Well, 'Les Misérables' is surely one of them. It's a huge epic that shows the harsh realities of poverty, law, and morality in 19th - century France. Then there's 'The Three Musketeers' by Alexandre Dumas. It's full of adventure, loyalty, and friendship. And we can't forget 'Candide' by Voltaire, although it was more towards the end of the 18th century into the 19th. It's a satirical work that critiques many aspects of society.
Definitely 'Les Misérables'. It's so well - known for its vivid characters and exploration of social issues. Another is 'Madame Bovary' which is famous for its psychological depth. And 'The Red and the Black' is also a great one as it shows the complex social structure of the time.
Well, 'Ulysses' by James Joyce is one of the great 20th - century novels. It's known for its complex stream - of - consciousness narrative. 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' by Gabriel García Márquez is another. This novel combines elements of magic realism and tells the story of the Buendía family over generations. And 'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov, though controversial, is a masterful work in terms of its writing style and exploration of obsession.
Well, 'Candide' by Voltaire is among the great 18th - century novels. It's a philosophical tale that critiques the optimism of the age. Also, 'The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman' by Laurence Sterne. It's a very experimental novel with its unique narrative structure and digressions that were quite revolutionary for its time.
The best 19th century French novels are numerous. 'Candide' by Voltaire, though published in the 18th century, had a huge influence on 19th - century French literature. It's a satirical work that critiques various aspects of society. In the 19th century proper, 'Germinal' by Émile Zola stands out. It gives a vivid and often harrowing account of the lives of coal miners. Also, 'Adolphe' by Benjamin Constant is a significant novel that examines the relationship between a man and a woman in a complex and nuanced way.
Religious and moral themes were common. The society was still very much influenced by the Church, so many novels carried moral lessons. They might show the consequences of sin or the rewards of virtue. Some novels were also used as a means to promote certain religious values or to criticize the moral decay of the society.
They often had complex characters. For example, in novels like 'The Dangerous Liaisons', the characters are full of contradictions, with their moral and immoral sides intertwined. Their plots were also elaborate, usually involving the upper - class society and their intrigues.
One characteristic is the exploration of existential themes. As seen in Camus' works, characters often struggle with the meaning of life. Another is the complex use of language. Writers like Proust use very elaborate and detailed descriptions.
They often had complex characters. For example, in Victor Hugo's 'Les Misérables', Jean Valjean is a multi - faceted character with a past of crime but also great capacity for good.
Some of the 20th century greatest novels include 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It's a powerful story about racial injustice in the American South. Another is '1984' by George Orwell, which depicts a totalitarian future. 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald is also among them, exploring themes of wealth, love and the American Dream.
One of the greatest is 'The Magic Mountain' by Thomas Mann. It explores themes like time, illness, and society through the experiences of Hans Castorp in a sanatorium. Another is 'All Quiet on the Western Front' by Erich Maria Remarque, which gives a brutally honest account of World War I from the perspective of German soldiers.