Ready to explore the world of Best Classic Novels? Classic novels are like fine wine. Whether you’re an experienced reader or a new reader, these classic gems are a must-read for everyone. These books have stood the test of time and won the hearts of millions because of heartwarming love stories, epic adventures or science fiction. In this article, I will give you a list of the 10 best classic novels. So get ready to experience some incredible stories of history. I promise you won’t regret it.
Best Classic Novels
Over time many legendary authors wrote some best classic novels, but it’s not possible to talk about all of them. So we have just made a short list of the 10 best classic novels. These timeless novels are some legendary author’s remarkable creations. So let’s check out 10 best classic novels everyone should read –
Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice
- Author: Jane Austen
- Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Novel, Literature
- Publish Date: January 28, 1813
- Pages: 279
Pride and Prejudice is one of the original rom-coms. This novel follows a sharp-tongued young woman Elizabeth Bennet who is figuring out love, class, and her family’s favorite hobby matchmaking. In this novel, Jane Austen’s characters are rich and delightful, particularly Mr. Darcy the brooding hero.
You can always count on a good romance to bring that delicious tension and Pride and Prejudice is no exception — it’s filled with social commentary, sharp humor, and of course romance. And you’ll see Elizabeth’s famous stand against money, “I’m not interested in your money,” that seems all too relevant today. At times you’ll laugh, at others, you’ll cry, and occasionally you’ll roll your eyes at the ridiculousness of 19th-century social norms. Because of its unique rom-com style still today, it’s one of the best classic novels.
Moby-Dick
- Author: Herman Melville
- Genres: Classics, Fiction, Novel, Literature
- Publish Date: October 18, 1851
- Pages: 720
Now, I know what you are thinking: Moby-Dick? Really? Hear me out. Yes, it’s a big whale of a read, but it’s more than just a story about a big fish. It’s a deep dive into themes of obsession, fate and the human place in the universe.
Melville’s prose can be a struggle, but the philosophical undercurrent and a slice of 19th-century whaling life make it worth the effort. And you’ll leave with some great quotes that can be thrown around on the fly, like “Call me Ishmael.” It’s the literary equivalent of saying “What’s up?” to let you know you’re down with the literacy.
1984
- Author: George Orwell
- Genres: Science Fiction, Novel, Classics
- Publish Date: June 8, 1949
- Pages: 368
If you think your social media stalking is intense, you haven’t read 1984. Orwell’s terrible dystopian nightmare where Big Brother is always watching. Themes of surveillance, misinformation, and the lack of privacy are relevant today. You will be thinking that your smartphone is a spy!
The protagonist is Winston Smith and he works in the Ministry of Truth, rewriting history so it conforms to the party line. Anyone who’s ever felt trapped by social norms will relate to his struggle against oppression and desire to be their person. Be prepared for a bleak ending—no happily ever after here. It’s one of the best classic novels of all time.
To Kill a Mockingbird
- Author: Harper Lee
- Genres: Novel, Historical Fiction
- Publish Date: July 11, 1960
- Pages: 323
To Kill a Mockingbird is like that one piece of wisdom your grandma gives you in the form of a sad, compelling story about racism and growing up. Set in the Deep South during the 1930s, this novel follows young Scout Finch as she grows up and faces the complexities of human nature. Because her father, Atticus Finch, defended a black man who is unjustly accused of raping a white woman.
This novel is a great reminder of how important it is to have empathy and stand up for what’s right, no matter what. Lee’s storytelling is like a child’s simple, honest, and beautiful but important truth. That’s one of those books that will make you laugh, cry and think twice about your moral compass. You’ll also never see mockingbirds the same way again. This one is my favorite and one of the best classic novels of all time.
The Great Gatsby
- Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Genres: Novel, Historical Fiction, Romance
- Publish Date: April 10, 1925
- Pages: 180
Ah, the Roaring Twenties! When you buy a ticket to The Great Gatsby, you get to experience Jazz, flapper, unrequited love world. The story is about a mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby, who hosts grand parties in the hope of reuniting with his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. Spoiler: It doesn’t end well.
Fitzgerald’s prose is lush and poetic, a vivid picture of wealth and disillusionment. The novel mocks the American Dream, demonstrating that luxury can be an empty vessel. This is a no-brainer if you’re into tragic love stories. It’s also practically a rite of passage for any well-read person who wants to state that they are well-read.
Brave New World
- Author: Aldous Huxley
- Genres: Classics, Novel, Science Fiction
- Publish Date: January 1, 1932
- Pages: 268
Brave New World is like a downer, and 1984 is like a dystopian carnival ride: interesting, and terrifying. Aldous Huxley imagines a future where happiness is engineered at the expense of individuality. People are genetically modified, conditioned by others to fit special roles, and take a drug called soma to escape their feelings.
The novel raises big questions about freedom and happiness: Is it worth sacrificing who we are for a comfortable life? Huxley’s biting satire makes you reflect on our world and the role of technology in our happiness. By the end, you might find yourself questioning whether that new app you downloaded is a blessing or just another way to keep us numb. If you read this you will know why it’s one of the best classic novels.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
- Author: Oscar Wilde
- Genres: Classics, Novel, Fiction, Horror
- Publish Date: June 1, 1890
- Pages: 272
The Picture of Dorian Gray is just the kind of novel that makes you ask if you’ve got it or not. A young man of such incredible beauty is enthralled by a painting of himself. He wishes the portrait would age instead of him but it does not end well for him.
It is quite interesting how Wilde explores vanity, moral corruption, and the cost of eternal youth. The writing is razor sharp, with wit and humor in the language, but it’s also tough with some heavy themes. Despite how horrifying and fascinating it is to watch Dorian sink into hedonism, you’ll never forget it once you turn the last page. Be careful, this one might have you glance nervously at your reflection.
Wuthering Heights
- Author: Emily Bronte
- Genres: Classics, Novel, Fiction, Literature
- Publish Date: December 1, 1847
- Pages: 464
Wuthering Heights is a story of toxic love. It follows the troubled affairs of Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw which are full of cruelty, revenge, and some sort of ‘extra’ love.
The main characters’ troubled feelings create an excessively striking atmosphere. If you want something dark and intense, you’ve come to the right place. Just remember- Unless your beach is a moody, stormy one, it’s not a light beach read.
Jane Eyre
- Author: Charlotte Bronte
- Genres: Classics, Novel, Historical Fiction, Literature
- Publish Date: October 16, 1847
- Pages: 532
If you’re looking for a strong female protagonist, other than just waiting for a prince to save her, then Jane Eyre is what you will need. An orphaned girl Jane is brought up harshly and one day becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall where she meets the mysterious Mr. Rochester. Spoiler alert: This is not a conventional relationship.
Charlotte Bronte’s novel is a perfect blend of love, morality, and independence. This story will make you turn the pages to the next chapter. Even today, Jane’s quest for self-discovery and her fight against patriarchy are the elements that make her a character important to read. Plus there’s just the right amount of mystery and romance to keep you hooked. That’s why it is easily one of the best classic novels of all time.
The Catcher in the Rye
- Author: J.D. Salinger
- Genres: Classics, Novel, Young Adult, Fiction
- Publish Date: July 16, 1951
- Pages: 277
J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye is about a teenager named Holden Caulfield, who is lost and frustrated. He wanders around New York City after being kicked out of several schools. He wants to be the ‘catcher in the rye’ and save kids from the harsh realities of life. Salinger’s work is relatable and often funny. The stories in this book are the challenges of growing up, and make you think about your own experiences. This is one of the best classic novels for young people.
Best Classic Novels: Final Talk
These are the 10 best classic novels everyone should read. These best classic novels will take you on epic adventures, into the minds of some of the greatest writers ever from human civilization. When you add these best classic novels to your reading list, you are not just reading stories, you are meeting history, culture, and powerful wisdom. Therefore, get one of these best classic novels and take yourself into its world. A great book is never complete, it stays with you and your conversations. Happy reading!
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