One of the most influential is 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' by Khaled Hosseini. Although it's set in Afghanistan, it portrays the strength and resilience of women in a highly patriarchal and war - torn society. 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen can also be considered. Elizabeth Bennet is a strong female character who challenges the social norms and expectations of her time regarding marriage. And 'The Female Man' by Joanna Russ is a science - fiction work that explores different versions of femininity and gender relations.
In my opinion, 'Feminist Fiction' by Kathy Acker is an important work. It uses experimental writing techniques to explore feminist ideas. 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is highly influential. It shows the effects of a woman's confinement and the suppression of her creativity. Also, 'Alias Grace' by Margaret Atwood is a great example. It tells the story of a female convict and questions the nature of truth and the way women are judged in society.
I think 'Red Clocks' was quite influential. Its portrayal of a world with limited reproductive rights for women sparked a lot of discussions. It made people think about how easily women's rights could be eroded and the importance of fighting for them.
I think 'The Second Sex' by Simone de Beauvoir is very influential. Although it's more of a philosophical exploration, it has had a huge impact on feminist thought and inspired a lot of fiction works. 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is also a key one. It shows the psychological oppression of women in a patriarchal society in a very vivid way. And 'Mrs. Dalloway' by Virginia Woolf is influential as it portrays the inner thoughts and experiences of a woman in a complex social setting.
One of the most influential is 'Maus' by Art Spiegelman. Although it mainly focuses on the Holocaust, it also has elements of feminism. The female characters in it show great resilience and strength in the face of extreme adversity. Another is 'Fun Home' by Alison Bechdel. It's a memoir that delves into the relationship between the author and her father, while also exploring lesbian feminism and the role of women in society.
One of the notable ones could be 'A Room of One's Own' by Virginia Woolf. It's highly influential as it explores the need for women to have financial independence and a private space to be creative. Woolf delved into the challenges women faced in a male - dominated literary and social world.
Well, 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte can be considered in this context. It features a strong - willed female protagonist who challenges the norms of her time. Jane refuses to be a passive object in male - dominated society and stands up for her own rights and desires. Then there's 'Sula' by Toni Morrison. This novel delves into the complex relationship between two African - American women, exploring themes like friendship, womanhood, and the challenges faced by women in a racist and sexist society. And 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker, which shows the brutal experiences of a black woman but also her journey towards self - discovery and empowerment.
The 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien is among the top most influential novels. It has not only created a rich and detailed fantasy world but has also influenced countless other works in the fantasy genre. 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald is also very influential. It explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. And 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is known for its complex symbolism and exploration of human nature in the face of the unknown.
The top 10 most influential fiction books are likely to include 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Its themes of the American Dream, wealth, and love are still relevant today. 'Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien is also very influential. It created a whole new world of fantasy that has inspired countless other works in the genre. 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, with its complex exploration of obsession and the human struggle against nature, is another influential work.
One must - read feminist novel is 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood. It depicts a dystopian society where women are subjugated, which is a powerful commentary on the potential consequences of extreme gender inequality. Another is 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte. The character of Jane is a strong - willed woman who challenges the social norms of her time regarding class and gender. And 'A Room of One's Own' by Virginia Woolf is also essential. It explores the importance of financial and creative independence for women.
Some of the top influential Christian fiction books include 'In His Steps' by Charles M. Sheldon. This book challenges readers to ask 'What would Jesus do?' in every situation. 'A Lineage of Grace' by Francine Rivers is also important. It retells the stories of five women in the lineage of Jesus in a fictional yet biblically - based way. And 'The Mark of the Lion' series by Francine Rivers is well - regarded for its historical setting and exploration of Christian values in the early Christian era.
Definitely 'Moby - Dick'. It's not just a story about a man hunting a white whale. It's a complex exploration of obsession, fate, and the human condition. It has influenced a lot of later works with its deep themes and unique narrative style.