Les Misérables by Victor Hugo as well. This epic novel is set against the backdrop of 19th - century France. It follows the story of Jean Valjean, a former convict, and his journey through life, dealing with themes of love, justice, and redemption. It's a huge and detailed look at French society of that era.
The Hunchback of Notre - Dame by Victor Hugo is a very famous one. It's set in Paris around the Notre - Dame cathedral. The story focuses on Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bell - ringer, and his relationship with the beautiful Esmeralda, while also showing the social and political situation in France at that time.
Chocolat by Joanne Harris is set in a small French village. It's about a woman named Vianne who opens a chocolate shop in a very traditional and somewhat repressed village. The book explores the clash between tradition and new ideas in a French rural setting, and of course, there's a lot of delicious descriptions of chocolate too.
A well - known one is 'The Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint - Exupéry. Although it's a short book, it contains many profound ideas about human nature and relationships, and the little prince's encounters with different characters are like 'reading' different aspects of life. Another is 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' where Alice encounters strange things and characters, much like exploring different books. It's a book full of imagination and references to different literary concepts.
Well, 'Falling Man' is quite well - known. It focuses on the psychological impact on people. The characters in the book are trying to cope with the new reality after the attacks.
Well, 'The Mists of Avalon' by Marion Zimmer Bradley has druidic elements. It's a retelling of the Arthurian legend from the perspectives of the women, and the druids are an important part of the magical and cultural backdrop.
Then there's 'The Commitments' by Roddy Doyle. It's about a group of young people in Dublin who form a soul band. The book shows their struggles, their dreams, and how they try to make it in the music business while also dealing with their own personal lives and the social context of Dublin at that time.
The novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird' can be considered in this regard. Atticus Finch shows great understanding and forgiveness towards the people in his community, despite their prejudices. His actions towards Tom Robinson and his family are a great example of forgiveness in the face of injustice.
A famous one is 'Born to Run' by Christopher McDougall. It's not just a story about runners but also explores different running cultures around the world. It has some really interesting tales about the Tarahumara Indians and their incredible running abilities. It makes you look at running in a whole new light, not just as a sport but as a way of life for some people.
Definitely 'Independent People' as it gives a very in - depth look at Icelandic rural life. It shows how the people there were so connected to the land and how they fought to maintain their independence.
The book 'Nano' is also notable. It looks at how nanotechnology could be misused and the consequences that could follow. It's a good read for those interested in the ethical implications of emerging technologies.
Well, 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote. It's based on a real - life murder case. Capote delved deep into the lives of the killers and the victims, creating a very detailed and disturbing account.
Well, 'The Famished Road' by Ben Okri is quite famous. It's a magical realist novel that delves into the Nigerian experience. It's full of vivid imagery and complex characters that draw you into the story.