Must Read Japanese Light Novels: Which Ones Are the Best and Why?

One must - read philosophical novel is 'The Brothers Karamazov' by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It delves deep into themes like morality, faith, and the nature of humanity. The complex characters and their moral dilemmas make it a thought - provoking read. Another is 'Siddhartha' by Hermann Hesse. It follows the spiritual journey of a man named Siddhartha, exploring concepts of self - discovery and enlightenment. '1984' by George Orwell is also crucial. It presents a dystopian world that makes you think about power, control, and the importance of freedom of thought.

Some of the best Japanese light novels include 'Sword Art Online'. It's popular because it combines a virtual reality game world with exciting action and a touch of romance. The concept of being trapped in a game world was really novel at the time of its release.

One must - read 2021 fiction book is 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah. It tells a powerful story of a woman's struggle during the Great Depression. The characters are vivid and the description of the era makes you feel like you're there. Another great one is 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir. It has an amazing plot with a lone astronaut trying to save humanity. The science - fiction elements are really engaging.

Well, 'The Price of Salt' is a must. It was later made into the movie 'Carol'. It has a very nuanced portrayal of a relationship between two women. Then there's 'Tipping the Velvet' by Sarah Waters as well. It's set in the Victorian underworld and shows the journey of a young woman exploring her sexuality. Also, 'Annie on My Mind' by Nancy Garden is a great read. It's a coming - of - age story about two girls falling in love in a time when same - sex relationships were not widely accepted.

A highly recommended Korean novel is 'Almond' by Sohn Won - pyung. It tells the story of a boy with alexithymia, a condition where one has difficulty in identifying and expressing emotions. It's a beautifully written novel that delves deep into the human psyche. Also, 'I'll Be Right There' by Kyung - Sook Shin is worth reading. It's a story of love, friendship, and the power of memories.

One must - read Malayalam novel is 'Chemmeen' by Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai. It beautifully portrays the life of fishermen and the complex relationships in a coastal village. Another great one is 'Aarachar' by K. R. Meera which delves deep into themes of power, politics, and human nature. 'The Legends of Khasak' by O. V. Vijayan is also highly recommended. It creates a surreal world with its unique narrative style and exploration of various social and cultural aspects.

Some must - read German novels include 'The Tin Drum' by Günter Grass. This novel is known for its unique narrative style and exploration of German history. 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer' by Patrick Süskind is also a great read. It tells the story of a man with an extraordinary sense of smell who becomes a serial killer. And don't forget 'The Magic Mountain' by Thomas Mann, which takes place in a sanatorium and delves into philosophical and social issues.

One must - read Japanese novel could be 'Norwegian Wood' by Haruki Murakami. It beautifully portrays love and loss in a coming - of - age story. Another is 'The Tale of Genji', which is a classic that gives deep insights into the Heian period's court life. And 'Kitchen' by Banana Yoshimoto is also popular, with its unique exploration of themes like family and identity.

In the case of 'Re:Zero', the constant resetting of the story keeps you on the edge of your seat. You get to see the character grow and learn from his mistakes over and over again. It also has a very richly detailed fantasy world with different races and magic systems, which is really fascinating.

One great shapeshifter romance novel is 'Moon Called' by Patricia Briggs. It has a strong female lead and a really interesting werewolf - based shapeshifting world. The relationships are complex and engaging.