Well, 'Ulysses' by James Joyce is often considered one of the best. It's a complex and experimental work that challenges readers with its stream - of - consciousness style. 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger is also very popular. It tells the story of Holden Caulfield and his coming - of - age experiences. And 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley, which presents a disturbing view of a future society controlled by technology and conditioning.
Well, 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead is a must - mention. It uses the concept of a literal underground railroad in a fictional and impactful way to explore themes of slavery and freedom. Then there's 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney. It beautifully depicts the relationship between two young people, with its nuanced exploration of class and identity. Also, 'Klara and the Sun' by Kazuo Ishiguro. It's a thought - provoking look at artificial intelligence and humanity from the perspective of an AI.
Some of the well - known ones could be 'To the Lighthouse' by Virginia Woolf, 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and '1984' by George Orwell. There are many other great works from that century as well.
Some of the best 19th - century novels include 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that explores themes of love, marriage, and social class in a charming and witty way. Also, 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, which is a complex and profound exploration of obsession and the human struggle against nature.
Some of the best eighteenth - century novels include 'Gulliver's Travels' by Jonathan Swift. It's a satirical work that takes the reader on adventures with Lemuel Gulliver, exploring different societies and human nature through his encounters. Another great one is 'Tom Jones' by Henry Fielding, which is known for its vivid characters and complex plot that follows the life and loves of the titular character.
Some of the best nineteenth - century novels include 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic love story that also satirizes the social norms of the time. Another great one is 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, which is not only about a whaling adventure but also delves deep into themes like obsession and the nature of evil.
Well, 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy is among the 21st century best novels. It's a post - apocalyptic tale that shows the relationship between a father and son in a desolate world. Then there's 'Life of Pi' by Yann Martel. It's a story about a boy stranded on a lifeboat with a tiger, which is full of spiritual and philosophical musings. Also, 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn is popular. It's a psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its twists and turns.
One of the best turn - of - the - century novels is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It beautifully captures the decadence and disillusionment of the Jazz Age. Another great one is 'Mrs. Dalloway' by Virginia Woolf, which delves deep into the consciousness of its characters on a single day. And 'Heart of Darkness' by Joseph Conrad is also a remarkable work that explores the darkness within humanity during that time.
Some of the best 19th - century novels include 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that explores themes of love, marriage, and social class in a charming and witty way. Another great one is 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, which is a complex and profound exploration of man's struggle against nature. And 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte, a story of a strong - willed woman's journey through love and self - discovery.
Some of the best 18th - century novels include 'Gulliver's Travels' by Jonathan Swift. It's a satirical work that takes the reader on amazing adventures with Lemuel Gulliver. Another great one is 'Tom Jones' by Henry Fielding. It tells the story of an orphan's journey through life, filled with love, comedy, and moral lessons. And 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, although it was published in the early 19th century, its roots are in the 18th - century literary tradition and it is a classic exploration of love and social class.
Some of the best 17th - century novels include 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes. It's a classic that follows the adventures of a deluded knight and his squire, full of humor and social commentary. Another great one is 'The Pilgrim's Progress' by John Bunyan, which is an allegory about a man's spiritual journey. And 'Le Cid' by Pierre Corneille, a tragic play in novel - like form that explores themes of honor and love.