'Oliver Twist' is also among the best. It delves into the harsh realities of the poor in London. Oliver's journey from the workhouse to the streets and his encounters with various characters like Fagin expose the dark underbelly of society. Dickens uses Oliver's innocence to highlight the cruelty and corruption around him.
Another great one is 'A Tale of Two Cities'. It's set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. The story of Sydney Carton's sacrifice is both tragic and heroic. Dickens' ability to weave historical events with fictional characters is masterful here. It's full of drama, love, and political unrest.
Definitely 'Bleak House'. The story weaves together multiple plots and characters in a complex web, highlighting the inefficiency of the legal system in Dickens' time. 'Hard Times' is also a top - notch work as it criticizes the harsh industrial society and its effects on people, with characters like Gradgrind representing the cold, utilitarian values.
Definitely 'Oliver Twist'. It's a classic that exposes the dark side of society, like the workhouses and the treatment of orphans. 'Great Expectations' is also among the best. It has a very engaging plot with twists and turns.
Pride and Prejudice is often considered one of the best. It has a great love story between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Their relationship develops from misunderstandings to true love. The characters are well - drawn, and Austen's wit shines through in her descriptions of society and family dynamics.
Boris Akunin's 'Erast Fandorin' series is also highly regarded. These novels are set in different historical periods of Russia. Fandorin is a very intelligent and resourceful detective. Akunin's writing combines mystery, adventure, and historical details. His books are full of twists and turns, which keep the readers on their toes.
Another great one is 'Raag Darbari' by Shrilal Shukla. This novel gives a satirical view of rural Indian society during a certain historical period. It delves into the power dynamics, caste system, and the common man's struggle within the village setting. The characters are vividly drawn, and it provides a deep understanding of the social fabric of that era.
I think 'A Tale of Two Cities' is a strong contender for the best Dickens novel. It's set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. The story of Sydney Carton's sacrifice is truly moving. Dickens' descriptions of the chaos and upheaval during that time are masterful, and it also delves into themes of resurrection and redemption.
'A Christmas Carol' is surely one of the best. It's popular because it not only has ghosts but also a strong moral message. The three ghosts that visit Scrooge are very distinct. The Ghost of Christmas Past shows Scrooge his own past, making him remember the joys and sorrows. The Ghost of Christmas Present reveals the current state of the world around him, including the poverty and the joy of the less fortunate. And the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come terrifies him with a vision of his lonely death. This combination of supernatural elements and moral teaching makes it a classic Dickensian ghost story.
The story 'A Christmas Carol' stands out. It's not only a great Christmas story but also a profound exploration of human nature. The three spirits that visit Scrooge are a brilliant device to show his past, present, and possible future. 'The Lamplighter' is also highly regarded. It has a simple yet engaging plot and shows Dickens' talent for painting pictures of the lower - class life in London. These stories are the best because they are both entertaining and thought - provoking.
Another great Tamil novel is 'Sivagamiyin Sabadham'. It delves deep into the historical and cultural aspects of the time. The love story intertwined with the political and religious backdrop is beautifully narrated. The author's use of language and the way the story unfolds keeps the readers hooked from start to finish.
Some of the best Dickens novels include 'Great Expectations'. It tells the story of Pip, a young boy with great ambitions and his journey through different social classes. Another one is 'A Tale of Two Cities'. The story set against the backdrop of the French Revolution is full of drama, love, and sacrifice. Also, 'Oliver Twist' is very well - known. It focuses on the orphan Oliver and his experiences in the cruel world of Victorian England.