One of the best modern classics is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It beautifully explores themes of racism and justice in the American South. Another great one is '1984' by George Orwell, which gives a chilling vision of a totalitarian future. 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald is also a top choice, depicting the decadence and dreams of the Jazz Age.
I would recommend 'Malleswari' as a top Telugu novel. It has a rich narrative that delves into the life of the protagonist, Malleswari, and her struggles and triumphs. The story is set against the backdrop of Telugu culture and traditions, making it a great read for those interested in understanding the Telugu way of life. Also, 'Chandamama Kathalu' is a collection of short stories that are both entertaining and educational, suitable for all ages.
The 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain is a great English classic novel. It shows the journey of Huck Finn along the Mississippi River, and through it, Twain explores themes like race, friendship, and freedom. 'Oliver Twist' by Charles Dickens is another classic. It depicts the life of an orphan in the harsh world of Victorian England, highlighting the social problems of the time. And 'Middlemarch' by George Eliot is a complex and profound novel that delves into the lives and relationships of the people in a provincial town.
One of the best horror classics is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. It introduced the iconic vampire Count Dracula and is filled with a sense of dread and mystery. Another great one is 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. It explores themes of creation, monstrosity, and the consequences of playing God. And 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson is also a classic. It shows the duality of human nature in a very disturbing way.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte is also a top British classic. It tells a passionate and often dark love story between Heathcliff and Catherine. The moors setting adds a sense of wildness and mystery to the narrative.
Definitely 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. This novel is set in the racially - divided South and tells the story through the eyes of a young girl, Scout Finch. Her father, Atticus, is a lawyer who defends a black man unjustly accused of rape. It's a powerful exploration of racism, justice, and growing up. And we can't forget '1984' by George Orwell, which depicts a dystopian future where the government has total control over every aspect of people's lives.
A classic among Russian spy novels is 'The Twelve Chairs' by Ilf and Petrov. It's a satirical take on post - revolutionary Russia and involves a hunt for hidden treasure which has elements of spying and deception. The characters are constantly trying to outwit each other, much like in a spy game.
Some of the best Soviet sci - fi novels include 'We' by Yevgeny Zamyatin. It's a dystopian novel that influenced many later works. It presents a highly regimented society where individuality is suppressed.
J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings' (although it has elements of fantasy, it is deeply influenced by British mythology and can be considered a classic in a broader sense). It has an elaborate world - building with different races like hobbits, elves, and dwarves, and a great battle between good and evil.
'The Thorn Birds' by Colleen McCullough can be considered a classic in Middle Eastern romance. Although not strictly set only in the Middle East, it has elements that are relevant. It tells a story of forbidden love that spans decades and is full of passion and heartbreak.