the best psychological novels

I think 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath is among the best. It's semi - autobiographical and gives a harrowing look into the protagonist's mental breakdown. Then there's 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Although it's often seen as a commentary on the American Dream, it also delves into the psychological states of the characters, especially Gatsby's obsession. Also, 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' by Gabriel García Márquez has elements of psychological exploration as it shows how the characters deal with the solitude and the cyclical nature of their lives in the fictional town of Macondo.

One of the best is 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It delves deep into the mind of Raskolnikov, a poor student who commits a murder. The novel explores his moral and psychological turmoil as he tries to justify his actions. Another great one is 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger. It shows the psychological state of Holden Caulfield, a teenager struggling with growing up, alienation, and his view of the 'phony' adult world.

Some of the well - known ones could be 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It has a complex plot full of twists regarding a missing wife and a husband who becomes the prime suspect. Another great one is 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins. It tells the story from the perspective of an unreliable narrator who witnesses something strange while on her daily commute. Also, 'Sharp Objects' by Gillian Flynn is excellent. It dives deep into a journalist's return to her hometown to cover a murder case and her own dark past.

I think 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath is a top psychological novel. It's semi - autobiographical and gives a vivid account of the protagonist's struggle with mental illness. 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald can also be considered. It shows the psychological aspects of Jay Gatsby's obsession with Daisy and his pursuit of the American Dream. Then there's '1984' by George Orwell, which although mainly a dystopian novel, also has strong psychological elements as it shows how the Party controls people's minds.

Well, 'Psycho' by Robert Bloch is a classic. It's terrifying as it explores the disturbed mind of Norman Bates. 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris is also excellent. The cat - and - mouse game between Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter is both chilling and fascinating. Then there's 'Misery' by Stephen King. The situation where the obsessed fan holds the writer captive is truly nerve - wracking.

I would recommend 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins. It's a great psychological thriller. The unreliable narrator adds an extra layer of intrigue as you try to figure out what really happened. The setting and the atmosphere of the story are also very well - created, making it a page - turner.

Well, 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath is an excellent psychological novel. It's semi - autobiographical and gives a very raw look into the main character's mental state. 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky is also a classic. It follows the psychological turmoil of Raskolnikov after he commits a crime. And then there's 'The Great Gatsby', where the characters' desires, hopes, and illusions are all explored in a psychological context.

One of the best is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. The story is full of twists and turns as it delves into the complex relationship between a husband and wife. Another great one is 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins. It keeps you on the edge of your seat with its unreliable narrator. And 'Sharp Objects' by Gillian Flynn is also excellent, exploring dark family secrets and psychological trauma.

Another great one is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. This novel plays with the minds of the readers. It starts as a mystery about a missing wife, but as the story unfolds, it reveals the complex and often disturbing psychological games between the two main characters, Nick and Amy.

'The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya' can also be considered. Haruhi herself is a very complex character. Her unpredictable actions and the reactions of those around her, especially Kyon, bring out a lot of psychological depth. The entire series plays with the idea of normalcy and the psychological toll of dealing with someone as extraordinary as Haruhi.