What are some notable 20th century gay novels?

A rather interesting one is 'The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman' by Laurence Sterne. While not explicitly a 'gay novel' in the modern sense, it has characters and relationships that can be seen as challenging the traditional gender and sexual norms of the 18th century, and thus is relevant to the study of the precursors to gay literature of that time.

Well, 'The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman' is an interesting 18th - century novel. It has a unique narrative style that plays with the conventions of storytelling. Also, 'Candide' by Voltaire is a very important work. It's a philosophical novel that uses satire to comment on various aspects of society, such as war, religion, and human nature. These novels give us great insights into the culture, values, and social structures of the 18th century.

There's also 'Njal's Saga' from Iceland in the 12th century. It's a complex narrative full of family feuds, legal disputes, and heroic characters. It offers a great view into the social and cultural aspects of Icelandic society during that period.

One of the notable 10th - century works could be 'The Tale of Genji' from Japan. It is often considered the world's first novel. It gives a detailed look into the Heian period's court life, with complex characters and relationships.

One of the most famous 19th - century whaling novels is 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. It tells the story of Captain Ahab's obsessive quest for the white whale, Moby - Dick. Another is 'Typee' also by Melville, which gives some insights into the whaling life and the encounters in the South Seas. There is also 'Omoo' by Melville, which further explores the experiences related to whaling and life at sea during that era.

One is 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell. It satirizes the Russian Revolution and Stalinist era through a story of farm animals. Another is 'Catch - 22' by Joseph Heller. It mocks the absurdity of war and military bureaucracy. Also, 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley is a great 20th century satirical novel which criticizes a future society based on consumerism and genetic engineering.

One is 'The Magic Mountain' by Thomas Mann. It's a complex exploration of life, society, and ideas in pre - World War I Europe, set in a sanatorium. Another is 'All Quiet on the Western Front' by Erich Maria Remarque, which vividly depicts the horrors of war from the perspective of German soldiers.

Well, 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' by Mark Twain is a great 19th century American novel. It shows the adventures of a young boy in a small town along the Mississippi River. Then there is 'The House of the Seven Gables' by Hawthorne. It has elements of mystery and family secrets. Also, 'Walden' by Henry David Thoreau, though it's a bit different in nature, is an important work that reflects on simple living in nature.

One of the well - known 19th - century Spanish novels is 'Carmen' by Prosper Mérimée (although he was French, but it has a strong connection to Spanish culture). Another is 'Don Quixote' which, while first published in the 17th century, had a huge influence on 19th - century Spanish literature. Also, 'La Regenta' by Leopoldo Alas is an important work of this era. It delved deep into the society, showing the complex relationships and moral dilemmas of the time.

One of the well - known 18th century science novels is 'Gulliver's Travels' by Jonathan Swift. It contains elements of satire as well as exploration of different societies, which can be seen as a form of scientific - like study of human nature and cultures.