Reading is not just a way to pass time — it means experiencing other lives, understanding different ways of thinking, and gaining a new perspective on the world. There are novels in world literature that, even after many years, do not lose their popularity and remain on readers’ lists. These works stand out for their sales figures, classic value, and cultural impact. The novels below are frequently recommended by avid readers and hold an important place in the history of literature.
“Don Quixote” — Miguel de Cervantes
Miguel de Cervantes’ novel Don Quixote has been translated into nearly all European languages and is considered one of the most popular books in world literature. After this work, the concept of “quixotism” emerged in philosophy, and many books were written on this topic. Alonso Quijano, a 50-year-old aristocrat living in the region of La Mancha, becomes obsessed with books about knights. He reads so much that he eventually goes mad. However, he is only insane regarding knightly matters; in other areas, he remains an extremely educated nobleman. Quijano imitates the knights he reads about in his books. He cleans the armor, sword, and other equipment inherited from his grandfather, saddles his skinny horse, and sets out on his journey. He then deceives his neighbor, Sancho Panza, promising to make him a governor, and appoints himself a squire. He declares a peasant girl his beloved. And everything begins from there…
“War and Peace” — Lev Tolstoy
In world literature, the famous Russian writer L.N. Tolstoy’s War and Peace, dedicated to the Russo-French wars of 1804–1807 and 1812–1813, fully reflects the brilliance of the author’s artistic genius. This novel is considered one of the pinnacles of 19th-century realist literature due to its patriotic pathos, socio-philosophical content affirming the decisive role of the people in history, elevated literary language, epic narrative style, multi-layered composition, profound psychological analysis, and the richness of its characters.
“1984” — George Orwell
The work of the eminent English writer George Orwell (1903–1950) is famous worldwide. In particular, his novel 1984 and the novella Animal Farm are considered some of the most remarkable examples of literature and writing as a form of resistance against totalitarian thinking and despotic governance in the last century. Both works have been at the center of literary and political discourse since their creation.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” — Harper Lee
A very powerful and dramatic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird confronts readers with themes of compassion and cruelty, love and hatred. The life story of a little girl from Alabama has been published in over 18 million copies and translated into 40 languages worldwide. Harper Lee always described her book as a simple story of love. The novel is considered a masterpiece of American literature. In To Kill a Mockingbird, the author recounts unforgettable memories from her childhood. The book was first published in 1960, became a bestseller the same year, and received high praise from critics. In 1961, it was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, and later a film adaptation was made.
“Pride and Prejudice” — Jane Austen
The novel revolves around the importance of marrying for love, at a time when marriage for wealth and social status was a pressing issue, and most unions were carried out under societal pressure. Pride and Prejudice quickly captivated readers, gaining fame not only among the general public but also among literary scholars, securing top positions in the lists of “most beloved books.” It has become one of the most cherished novels in English literature, with over 20 million copies sold. To preserve the legacy of this famous novel, numerous films have been made over the centuries, and both amateur and professional dramatic adaptations have been published. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is engaging and deeply relevant. The events unfold in a romantic, gentle flow, and the intelligent, proud, and well-rounded heroine, Miss Bennet, serves as an excellent role model for young women.
“Crime and Punishment” — Fyodor Dostoevsky
The student Raskolnikov decides to take his first steps toward his goal by killing a pawnbroker to get some money. He reasons that with the pawnbroker’s money, hundreds or even thousands of good deeds and initiatives could be accomplished: “Perhaps hundreds, thousands of people could be set on the right path, countless families saved from poverty, collapse, immorality, or venereal disease. Kill her, take her money, and then dedicate yourself to all humanity and the greater good!... Can a single, small crime not be washed away by thousands of virtuous deeds? One life replaced by thousands of lives — lives saved from decay, decline, and destruction…”
The real tragedy unfolds after the murder committed for noble intentions: even though Raskolnikov does not want to feel guilt, the emotions, anxieties, and moral turmoil he experiences bring him to the brink of madness. The plot of Crime and Punishment, one of Dostoevsky’s finest novels, keeps the reader in constant tension.
“Les Misérables” — Victor Hugo
The immortal work of the great Hugo: Les Misérables. Another genius, Lev Tolstoy, called it “the greatest novel of French literature.” This masterpiece is an inseparable part of the author’s boundless sorrow. Translated into nearly every language in the world, it has brought eternal fame to its creator. Les Misérables was written for everyone, and even today it continues to reach people widely, for it has the power to enrich anyone spiritually. Without Les Misérables, world literature would truly seem much poorer.
“Robinson Crusoe” — Daniel Defoe
The hero, miraculously surviving a shipwreck, is overjoyed when he sets foot on land. However, his joy is short-lived, as he finds himself on a deserted island. He struggles with all his strength to survive. Yet… he remains alone on the island for 28 years. On one side is the wild nature, on the other, pirates… He faces all challenges on his own. To avoid going insane and losing his ability to speak, he talks to parrots. He tracks time using the diary he keeps, recording everything that happens to him each day. One day, he encounters the island’s native inhabitants. Communicating with these people, who have no connection to the civilized world, proves extremely difficult… This novel is one of the finest works about strong will and endurance. The plot is inspired by real-life events.
“Jane Eyre” — Charlotte Brontë
One of the most famous romantic stories in European literature and world cinema. The book tells a compelling and dramatic story about true feelings and loyalty to ideals, disappointed hopes, and nobility. It is a tale of love that does not conform to time, circumstances, or the blows of fate. If life does not smile upon you, should you simply wait for it? Will this moving story end happily? Whatever happens, the heroine’s faith in love and compassion, humanity and justice, personal dignity, and the strength of the spirit helps her face all trials with courage and integrity.
“Wuthering Heights” — Emily Brontë
Wuthering Heights is one of the most famous love novels in world literature. Over the years, its popularity has not diminished; on the contrary, it has grown. Dozens of films have been made based on the novel. Its plot has also inspired composers to create songs and ballads, and even episodes from Wuthering Heights appear in Stephanie Meyer’s famous Twilight saga. According to rankings, the novel is considered the most romantic book of all time.
However, do not think this is simply a beautiful love story with a happy ending. It is an extraordinary book: the plot brings sudden tragic consequences and unexpected twists… Mysterious and inexplicable forces of nature stir such passions in the hearts of the characters that even the most prepared reader is shaken.
“Anna Karenina” — Lev Tolstoy
A famous novel that has sparked much controversy. The author begins with the problems of a single household and family, gradually addressing the challenges faced by all of Russia. The story centers on a woman whose emotions are tangled and who has lost her way in life. She has everything: a husband, a son, a home, wealth, and a name. Yet, she renounces it all, throwing herself into a whirlwind of love and complicating her own life.
The character of Anna Karenina is highly contradictory. Readers feel sympathy for her because her life is in turmoil, yet they also feel anger and disapproval because she abandons her son for her passion.
“The Picture of Dorian Gray” — Oscar Wilde
The Picture of Dorian Gray is Oscar Wilde’s most scandalous and successful work… In his own words, “A story of a soul”! Even though nearly 120 years have passed since its publication, it continues to captivate readers and filmmakers alike. Around thirty films have been made based on this novel.
The story, considered a masterpiece of English literature, tells the tragic fate of a young man who sells his soul to the devil to remain eternally beautiful. The novel is rich with aphorisms and philosophical reflections. Under the influence of his older friend, Lord Henry, Dorian Gray becomes a reckless and immoral young man without boundaries. He exchanges his morality for eternal outward beauty. His body remains unchanged, while his soul gradually decays.
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