List of 100 must read & best English Novels

LIST OF 100 MUST-READ NOVELS FOR LITERATURE LOVERS.

Dear Literature Lovers,

Here’s a list of 100 novels that every passionate reader should explore. From classics to modern masterpieces, these books explore love, adventure, and the complexities of life. So, how many of these remarkable novels have you read? Share your favorites in the comment box and let’s celebrate the magic of literature together..

1. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
A sharp commentary on society and romance, this novel follows Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates love, class, and her own prejudices against the enigmatic Mr. Darcy.

2. “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville
This epic tale of obsession chronicles Captain Ahab’s relentless pursuit of the great white whale, exploring profound themes of fate, revenge, and the human spirit.

3. “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë
A haunting love story set on the Yorkshire moors, it follows the turbulent relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, revealing the destructive power of passion.

4. “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens
A bildungsroman about the orphan Pip, whose life changes drastically when he receives a fortune from a mysterious benefactor, leading him to confront issues of loyalty and identity.

5. “1984” by George Orwell
A chilling dystopian vision of totalitarianism, where Big Brother watches every move, this novel warns of the dangers of oppression and the loss of individual freedom.

6. “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë
A tale of resilience and self-discovery, this novel follows the orphaned Jane Eyre as she seeks love and independence, confronting societal norms along the way.

7. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Set in the Roaring Twenties, this tragic love story unveils the dark side of the American Dream through the mysterious figure of Jay Gatsby and his obsession with Daisy Buchanan.

8. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
A powerful exploration of racial injustice in the American South, narrated by young Scout Finch as her father defends a black man accused of raping a white woman.

9. “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger
A classic tale of teenage angst, Holden Caulfield’s cynical narrative captures the struggles of adolescence and the desire for authenticity in a phony world.

10. “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley
A thought-provoking dystopia where society prioritizes stability and pleasure over individuality, this novel explores the implications of technology and conformity.

11. “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley
The groundbreaking tale of a scientist who creates a living being from dead matter, it delves into themes of ambition, morality, and the consequences of playing God.

12. “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde
A philosophical exploration of aesthetics and morality, this novel follows Dorian Gray, who remains youthful while his portrait bears the marks of his sins.

13. “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky (translated into English)
A psychological exploration of guilt and redemption, it follows Raskolnikov, a former student who commits murder and grapples with the consequences of his actions.

14. “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway
A poignant tale of an aging fisherman’s struggle against a giant marlin, it symbolizes human dignity and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

15. “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
A gripping allegory about a group of boys stranded on an island, this novel reveals the innate darkness of human nature and the breakdown of civilization.

16. “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens
Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, this historical novel explores themes of resurrection, sacrifice, and the struggle for justice through the lives of its characters.

17. “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain
A poignant coming-of-age story, Huck’s journey down the Mississippi River challenges social norms and addresses issues of race and morality in America.

18. “Anna Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy (translated into English)
A tragic tale of love and betrayal, Anna’s passionate affair with Count Vronsky leads to dire consequences, exploring themes of society, family, and the search for happiness.

19. “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck
This powerful novel follows the Joad family’s journey from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression, highlighting themes of hardship, resilience, and social justice.

20. “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath
A semi-autobiographical novel that explores mental illness and societal expectations through Esther Greenwood’s struggle for identity and self-worth.

21. “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller
A darkly comedic satire set during World War II, it critiques the absurdity of war and bureaucracy through the experiences of Captain Yossarian.

22. “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy
A haunting post-apocalyptic tale of a father and son’s journey for survival, it explores themes of love, hope, and the struggle to maintain humanity in dire circumstances.

23. “Middlemarch” by George Eliot
A richly detailed portrait of a provincial town, this novel interweaves the lives and ambitions of its characters, offering insights into marriage, politics, and social change.

24. “David Copperfield” by Charles Dickens
A semi-autobiographical novel that traces the life of David from childhood to adulthood, exploring themes of perseverance, friendship, and the importance of self-discovery.

25. “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker
A powerful narrative of African American women’s struggles in the early 20th century South, it chronicles Celie’s journey toward empowerment and self-acceptance.

26. “Beloved” by Toni Morrison
A haunting exploration of the legacy of slavery, it tells the story of Sethe, who is haunted by her past and the ghost of her dead daughter.

27. “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger
A classic tale of teenage angst, Holden Caulfield’s cynical narrative captures the struggles of adolescence and the desire for authenticity in a phony world.

28. “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
A coming-of-age story of Janie Crawford, this novel explores themes of love, independence, and self-discovery in the African American experience in the South.

29. “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel García Márquez (translated into English)
A multi-generational saga of the Buendía family, this magical realism masterpiece delves into themes of solitude, fate, and the cyclical nature of history.

30. “The Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens
A classic story of self-improvement and morality, it follows the life of Pip as he navigates the complexities of wealth, class, and his own identity.

31. “Sense and Sensibility” by Jane Austen
A tale of two sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, it contrasts reason and emotion in matters of love and marriage, reflecting societal expectations of the time.

32. “Emma” by Jane Austen
A witty exploration of matchmaking gone awry, this novel follows the headstrong Emma Woodhouse as she navigates friendship, love, and self-awareness.

33. “The Invisible Man” by H.G. Wells
A groundbreaking science fiction tale about a scientist who discovers the secret of invisibility, it delves into themes of isolation, identity, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

34. “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury
A dystopian vision of a future where books are banned and “firemen” burn them, it raises critical questions about censorship, knowledge, and the power of literature.

35. “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien
A charming fantasy adventure, it follows Bilbo Baggins as he embarks on a quest with a group of dwarves to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug.

36. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho (translated into English)
A philosophical tale about a shepherd named Santiago who embarks on a journey to discover his personal legend, exploring themes of destiny and self-discovery.

37. “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck
A poignant tale of friendship and dreams, it follows George and Lennie, two displaced ranch workers, as they seek a better life during the Great Depression.

38. “The Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakov (translated into English)
A satirical novel that blends fantasy and reality, it weaves together the story of the Devil visiting Soviet Moscow with the tale of Pontius Pilate.

39. “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy
A haunting post-apocalyptic tale of a father and son’s journey for survival, it explores themes of love, hope, and the struggle to maintain humanity in dire circumstances.

40. “The House of the Seven Gables” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
A gothic novel that explores themes of guilt, retribution, and family legacy through the story of a cursed New England family and their ancestral home.

41. “North and South” by Elizabeth Gaskell
A social novel that contrasts industrial and rural life, it follows Margaret Hale as she navigates class struggles and her growing feelings for mill owner John Thornton.

42. “The Time Machine” by H.G. Wells
A pioneering science fiction novel that introduces the concept of time travel, exploring social commentary on class disparity and human evolution.

43. “A Room with a View” by E.M. Forster
A coming-of-age story set in Edwardian England, it follows Lucy Honeychurch as she discovers love and independence while traveling in Italy and returning home.

44. “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett
A heartwarming tale of transformation and healing, it follows Mary Lennox, a lonely girl who discovers a hidden garden that changes her life and those around her.

45. “Waves” by Virginia Woolf
A groundbreaking modernist novel that presents the inner lives of six characters, exploring themes of identity, time, and the fluidity of human experience.

46. “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy
A haunting post-apocalyptic tale of a father and son’s journey for survival, it explores themes of love, hope, and the struggle to maintain humanity in dire circumstances.

47. “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame
A charming children’s classic that follows the adventures of Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger, celebrating friendship, nature, and the joys of life.

48. “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini
A moving story of friendship and redemption, it follows Amir as he navigates his complex relationship with Hassan against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s tumultuous history.

49. “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath
A semi-autobiographical novel that explores mental illness and societal expectations through Esther Greenwood’s struggle for identity and self-worth.

50. “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls
A memoir that recounts Walls’ unconventional upbringing with her eccentric parents, exploring themes of resilience, family, and the quest for a better life.

51. “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis
A beloved series of fantasy novels that transport readers to the magical land of Narnia, where children embark on epic adventures and confront moral dilemmas.

52. “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
A dystopian novel set in a totalitarian society where women are stripped of their rights, it follows Offred as she navigates oppression and strives for freedom.

53. “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy
A haunting post-apocalyptic tale of a father and son’s journey for survival, it explores themes of love, hope, and the struggle to maintain humanity in dire circumstances.

54. “The Three Musketeers” by Alexandre Dumas (translated into English)
An adventure novel that follows d’Artagnan and his friendship with the three musketeers as they fight for honor and justice in 17th-century France.

55. “A Farewell to Arms” by Ernest Hemingway
A poignant love story set against the backdrop of World War I, it follows the romance between an American ambulance driver and a British nurse, exploring themes of love and loss.

56. “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier
A gothic novel centered on the mysterious and haunting presence of Rebecca, the first wife of Maxim de Winter, as a young bride struggles to find her identity.

57. “The Age of Innocence” by Edith Wharton
A novel that explores the complexities of love and societal expectations in 1870s New York, following Newland Archer as he grapples with duty and desire.

58. “A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man” by James Joyce
A semi-autobiographical novel that chronicles Stephen Dedalus’s development as an artist, exploring themes of identity, religion, and the search for self-expression.

59. “Slaughterhouse-Five” by Kurt Vonnegut
A satirical novel that blends science fiction and autobiography, it follows Billy Pilgrim as he becomes “unstuck in time,” experiencing the bombing of Dresden and other moments in his life.

60. “The Fountainhead” by Ayn Rand
A philosophical novel that champions individualism through the story of Howard Roark, an architect who chooses to follow his own vision despite societal pressures.

61. “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy
A haunting post-apocalyptic tale of a father and son’s journey for survival, it explores themes of love, hope, and the struggle to maintain humanity in dire circumstances.

62. “The Brothers Karamazov” by Fyodor Dostoevsky (translated into English)
A philosophical novel that delves into faith, morality, and free will through the lives of the Karamazov brothers and their complex relationships with their father.

63. “Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell
A sweeping historical epic set during the American Civil War, it follows Scarlett O’Hara’s tumultuous journey through love and loss against the backdrop of a changing South.

64. “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel (translated into English)
A fantastical survival story about a young boy stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger, exploring themes of faith, resilience, and the will to survive.

65. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho (translated into English)
A philosophical tale about a shepherd named Santiago who embarks on a journey to discover his personal legend, exploring themes of destiny and self-discovery.

66. “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy
A haunting post-apocalyptic tale of a father and son’s journey for survival, it explores themes of love, hope, and the struggle to maintain humanity in dire circumstances.

67. “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” by Milan Kundera (translated into English)
A philosophical novel exploring love, politics, and existentialism through the lives of several characters during the Prague Spring of 1968.

68. “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy
A haunting post-apocalyptic tale of a father and son’s journey for survival, it explores themes of love, hope, and the struggle to maintain humanity in dire circumstances.

69. “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón (translated into English)
A literary mystery set in post-war Barcelona, it follows a young boy who discovers a forgotten book and uncovers a hidden past filled with intrigue and danger.

70. “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr
A beautifully woven tale of a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide during World War II, exploring the impact of war on innocence and humanity.

71. “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman (translated into English)
A heartwarming story about a curmudgeonly old man whose life is transformed by unexpected friendships, reminding us of the power of connection and love.

72. “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
A beloved coming-of-age story about the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate the challenges of growing up, family bonds, and societal expectations.

73. “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green
A poignant young adult novel about two teens with cancer who embark on a journey of love and self-discovery, confronting the fragility of life and the beauty of existence.

74. “Neverwhere” by Neil Gaiman
A dark fantasy that follows Richard Mayhew as he descends into the mysterious and dangerous world of London Below, filled with strange characters and perilous adventures.

75. “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt
A psychological thriller that explores the lives of a group of elite students at a New England college who become embroiled in a murder, raising questions about morality and loyalty.

76. “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay” by Michael Chabon
A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that follows two Jewish cousins who create a comic book hero during World War II, exploring themes of friendship, creativity, and identity.

77. “Cloud Atlas” by David Mitchell
A genre-bending novel that intertwines six narratives across different time periods, exploring the interconnectedness of humanity and the impact of individual actions on the future.

78. “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt
A Pulitzer Prize-winning coming-of-age novel that follows Theo Decker after he survives a terrorist attack in a museum, leading to a life intertwined with art, loss, and redemption.

79. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern
A magical tale of a mysterious circus that appears only at night, where two young illusionists are bound in a fierce competition, exploring themes of love, fate, and sacrifice.

80. “The Lovely Bones” by Alice Sebold
A haunting narrative told from the perspective of a murdered girl as she watches over her family and friends, exploring themes of grief, loss, and the quest for closure.

81.”Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
A poignant coming-of-age story set in the marshes of North Carolina, it follows Kya, a lonely girl who becomes a suspect in a murder investigation, exploring themes of isolation and resilience.

82. “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel
A beautifully written post-apocalyptic novel that follows a traveling theater troupe in a world ravaged by a pandemic, exploring the significance of art and human connection.

83. “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah
A gripping tale of two sisters in Nazi-occupied France, it explores the resilience of women during war and the lengths they will go to protect their loved ones.

84. “Educated” by Tara Westover
A powerful memoir about a woman who grows up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho and eventually escapes to learn about the world through education.

85. “The Martian” by Andy Weir
A gripping survival story of an astronaut stranded on Mars, it blends science and humor as Mark Watney uses his ingenuity to survive and communicate with Earth.

86. “The Immortalists” by Chloe Benjamin
A thought-provoking novel that explores the lives of four siblings who learn the dates of their deaths, examining how this knowledge shapes their choices and relationships.

87. “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini
A powerful tale of friendship and resilience between two Afghan women across generations, it explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the struggle for female empowerment.

88. “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams
A humorous science fiction adventure that follows Arthur Dent as he travels through space with an alien researcher, filled with witty commentary on life and the universe.

89. “The Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver
A multi-narrative novel that follows an evangelical family in the Belgian Congo, exploring themes of cultural clash, colonialism, and the consequences of missionary zeal.

90. “Circe” by Madeline Miller
A retelling of the story of Circe, the enchantress from Greek mythology, exploring themes of identity, power, and transformation in a world dominated by gods and mortals.

91. “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller
A reimagining of the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, it beautifully intertwines love, honor, and the devastating impact of war in ancient Greece.

92. “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson (translated into English)
A gripping thriller that follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander as they investigate a decades-old disappearance in Sweden.

93. “An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones
A powerful exploration of love, race, and injustice as a newlywed couple’s life is upended when the husband is wrongfully imprisoned.

94. “Everything I Never Told You” by Celeste Ng
A poignant family drama that explores the impact of expectations and secrets in a Chinese-American family after the death of their eldest daughter.

95. “The Overstory” by Richard Powers
A sweeping narrative that interweaves the lives of several characters and their relationships with trees, exploring themes of environmentalism and the interconnectedness of life.

96. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
A unique narrative set in Nazi Germany, narrated by Death, it follows a young girl who finds solace in stealing books, exploring the power of words and human connection.

97. “My Dark Vanessa” by Kate Elizabeth Russell
A haunting exploration of a young woman’s complicated relationship with her former teacher, raising questions about consent, trauma, and the consequences of abuse.

98. “The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett
A captivating story of a brother and sister who navigate their lives after being forced out of their childhood home, exploring themes of family, love, and forgiveness.

99. “Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee
An epic multigenerational saga that follows a Korean family in Japan, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the impact of history on personal lives.

100. “Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi
A powerful historical novel that traces the lineage of two half-sisters and their descendants, exploring the legacy of slavery and the impact of cultural identity.