Another could be '1984' by George Orwell. It presents a dystopian future where the government has extreme control over the people. It's a powerful warning about the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of individual freedom and privacy.
You can start by checking the London Observer's official website. They may have dedicated sections or articles about recommended novels, either as reviews or in the form of lists.
Some well - known historical novels could be 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy, 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens. However, without knowing the specific list from 'the observer 10 best historical novels', it's hard to give a definite answer. But these two are often considered great historical novels.
The best novels according to 'observer' might include '1984' by George Orwell. This dystopian novel is highly influential as it warns about the dangers of totalitarianism. It creates a very vivid and disturbing picture of a future society where the government controls every aspect of people's lives. Another one could be 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It shows the glamour and hollowness of the Jazz Age, with its complex characters and themes of love, wealth, and the American Dream.
Since I don't have the actual list of 'the observer best 100 novels', it's difficult to list them out precisely. However, we can make some assumptions. It might include famous works from different genres. For example, from the realm of science fiction, '1984' could be a potential candidate. In the category of epic novels, 'War and Peace' might be there. And for detective stories, 'Sherlock Holmes' series might be part of it. But again, this is just speculation.
The 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves is also a great historical novel. It gives a fictionalized but well - researched account of the Roman Empire from the perspective of Claudius. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is set in a medieval monastery and is full of historical details, mystery, and philosophical musings.
They often deal with important themes. Take 'Crime and Punishment' for instance. It delves into the moral and psychological consequences of a crime. The internal struggle of Raskolnikov is masterfully portrayed, showing how guilt can eat away at a person.
Some of the best Jack London novels include 'The Call of the Wild'. It's a story about a dog named Buck and his journey through the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. It vividly shows the harshness of nature and the struggle for survival.
One of the best London novels is 'Oliver Twist' by Charles Dickens. It vividly portrays the poverty and hardships in London during the Victorian era. The dark alleys and the complex characters like Fagin and Oliver himself give a deep insight into the city's social fabric.
One of the top Victorian London novels is 'Vanity Fair' by William Makepeace Thackeray. It offers a satirical look at the society in London during the Victorian period, with its various characters vying for status and wealth. 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Dickens is also excellent. Set against the backdrop of London and Paris, it shows the political unrest and the impact on the people. 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins is a great mystery novel set in Victorian London. It has an engaging plot with a stolen diamond and a web of secrets and suspects that keeps the readers hooked.
One of the best London spy novels is 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' by John le Carré. It's a classic that gives a gritty and realistic look at the world of espionage in London during the Cold War era.