In my opinion, 'Carpenter's Gothic' could be considered his best. It has a more compact narrative compared to some of his other works. It still has Gaddis' signature exploration of complex ideas such as morality and the state of the world. The characters are well - drawn and the atmosphere is both mysterious and thought - provoking.
The relevance to the times can make a Gaddis novel the best. 'Carpenter's Gothic' was relevant to the social and moral climate of its time. If a novel can both capture the essence of its era and still have timeless qualities, it has a good chance of being regarded as the best.
I think 'Restless' is a great William Boyd novel. It's a spy story filled with intrigue. The characters are well - developed, and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat as it delves into the world of espionage during World War II and the secrets that the characters carry.
For me, 'Absalom, Absalom!' is the top choice. It's a very dense and challenging read, but extremely rewarding. The story is about family secrets, race, and the South's history. Faulkner weaves together different timelines and narrators to slowly reveal the truth about the Sutpen family. The themes are complex and relevant, and the writing style is quintessentially Faulknerian with its long, convoluted sentences that build up a rich and detailed world.
I think 'Pattern Recognition' is a strong contender for the best. It has a very contemporary feel, dealing with things like brand recognition and modern culture in a way that is both thought - provoking and entertaining.
In my opinion, 'The Sound and the Fury' is one of the best. It's a complex and innovative work. Faulkner uses multiple narrators and a non - linear narrative structure. It delves deep into the decline of a southern aristocratic family, exploring themes like time, memory, and the human condition. The different perspectives of the narrators, such as Benjy, Quentin, and Jason, offer a multi - faceted view of the Compson family's downfall and the changing South.
Some might argue that 'Junky' is his best. It gives a semi - autobiographical account of his experiences with drug addiction. It provides a raw and unflinching look at the world of drugs, the people involved in it, and the consequences. It's a very personal and honest portrayal which gives readers an insight into a part of Burroughs' life that greatly influenced his writing.
Many consider 'The Sound and the Fury' to be Faulkner's best novel. It's a complex and innovative work that delves deep into the decline of a southern aristocratic family. The use of multiple narrators, including a mentally disabled character, gives a unique perspective on time, memory, and the human condition.
Personally, I find 'All Tomorrow's Parties' to be the best. It has a really interesting take on the end of the world as we know it. The characters are on a journey through a world that is both familiar and alien, and Gibson's writing makes it a captivating read.
I think 'The Soft Machine' is a great one. It has Burroughs' unique style of cut - up writing which makes the reading experience really different. It's full of his wild imagination and exploration of various aspects of human existence.