their moral decay during the Jazz Age.
Another one might be 'Absalom, Absalom!' by William Faulkner. Faulkner's work is known for its complex narrative structure. This novel delves deep into the history of a Southern family, exploring themes of race, family secrets, and the past's influence on the present.
One of the well - known 1866 classic novels could be 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It delves deep into the psyche of a man who commits a crime and his moral and psychological turmoil. Another might be 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' by Jules Verne which takes readers on an exciting adventure beneath the earth's surface.
The 1934 classic 'Now in November' by Josephine Johnson is worth mentioning. It tells the story of a family's struggle during the Great Depression. It gives an in - depth look at the hardships faced by ordinary people during that difficult economic time. Additionally, 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by James M. Cain was also from that era. It's a noir - ish story full of passion, crime, and moral ambiguity.