Well, 'Middlemarch' by George Eliot is among the best Victorian fiction. It offers a detailed look at the lives of people in a provincial town, with complex characters and their relationships. 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde is a remarkable work too. It delves into the idea of beauty, morality, and the consequences of a hedonistic lifestyle. And we can't forget 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte, a passionate and haunting story of love and revenge.
Some top Victorian historical fiction includes 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte. It tells the story of an independent - minded young woman in a Victorian setting. Then there's 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte which has a rather passionate and tragic story set against the backdrop of the Victorian moors. 'Vanity Fair' by William Makepeace Thackeray is also excellent as it satirizes the social climbing and vanity in Victorian society.
One of the best is 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It introduced the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson. The stories are full of mystery and deduction, and Holmes' methods of solving crimes were revolutionary for the time.
The best Victorian fiction often has complex characters. For example, in 'Great Expectations', Pip is a multi - faceted character whose growth we follow throughout the story. It also typically has a strong sense of place, like the gloomy Yorkshire moors in 'Wuthering Heights'. And themes are important, such as the social commentary in 'Hard Times' by Dickens.
Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations' is also among the best. It follows the life of Pip, an orphan, as he navigates through different social classes in search of his 'great expectations'. The novel offers a vivid portrayal of Victorian society, with its poverty, inequality, and the struggle for self - improvement.
For beginners, 'Black Beauty' by Anna Sewell is a great start. It's written from the perspective of a horse and gives insights into Victorian rural life and the treatment of animals. Also, 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott, though set in America, has some elements of Victorian influence and is a very accessible family - centered story.
Emile Gaboriau. His works, such as 'Monsieur Lecoq', were important in the development of detective fiction during the Victorian era. He was known for his detailed descriptions of police procedures and his complex detective characters.
It reflects the Victorian era through its settings. The use of decaying mansions and dark alleys in the city reflects the contrast between the wealthy and the poor in Victorian society. Also, the fog - covered landscapes were a common feature of Victorian cities, which added to the sense of mystery in the Gothic fiction.
Some of the best Victorian sensation novels include 'The Woman in White' by Wilkie Collins. It's a gripping tale full of mystery, secrets, and complex characters. The plot twists keep readers on the edge of their seats.
One of the best Neo - Victorian novels is 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' by Alan Moore. It combines various Victorian literary characters in a unique and adventurous story. Another great one is 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' by Susanna Clarke. It delves deep into a world of English magic during the Victorian era. Also, 'The Prestige' by Christopher Priest has elements of Neo - Victorianism with its themes of rivalry and mystery set against a Victorian - like backdrop.