Well, 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is a great difficult novel. The detailed descriptions of whaling and the philosophical undertones make it quite challenging. 'The Sound and the Fury' by William Faulkner is also tough, especially with its multiple narrators and non - linear storytelling. Then there's 'Gravity's Rainbow' by Thomas Pynchon, filled with complex allusions and a convoluted plot.
Some great difficult novels include 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It has a vast number of characters and historical events to keep track of. 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer can be difficult due to the archaic language, but it's a classic. Also, 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' by Gabriel García Márquez has a complex family tree and magical realist elements that make it a challenging yet rewarding read.
Among the top 100 all time great novels, 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte stands out. It tells the story of an independent - minded woman in a rather patriarchal society. The character development and the Gothic elements make it a great read. 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger is also popular. It captures the angst and confusion of adolescence. Additionally, 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes is a classic that satirizes the chivalric romances of the 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.
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.
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.
In the list of top 100 US novels, 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a significant one. It explores themes of sin, guilt, and redemption in Puritan New England. 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison is another powerful novel that delves into the legacy of slavery. Also, 'Catch - 22' by Joseph Heller is a satirical look at the absurdity of war and military bureaucracy.
Well, '1984' by George Orwell is definitely a cult classic novel. It shows a terrifying totalitarian world where Big Brother is always watching. Its themes of government control, surveillance, and the loss of privacy are still relevant today. 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding is another one. It tells the story of a group of boys stranded on an island, and how they descend into savagery, which is a powerful exploration of human nature.
One classic crim novel is 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson solving various mysteries. Another is 'Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express'. The complex plot and diverse cast of characters make it a must - read. And 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett is also great, with its hard - boiled detective Sam Spade.
One of the quintessential fantasy novels is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It has a richly detailed world, complex characters, and an epic story of good versus evil. Another is 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis. It takes readers to a magical world full of talking animals and great adventures. And 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin is also a must - read. It has a vast and complex world with numerous political intrigues and a large cast of characters.
One classic 'dark noir novel' is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. It's full of complex characters and a convoluted plot centered around a valuable statuette. Another is 'Double Indemnity' by James M. Cain, which delves into themes of greed and murder. 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by Cain as well is a great example. It has a seedy, amoral atmosphere that is typical of the noir genre.