One forgotten classic is 'The House of Mirth' by Edith Wharton. It offers a scathing critique of New York high society in the early 20th century. The story follows Lily Bart, a beautiful young woman caught in the web of social expectations and the pursuit of wealth. Another is 'The Way of All Flesh' by Samuel Butler. It was considered quite controversial at the time of its release. It's a semi - autobiographical novel that challenges Victorian-era values. And 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' by Baroness Emmuska Orczy is also a forgotten gem. It's an adventure story set during the French Revolution with a dashing hero who rescues aristocrats from the guillotine.
Some forgotten classic novels include 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins. It is often regarded as one of the first detective novels in English literature. It has a complex plot filled with mystery and intrigue. 'North and South' by Elizabeth Gaskell is also somewhat forgotten. This novel portrays the differences between the industrial North and the rural South in England, and the relationship between a young woman from the South and a mill owner in the North. Then there's 'Jude the Obscure' by Thomas Hardy. It's a tragic story that explores themes of love, class, and religion, but was initially met with controversy.
A forgotten classic novel is 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles' by Thomas Hardy. This novel tells the story of Tess, a poor girl who is seduced and abandoned, and then has to face the harsh judgment of society. Hardy's vivid descriptions of the English countryside and his exploration of human nature make this a great read. Another is 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte. Although it is more well - known than some others on this list, it still sometimes gets overlooked. It's a dark and passionate love story set in the Yorkshire moors. Also, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde is a thought - provoking work that delves into the idea of beauty, morality, and the corrupting influence of hedonism.
Some forgotten science fiction novels include 'Ralph 124C41 +' by Hugo Gernsback. It was one of the early works that helped shape the genre. 'Odd John' by Olaf Stapledon is also worth mentioning. It tells the story of a super - intelligent mutant and how he interacts with normal humans. And 'The Purple Cloud' by M.P. Shiel, which is about a man who may be the sole survivor of a global catastrophe and his journey through a desolate world.
One forgotten sci - fi novel is 'The Stars My Destination' by Alfred Bester. It has a really unique take on teleportation and a gritty, noir - like atmosphere. Another is 'A Canticle for Leibowitz' by Walter M. Miller Jr. It's set in a post - apocalyptic world where the Catholic Church preserves knowledge. And then there's 'Dhalgren' by Samuel R. Delany, which is a complex and somewhat experimental novel with a strange, dream - like city at its center.
Some of the well - known classic novels could be 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, and '1984' by George Orwell. These novels often deal with themes like love, justice, and society.
There's 'The Blithedale Romance' also by Hawthorne. It delves into the idea of utopian communities and the flaws within them. It was based on Hawthorne's own experiences in a communal living experiment. And 'The Ordeal of Richard Feverel' by George Meredith, which is a complex story about a young man's upbringing and his experiences in love and society.
Well, 'The Great Gatsby' is a must - mention among Goodreads classic novels. F. Scott Fitzgerald tells a tragic love story set against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties. The opulence and the dreams of the characters are beautifully depicted. Then there's 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. It's not just a story about a whale hunt but also a profound exploration of human nature, obsession, and the power of the sea.
One alternative classic novel is 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde. It's a fascinating exploration of beauty, morality, and the consequences of a hedonistic lifestyle.
One classic gangster novel is 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo. It's a masterpiece that delves deep into the world of the mafia, with complex characters like Vito Corleone. Another is 'Scarface' which also portrays the rise and fall of a gangster in a vivid and engaging way. And 'American Gangster' is also a great one that shows the real - life aspects of the criminal underworld.
Another is 'Pride and Prejudice'. This novel by Jane Austen is centered around the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. It's a story full of social commentary, with themes of pride, prejudice, love, and marriage in the 19th - century English society. The characters are well - developed, and Austen's writing style is engaging.
One classic Japanese novel is 'The Tale of Genji' by Murasaki Shikibu. It is often considered the world's first novel. It beautifully depicts the court life in Heian period Japan. Another is 'Norwegian Wood' by Haruki Murakami. It's a story about love and loss, set against the backdrop of 1960s Japan. Also, 'Kokoro' by Natsume Soseki is a great read. It delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, and the changing values in modern Japan.
One long classic novel is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It's a masterpiece that delves deep into Russian society during the Napoleonic era, with a vast array of characters and complex relationships. Another is 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes. This novel follows the adventures of the deluded knight Don Quixote and his sidekick Sancho Panza, filled with humor and satire. Also, 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is a great one. It tells the story of Captain Ahab's obsessive quest for the white whale, exploring themes of fate, nature, and human nature.