What are some well - known American epic novels?

There's 'Household Saints' by Francine Prose. This novel delves into the lives of Italian American families, their traditions, and the complex relationships within. Also, 'Liar's Club' by Mary Karr has elements of Italian American heritage in it, as it tells the story of a girl growing up in a dysfunctional family with some Italian roots. Moreover, 'The Namesake' by Jhumpa Lahiri, while not strictly an Italian American novel but still relevant in the context of immigrant family experiences, can be compared to Italian American novels in how it explores identity and cultural clashes.

One of the most well - known American novels is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It deals with themes of racial injustice in the American South. Another is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, which shows the decadence and disillusionment of the Jazz Age. And 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is also very famous, telling the story of Captain Ahab's obsessive hunt for the white whale.

One well - known satirical American novel is 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain. It satirizes the society of the South, especially the institution of slavery and the hypocrisy of the so - called civilized people. Another is 'Catch - 22' by Joseph Heller. This novel satirizes the military bureaucracy and the absurdity of war. 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell (although he was British, it has strong relevance to American and global politics) is also a great satirical work. It uses animals on a farm to represent different political classes and shows how power can corrupt.

Moby - Dick by Herman Melville is also considered an important early American historical novel. It tells the story of Captain Ahab's obsessive quest for the white whale. It reflects the spirit of adventure and exploration, as well as the complex relationship between man and nature in early American seafaring history.

Some great modern American classic novels include 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. This novel is not only about a whale hunt but also delves deep into themes of obsession, good and evil, and the human condition. 'The Sun Also Rises' by Ernest Hemingway is a classic that portrays the so - called 'Lost Generation' after World War I, with its themes of love, war, and disillusionment. Additionally, 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison is a powerful exploration of slavery and its aftermath.

One well - known South American horror novel is 'The House of the Spirits' by Isabel Allende. Although it's not strictly a pure horror novel, it contains elements of the supernatural and horror within its magical - realist narrative. Another is 'Cronopios and Famas' by Julio Cortázar which has some disturbing and eerie stories.

Richard Wright's 'Native Son' is also a significant African - American classic. It follows the life of Bigger Thomas, a young African - American man living in Chicago's South Side. The book shows how the oppressive environment and systemic racism shape Bigger's life and lead to tragic consequences.

One of the most famous is 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' by Zora Neale Hurston. It tells the story of a young African American woman's journey through life and love in the early 20th century.

James Fenimore Cooper was a well - known author. His novels, like 'The Last of the Mohicans', were very popular. He was great at depicting frontier life and the interactions between Native Americans and settlers.

In 'To Kill a Mockingbird', the character of Tom Robinson represents American Africanism. His unjust trial shows the racial prejudice in the society. The novel uses his story to comment on the deep - rooted racism in the South.