A great 1940s American novel is 'As I Lay Dying' by William Faulkner. It's a complex and multi - voiced narrative about a poor southern family's journey to bury their mother. Faulkner's unique writing style makes it a challenging yet rewarding read. Then there's 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell. Although Orwell was British, this novel was widely read in America in the 1940s. It's an allegory about the Russian Revolution and totalitarianism. Also, 'The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter' by Carson McCullers, which is a story about isolation and the search for connection.
Some of the great 1950s American novels include 'The Catcher in the Rye'. This novel is very influential as it delves into the mind of a disillusioned teenager. Holden Caulfield's voice is so unique that it has resonated with generations of readers. Then there's 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison. It explores the African - American experience, dealing with themes of identity and invisibility in a predominantly white society. And 'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov, which is a controversial yet beautifully written novel about a man's obsession with a young girl.
One of the most famous American novels is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It deals with themes of racial injustice in the South. Another is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, which explores the American Dream and wealth. And 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is also well - known, it's a complex tale about a whaling voyage.
One of the well - known 1865 American novels could be 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott. It tells the story of the four March sisters growing up during the Civil War era, dealing with themes like family, love, and personal growth.
Many 1920s American novels were influenced by the social changes of the time. For example, the loosening of social mores led to themes of new sexual freedoms in some novels. Also, the post - World War I disillusionment was a big factor, as seen in novels like 'The Sun Also Rises' where characters are lost and searching for meaning. There was also a focus on the clash between traditional values and the emerging modernity.
One of the most famous American Gothic novels is 'The Fall of the House of Usher' by Edgar Allan Poe. It's filled with a sense of decay and dread. Another is 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte, which has elements of Gothic such as the wild and desolate moors setting and the complex, passionate relationships that are often tinged with darkness.
One famous black American novel is 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker. It tells the story of a young African - American woman named Celie and her journey through abuse and self - discovery.
Another well - known one is 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison. It tells the story of a former slave haunted by the ghost of her daughter she killed to prevent her from being recaptured into slavery. This novel delves deep into the traumas and legacies of slavery. It's a very powerful and complex work that uses magical realism elements to enhance the narrative.
One famous realistic American novel is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It vividly depicts the Jazz Age, with themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. Another is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, which deals with racial injustice in the American South. Also, 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is a great example. It's not only an adventure story but also a profound exploration of human nature, obsession, and the power of nature.
One of the most famous is 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain. It tells the story of a boy's journey along the Mississippi River and also touches on themes like slavery and freedom.
One of the famous American war novels is 'The Red Badge of Courage' by Stephen Crane. It vividly depicts the psychological state of a young soldier during the Civil War. Another is 'All Quiet on the Western Front' which, although written by a German, is often studied in American literature classes in the context of war literature. Also, 'Slaughterhouse - Five' by Kurt Vonnegut is a significant American war novel that combines elements of science fiction with the horrors of war.