'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' by Robert M. Pirsig can also be considered. While it's not strictly a Buddhist novel, it contains a lot of philosophical ideas related to Zen Buddhism. It's about a cross - country motorcycle journey that becomes a journey of self - discovery and exploration of the concept of quality, which has some parallels to Buddhist concepts of the mind and perception.
Another great one is 'Siddhartha' by Hermann Hesse. This novel beautifully portrays the journey of Siddhartha in his search for enlightenment. It delves deep into Buddhist teachings like self - discovery, the cycle of life, and the nature of suffering. It's a very thought - provoking read that has had a profound impact on many readers interested in Buddhism and self - exploration.
One such novel is 'The Dharma Bums' by Jack Kerouac. It reflects on Buddhist philosophy through the adventures of its characters. It gives a sense of the Beat Generation's exploration of spiritual paths including elements of Buddhism.