Classic Literature Foundation in different times filled with outstanding geniuses of their peoples and their era. We love them for the opportunity to plunge into the world of the distant past, so classical literature remains popular at all times.
Classical literature: general characteristics
It happens that a certain mood makes us pay attention to classic books, because the most famous works are often the best. Not in vain, because it was these best works that inspired others famous authors- representatives of subsequent popular generations in literature. Golden classics, an eternal series of books, will be a salvation for those who are not seduced by modern literary works, because it was the authors from this list of classics who were genre pioneers long before the postmodern era arrived, and literary world flared up with all the genre diversity that was difficult to even imagine in the conventional 19th century. Nevertheless, all this became possible precisely thanks to the classics, as evidenced by numerous reviews.
Books of world classics: list
As is known, classical works- these are not just books, but also markers of the era, which are considered exemplary examples of how the best writers saw their literary heritage. In addition, most often the problems of classical works resonate with the worldview of an entire generation, which makes the mass reader love these books with all his soul. This is also the reason that these books are often included in the school curriculum. different countries, because such works help to understand what a whole cross-section of society was thinking and breathing in a specific time frame.
This list contains just some of the best examples of classic literature. But if you are wondering what to read from the literature included in the golden fund of world culture, then here you will definitely find something for yourself.
IN modern world There are fewer and fewer people reading. Sad but true. If previously meeting a person with a book on public transport was something in the order of things, now it is a real rarity. Gadgets are crowding out literature, leaving it somewhere in the margins. After all, it’s much easier to turn on a toy or climb into social networks than to immerse yourself in a complex fantasy world. Reading has become work, not accessible entertainment. It's sad. After all, books form a point of view on the world, religion, politics, art, love. They allow you to broaden your horizons and gain experience from the mistakes of others, and foster humanity and compassion. None computer game or Facebook won’t do this.
Therefore, to expand the boundaries of your own consciousness, you need to read. At least world-famous works, the so-called classic books, which everyone should read.
Russian literature
Not everyone can wade through the jungle of ancient Greek or Roman cultural heritage and understand the works of Socrates, Aristotle or Plutarch. Therefore, it is better to start with what is closer in mentality: books of Russian classics that everyone should read. These can be works known since school curriculum, but perceived completely differently in adulthood, when no one forces you to read under pressure. So are books recognized as modern classics.
"Eugene Onegin"
First love, mental anguish, jealousy, choice - all this is on the pages famous novel in verse. And what previously eluded will sparkle with new colors and make you empathize with the heroes.
In addition, the novel perfectly conveys the spirit of its time and describes the realistic life of the nobility.
"Crime and Punishment"
One of the first psychological novels to enjoy worldwide popularity was written by Dostoevsky back in 1866. This work is included in the list of “100 Classics Everyone Should Read.”
Anyone can decide that they have the right to administer justice, but what is the cost of these actions? Is it internal freedom or crime? The lines between evil and good are so blurred that it is easy to slip. And the hand will be given by the one who himself is considered to be beyond the bounds.
"Fathers and Sons"
Turgenev’s novel touches on the issue of generations: “they are not like us” and the desire to prove that the new is better than the old. However, the ideological struggle fades when feelings come into play. What will the main character choose: following ideals or love for a woman, the desire to change the world and rebuild it or quiet life in your home village? After all, maybe the ideals of fathers are not as bad as they seem.
"The Master and Margarita"
If you are interested in more contemporary novels with elements of mysticism and fantasy, pay attention to Bulgakov. This is a classic that everyone should read. It has everything: partings and meetings, atrocities and retribution, execution and resurrection. Several parallel lines, one more interesting than the other, ambiguous characters... The novel has been filmed several times and is based on theatrical performances. And debates around the meaning and main characters are still ongoing.
"Quiet Don"
Which everyone should read are so varied and diverse that you can find something to like. Those who are interested in history will be interested in this work by Mikhail Sholokhov. Together with the main characters, the reader will live through the First World War and Civil War, will see events through the eyes of the participants.
“Not on the lists”
The story by Boris Vasiliev tells about a simple Russian guy who, instead of the easy path, chose the difficult one and put his civic duty to the Motherland first.
"We"
Now the dystopian genre has become popular, but few people remember that Russian authors have works of this kind.
However, such a work was written by Yevgeny Zamyatin back in 1920 and has not yet lost its relevance. It is also on the list of “classics that everyone should read.”
Thirty-second century. A society with strict totalitarian control over everything and everyone. There are no names - numbers instead. There is no freedom of choice, even in clothes - instead of it there is a uniform. There is no personal space. Even in own home it is impossible to find salvation from the all-seeing eye - glass walls They don't hide anything. There should be no place for love or attachment to anything. But what to do if they arise? Either inform, or join the opponents of the existing system. However, can a small group resist a huge and well-functioning machine?
Foreign literature
"Romeo and Juliet"
A young girl and a young guy from opposing families should have a priori hated each other, but instead they fell in love. Instead of obediently following their parents' will, they decided to go against tradition and fight for their happiness.
"Dracula"
The cult book has been filmed several times, but nothing can overshadow the impression of the printed source.
Main character travels to Transylvania to sell a house to his client - a strange, eccentric old man, Dracula. Not listening to the warnings of random fellow travelers, the young man finds himself in the midst of terrible events, which he himself initiated. But who could have guessed that his client was the real Evil. Miraculously escaping from captivity, the young man returns home. But the nightmare does not stop even in London.
"1984"
George Orwell's work is suspiciously reminiscent of Zamyatin's book. The same atmosphere of hopelessness, the same attempts to break out of control, doomed to failure in advance.
In a world where every step of a person is known almost in advance and the future is predetermined, it is difficult to resist the system. It's difficult and scary. What happens to those who go against the grain? They disappear... And then they appear brainwashed. The main character tried to be like everyone else, allowing himself only a little dissent. Maybe because he knew a little more than others. Meeting an unusual girl completely changed his life. She brought new colors into it and became a catalyst for many events.
"The Little Prince"
The list of “books - classics - that everyone should read” includes this one. unusual fairy tale for adults. Saint-Exupery talks about the adventures of the Little Prince, about his acquaintance with the Earth, but at the same time he talks about more important things: love, friendship, fidelity.
"The Three Musketeers"
The adventure novel by Alexandre Dumas is known to many thanks to numerous film adaptations. But nothing can better convey the atmosphere of medieval France than a book. On its pages, beloved characters come to life again and details that the films are silent about are revealed.
Young D'Artagnan comes to Paris from the provinces in search of better life and finds her by enrolling military service to the privileged part. And at the same time, true friends for many years, no less loyal and insidious enemies, and, of course, adventure.
"The Catcher in the Rye"
Salinger's novel is considered by some, but not every teenager can understand it.
The narration comes from the perspective of an ordinary seventeen-year-old guy Holden, a student at a closed American school. One day he was kicked out for his behavior and had to spend several days in New York alone.
It's hard to say what this novel is about. About everything and nothing in particular. The hero reflects on the meaning of life, his place in it, his goals and aspirations. His thoughts are mostly depressive. However, the story pulls you in and doesn’t let go until the end.
For children
There is no point in reading or giving to younger children school age complex works, as many parents like to do. It is unlikely that they will be able to understand and appreciate them. In addition, there is a lot of excellent literature designed specifically for young readers. So what are the books (classics) that every child should read?
"The Wizard of the Emerald City"
The story of the adventures of little Ellie and Totoshka will not leave you indifferent. A girl who, by chance, found herself in magical land, adventures full of dangers await. Road from yellow brick turned out to be not as simple as it seemed at first. However, new friends will help you overcome all difficulties and find your way home.
"The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"
Restless Tom brings nothing but problems to his family, he is such a restless and inventive boy. He can even turn punishment to his advantage. Tom manages to find adventures even where there couldn't be any! But together with his true friend He is able to overcome any difficulties with his help. Even bring out the scary Injun Joe.
"The Adventures of Dunno and His Friends"
In the Flower City, everyone does their own thing: Znayka invents, Vintik and Shpuntik repair, Tube draws, Doctor Pilyulkin treats... Only Dunno is idle and composes fables. But he has the most beautiful hat and tie - no one else has them. Due to the carelessness of Dunno, the remaining residents Flower City often get into trouble. But he’s not out of malice... And he’ll try to correct what he’s done.
For teenagers
The list of “books (classics) that every teenager should read” includes works recognized as the “golden fund” of literature.
"Lord of the Flies"
Golding's novel should appeal to those who love young adult books. It is one of the first books written in this direction, and its echoes can be found in many authors.
A group of boys miraculously survived a plane crash and ended up on a desert island. At first everything was fine: the sea, palm trees, hunting, fruits, hope of salvation, organization of life in the image and likeness of Robinson Cruz. Two boys wanting to be leaders and realizing there can only be one. From a tiny spark of hostility, a whole bonfire of hatred flared up, in which every idea of humanity burned out.
"Treasure Island"
Pirates, treasures, dangers at every turn - this is not what the young man was looking for when he searched the guest's chest in search of money. But in addition to what he was looking for, the young man finds a tattered map of the island, where the location of the treasure is marked. Having enlisted the help of his older comrades, he goes in search of treasure. But pirates go to the island with them... Who will get the treasure found?
Modern classics
"Don't let me go"
There are books (classics) that everyone should read. And this is one of them. created a stunningly atmospheric work. At first it’s not entirely clear what we’re talking about we're talking about, but then it’s impossible to tear yourself away, even realizing the horror of what’s happening on the pages.
These children grew up without knowing their parents, without knowing love, but convinced that they had a special purpose. They were told about this since childhood, and they got used to considering it something ordinary, not strange and not scary.
"Chocolate"
This is very unusual story from the English writer Joanne Harris. Mystical, beautiful, with an indescribable feeling of immersion in the Middle Ages, although the novel takes place in the early 1960s.
A new resident arrives in a small French town with her daughter. She opens a shop of sweets, which she prepares herself according to old recipes. Everyone who tries them will definitely come back for the delicacy again, and this looks very suspicious in the eyes of the local priest. And a woman is not as simple as she seems. She and her daughter are hiding a big secret.
"Perfumer. The story of a killer"
The story of a genius who turned into a monster, wanting to create the perfect scent. Even if this meant committing a crime, the main character did not doubt for a minute. What does the life of a young innocent girl mean? Nothing. She is just the desired ingredient in a complex perfume composition.
After the film adaptation was released, the book produced the effect of a bomb exploding: stunned, disgusted, delighted. There were no indifferent people.
Instead of an afterword
Classic books everyone should read educated person, it is difficult to compile into a list limited by any framework. There are too many worthy works, all people have different tastes, so you just need to read and look for your own, not limiting yourself to just “chewing gum for the brain.” Books that make you think and leave a mark on your memory are worth your time.
Photo – pixabay.com
1. Remember the pillar of Russian literature
Pushkin and Lermontov? Ugh, corny! We finally grow up when we forget school grievances and reread "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy- an incredibly large-scale and deep reflection on the hidden springs of history, Napoleon, Kutuzov, as well as love and the motives of human actions.
+1 : Continue with " Anna Karenina" Confusion of feelings, a scandal in a noble family and the opportunity to understand whether Leo Tolstoy was a misogynist.
2. Look at people who don't change over time
IN "The Master and Margarita" by Mikhail Bulgakov satirical scenes of the adventures of Satan and his retinue in Soviet Moscow are interspersed with the story of the arrest and execution of Christ. There is also room for the love of the titular Master and Margarita. The novel hooks you in such a way that you then want to re-read it again and again.
+1 : « Heart of a Dog "- Bulgakov's story about how Professor Preobrazhensky conducts an experiment on the yard Sharik and turns him into a person. In post-revolutionary Moscow, the resulting semi-criminal element instantly found a place.
Still from the film “Anna Karenina” (2012)
3. Get into the deep jungle of psychology
"Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky considered a classic psychological novel. Student Raskolnikov kills the old pawnbroker to prove that he is a “superman.” Pangs of conscience ruin the lives of him and those around him.
+1 : Novel Oscar Wilde « The Portrait of Dorian Gray"will show how easy it is to slide downhill, ruining your own soul. The main character falls under the spell of a vicious friend, and his whole nasty essence is reflected in the portrait, keeping him young.
4. Be horrified by perverted individuals
"Perfume" by Patrick Suskind tells about a young man who, not having his own scent, decides to take it away from others. A frightening yet compelling combination of the beautiful and the disgusting in a superbly written text.
+1 : IN "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov the hero does everything to seduce a 12-year-old girl. The excellent language of the book did not make it any less controversial - there were many attempts to ban the novel due to its obscene content.
Still from the film “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer” (2006)
5. Believe in love with a happy ending
In the book Jane Austen "Pride and Prejudice" Elizabeth Bennett and Mark Darcy will be able to cope with their negative impulses and look at each other with an open mind. Dear old England, subtle irony, interesting characters And current topics for all time.
+1 : "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë shows strong female character and a vivid confrontation between independent individuals who cannot decide to love. Touching, sad, heartfelt and with an unpleasant secret in the attic of the family house.
6. Understand the moral of the story
Fairy tale parable « Little Prince» Antoine de Saint-Exupéry will teach many important things about friendship and love, loyalty and duty, beauty and intolerance of evil. “We are responsible for those we have tamed,” remember?
+1 : Book Richard Bach's "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" about a seagull learning life and the art of flight, reads like a hymn to self-improvement and self-sacrifice, a manifesto of boundless spiritual freedom.
Still from the TV series “Jane Eyre” (2006)
7. Hate war and its consequences
"Three Comrades" by Erich Maria Remarque talks about the friendship of three men and tragic love one of them. The characters are likable, action-packed, and the story is perfectly wrapped up with a mood that's very similar to John Green's bestseller The Fault in Our Stars.
+1 : The filth and inhumanity of war are perfectly shown in the novel Ernest Hemingway "For Whom the Bell Tolls". All life is a combination of love, courage, self-sacrifice, moral duty and the value of other people's existence.
8. Immerse yourself in dystopia
In the book Ray Bradbury "Fahrenheit 451" Firemen burn books so the government can keep society under control. Scary world, interesting thoughts, intriguing story and a strong ending.
+1 : U George Orwell we will recommend " Animal Farm"(after all, you couldn’t have still not read his “1984”?). In a humorous fable, a humble farm gradually turns into a totalitarian society. These pigs are scary to watch.
Look for the continuation of the list tomorrow.
Until new books!
All the romantic pathos that shrouded the Middle Ages is presented in Ivanhoe. Valiant Knights, beautiful ladies, castle sieges and the political subtleties of vassal relations - all this found a place in Walter Scott's novel.
In many ways, it was his creation that contributed to the romanticization of the Middle Ages. The author described historical events that affect the period in English history after the Third Crusade. Of course, there were serious artistic improvisations and fiction, but this only made the story more fascinating and beautiful.
It was impossible not to include in this selection the most famous creation of Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol. For many schoolchildren, studying “Dead Souls” is the highlight of their literature lessons.
Nikolai Gogol is one of the few classics who knew how to write about the problems of bourgeois life and Russia as a whole in such a sarcastic and direct tone. There is neither the epic heaviness of Tolstoy nor the unhealthy psychologism of Dostoevsky. Reading the work is easy and pleasant. However, it is unlikely that anyone will deny him the depth and subtlety of the phenomena he noticed.
The adventure novel “The Headless Horseman” is multi-layered: detective and love motives are intertwined in it. Plot intricacies create intrigue and keep you in suspense until the very end. last pages books. Who is this headless horseman? A ghost, a figment of the heroes’ imagination or someone’s insidious trick? You are unlikely to sleep until you get the answer to this question.
Charles Dickens was extremely popular during his lifetime. People were waiting for him next novels in much the same way as we are now waiting for the release of some “Transformers”. The educated English public loved his books for their inimitable style and plot dynamism.
"Posthumous Notes" Pickwick Club" - Dickens's funniest work. The adventures of English snobs, who proclaimed themselves explorers of human souls, are full of absurd and comical situations. Social issues are certainly present here, but they are presented in such a simple form that it’s hard to love English classic After reading it, it's simply impossible.
"Madame Bovary" is rightfully considered one of greatest novels world classics. This title in no way detracts from the fascination of Flaubert’s creation - a challenging story love adventures Emma Bovary is bold and daring. After the publication of the novel, the writer was even brought to justice for insulting morality.
The psychological naturalism that permeates the novel allowed Flaubert to clearly reveal a problem that is relevant in any era - the convertibility of love and money.
The most famous work Oscar Wilde touches a nerve with his deeply nuanced portrayal of the protagonist. Dorian Gray, an esthete and a snob, has extreme beauty, which contrasts with the internal ugliness that develops throughout the plot. You can spend hours reveling in watching Gray's moral decline, allegorically reflected in the visual change in his portrait.
"American Tragedy" - the wrong side American dream. The desire for wealth, respect, position in society, and money is common to all people, but for most, the path to the top is closed by default for various reasons.
Clyde Griffiths is a man from the lower classes who is trying with all his might to break into high society. He is ready to do anything for his dream. But society, with its ideals of success as an absolute life goal, is itself a catalyst for moral violations. Clyde ends up breaking the law to achieve his goals.
To Kill a Mockingbird is an autobiographical novel. Harper Lee described her childhood memories. The result is a story with an anti-racist message, written in simple and accessible language. Reading the book is useful and interesting; it can be called a moral textbook.
Not long ago, a continuation of the novel called “Go Set a Watchman” was published. In it, the images of the characters in the writer’s classic work are turned inside out so much that cognitive dissonance cannot be avoided when reading.
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Books are one of the greatest legacies of humanity. And if before the invention of printing, books were available only to a select caste of people, then books began to spread everywhere. Each new generation gave birth to talented writers who created world masterpieces of literature.
Great works have reached us, but we are reading the classics less and less. The literary portal Buklya presents to your attention 100 best books of all times and peoples, which are a must read. On this list you will find not only classic works, but also modern books that have left their mark on history quite recently.
1 Mikhail Bulgakov
A novel that does not fit into the usual literary framework. This story mixes philosophy and everyday life, theology and fantasy, mysticism and realism, mysticism and lyricism. And all these components are intertwined with skillful hands into a solid and bright story, which can turn your world upside down. And yes, this is Bookly’s favorite book!
2
Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky
A book from the school curriculum that is difficult to understand in the tender teenage years. The writer showed duality human soul when black intertwines with white. The story is about Raskolnikov, who is going through an internal struggle.
3
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
A small story that contains a huge life meaning. A story that makes you look at familiar things differently.
4
Mikhail Bulgakov
An amazingly subtle and sarcastic story about people and their vices. The story is about an experiment that proved that you can make a human out of an animal, but you cannot take an “animal” out of a human.
5
Erich Maria Remarque
It is impossible to tell what this novel is about. You need to read the novel, and then you will understand that this is not just a story, but a confession. Confession about love, friendship, pain. A story of despair and struggle.
6
Jerome Salinger
The story of a teenager who shows with his own eyes his perception of the world, his point of view, his renunciation of the usual principles and moral principles of society that do not fit into his individual framework.
7
Mikhail Lermontov
A lyrical and psychological novel that tells the story of a man with complex character. The author shows it from different sides. And the disrupted chronology of events makes you completely immerse yourself in the narrative.
8
Arthur Conan Doyle
The legendary investigations of the great detective Sherlock, which reveal the meanness of the human soul. Stories told by friend and assistant detective Dr. Watson.
9
Oscar Wilde
A story about pride, selfishness and a strong soul. A story that clearly shows what can happen to a person’s soul tormented by vices.
10
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
A fantastic trilogy about people and non-humans who fell under the power of the One Ring and its lord Sauron. The story is about those who are ready to sacrifice the most precious things and even their lives for the sake of friendship and saving the world.
11
Mario Puzo
A novel about one of the most powerful mafia families in America of the last century - the Corleone family. Many people know the film, so it’s time to start reading.
12
Erich Maria Remarque
After the First World War, many emigrants ended up in France. Among them is the talented German surgeon Ravik. This is the story of his life and love against the backdrop of the war he experienced.
13
Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol
The story of the Russian soul and stupidity. And the author’s amazing style and language makes the sentences sparkle with colors and shades that fully reveal the history of our people.
14
Colin McCullough
A stunning novel that tells not only about the love of a man and a woman and complex relationships, but also about feelings for family, native places and nature.
15
Emily Brontë
A family lives on a secluded estate and there is a tense atmosphere in their home. Difficult relationships have deep roots that are hidden in the past. The story of Heathcliff and Catherine will not leave any reader indifferent.
16
Erich Maria Remarque
A book about the war from the perspective of a simple soldier. The book is about how war breaks and cripples the souls of innocent people.
17
Hermann Hesse
The book simply turns all ideas about life upside down. After reading it, it is no longer possible to get rid of the feeling that you are one step closer to something incredible. This book has answers to many questions.
18
Stephen King
Paul Edgecombe former employee prison, which served in the block for death row prisoners. It tells the life story of suicide bombers who were destined to walk the Green Mile.
20
Victor Hugo
Paris 15th century. On one side it is full of grandeur, and on the other it looks like a sewer. In the background historical events A love story unfolds between Quasimodo, Esmeralda and Claude Frollo.
21
Daniel Defoe
The diary of a sailor who was shipwrecked and lived alone on an island for 28 years. He had to go through too many trials.
22
Lewis Carroll
Strange and mysterious story about a girl who, in pursuit of a white rabbit, finds herself in a different and wonderful world.
23
Ernest Hemingway
There is war on the pages of the book, but even in a world full of pain and fear, there is a place for beauty. To a wonderful feeling called love, which makes us stronger.
24
Jack London
What can love do? Martin's love for the beautiful Ruth made him struggle. He overcame many obstacles to become something great. Story about spiritual development and personality development.
25
Arkady and Boris Strugatsky
A fantastic and fascinating fairy tale in which magic intertwines with reality.
26
We are Evgeny Zamyatin
The novel is a dystopia, which describes an ideal society where there is no personal opinion, and everything happens according to schedule. But even in such a society there is a place for freethinkers.
27
Ernest Hemingway
Frederick volunteered to go to war, where he became a doctor. In the sanitary unit, where even the air is saturated with death, love is born.
28
Boris Pasternak
Beginning of the twentieth century. Russian Empire has already embarked on the path of revolution. The story is about the life of the intelligentsia of that time, as well as the book raises questions of religion and touches on the mystery of life and death.
29
Vladimir Nabokov
A cautionary tale about people who betrayed their ideals. A book about how bright and wonderful feelings evolve into something dark and disgusting.
30
Johann Wolfgang Goethe
The greatest work that draws you into the story of Faust, who sold his soul to the Devil. By reading this book you can walk the path of learning about life.
31
Dante Alighieri
The work consists of three parts. First we go to Hell to complete all 9 circles. Then Purgatory awaits us, through which we can atone for our sins. And only by reaching the top can you enter Paradise.
32
Anthony Burgess
Not the most pleasant story, but it shows human nature. A story about how you can make an obedient and silent doll out of any person.
33
Victor Pelevin
A complex story that is difficult to understand the first time. A story about the life of a decadent poet who is looking for his own path, and Chapaev leads Peter to enlightenment.
34
William Golding
What will happen to the children if they find themselves completely alone? Children have a delicate nature, which is quite susceptible to vices. And sweet, kind children turn into real monsters.
35
Albert Camus
36
James Clavell
The story of an English sailor who, by the will of fate, ended up in Japan. An epic novel with historical realities, intrigue, adventures and secrets.
37
Ray Bradbury
Collection fantasy stories, which tells about the life of people on Mars. They almost destroyed the Earth, but what awaits the other planet?
38
Stanislav Lem
There is an Ocean on this planet. He is alive and he has a mind. Researchers face the difficult task of transferring knowledge to the ocean. And he will help make their dreams come true...
39
Hermann Hesse
The book is about an internal crisis that can happen to anyone. Inner devastation can destroy a person if one day you don’t meet a person along the way who will give you just one book…
40
Milan Kundera
Plunge into the world of sensations and feelings of the libertine Tomas, who is used to changing women, so that no one dares to take away his freedom.
41
Boris Vian
Each of the group of friends has their own destiny. Everything goes easy and simple. Friendship. Love. Conversations. But one event can change everything and destroy your usual life.
42
Iain Banks
Frank tells the story of his childhood and describes the present. He has his own world, which can collapse at any moment. Unexpected turning points in the plot add a special flavor to the whole story.
43
John Irving
This book raises themes of family, childhood, friendship, love, betrayal and betrayal. This is the world we live in with all the problems and shortcomings.
44
Michael Ondaatje
This book contains many themes - war, death, love, betrayal. But the main leitmotif is loneliness, which can take on a variety of forms.
46
Ray Bradbury
Books are our future, but what will happen if they are replaced by TV and one opinion? The answer to this question is given by a writer who was ahead of his time.
47
Patrick Suskind
Story mad genius. His whole life is wrapped in smells. He will go to any lengths to create the perfect scent.
48
1984 George Orwell
Three totalitarian states, where even thoughts are controlled. The world is hateful, but there are people who can still resist the system.
49
Jack London
Alaska at the end of the 19th century. The era of the gold rush. And among human greed lives a wolf named White Fang.
50
Jane Austen
The Bennett family has only daughters, and the heir is a distant relative. And once the head of the family dies, the young girls will be left with nothing.
51
Evgeny Petrov and Ilya Ilf
Who doesn’t know Ostap Bender and Kisa Vorobyaninov and their eternal failures, which are associated with the search for ill-fated diamonds.
52
Fyodor Dostoevsky
53
Charlotte Bronte
Jane became an orphan early, and life in her aunt's house was far from happy. And love for a strict and gloomy man is far from a romantic story.
54
Ernest Hemingway
A short story from my own life ordinary person. But reading this work, you penetrate into amazing world, which is full of emotions.
55
Francis Scott Fitzgerald
A great novel that is filled with feelings. On the pages of the book awaits the beginning of the 20th century, when people were full of illusions and hopes. This story is about life values And true love.
56
Alexandre Dumas
We are all familiar with the adventures of d'Artagnan and his closest friends. A book about friendship, honor, devotion, fidelity and love. And of course, like other works of the author, it was not without intrigue.
57
Ken Kesey
This story will be told to the reader by the patient psychiatric hospital. Patrick McMurphy ends up in prison, in a psychiatric ward. But some people think that he is simply faking his illness.
59
Victor Hugo
The novel describes the life of an escaped convict who is hiding from the authorities. After escaping, he had to endure a lot of hardships, but he was able to change his life. But police inspector Javert is ready to do anything to catch the criminal.
60
Victor Hugo
The actor-philosopher met on his way a disfigured boy and a blind girl. He takes them under his wing. Against the background of physical defects, the perfection and purity of souls is clearly visible. It’s also a great contrast to the life of the aristocracy.
61
Vladimir Nabokov
The novel tightens its unhealthy web of passions and unhealthy love. The main characters gradually go crazy, dominated by their base desires, like the entire world around them. This book definitely won't have a happy ending.
62
Arkady and Boris Strugatsky
A fantastic story that describes the life of stalker Redrick Shewhart, who extracts extraterrestrial artifacts from anomalous Zones on Earth.
63
Richard Bach
Even a simple seagull can get tired of the drab life, and become bored with everyday life. And then Chaika devotes her life to her dream. The seagull gives his whole soul on the way to his cherished goal.
64
Bernard Werber
Michel ended up at the court of the archangels, where he will have to undergo the weighing of his soul. After the trial, he faces a choice - to go to earth in a new incarnation or become an angel. The path of an angel is not simple, just like the life of mere mortals.
65
Ethel Lilian Voynich
A story about freedom, duty and honor. And also about different types love. In the first case, it is the love of a father for his son, which has survived many trials and will pass through generations. In the second case, it is love between a man and a woman, which is like a fire, then goes out, then flares up again.
66
John Fowles
He is a simple town hall servant, lonely and lost. He has a passion - collecting butterflies. But one day he wanted to add to his collection a girl who captivated his soul.
67
Walter Scott
The narrative of the novel will take readers into the distant past. During the time of Richard the Lionheart and the first crusades. This is one of the first historical novels, which everyone should read.
68
Bernhard Schlink
There are a lot of questions in the book that remain unanswered. The book makes you think and analyze not only what is happening on the pages, but also your life. This is a story about love and betrayal that will not leave anyone indifferent.
69
Ayn Rand
Socialists come to power and set a course for equal opportunities. The authorities believe that the talented and rich should improve the well-being of others. But instead of a happy future, the familiar world is plunging into chaos.
71
Somerset Maugham
The story of an actress who has worked in the theater all her life. And what is reality for her: acting on stage or acting in life? How many roles do you have to play every day?
72
Aldous Huxley
Dystopian novel. Satire novel. A world where Henry Ford became a god, and the creation of the first Ford T car is considered the beginning of time. People are simply raised, but they don’t know anything about feelings.
75
Albert Camus
Meursault lives a detached life. It seems that his life does not belong to him at all. He is indifferent to everything and even his actions are saturated with loneliness and renunciation of life.
76
Somerset Maugham
Philip's life story. He is an orphan and throughout his life he not only searches for the meaning of life, but also for himself. And the main thing is to understand the world and people around us.
77
Irvine Welsh
The story of friends who one day discovered drugs and euphoria. Each character is unusual and quite smart. They valued life and friendship, but only until the moment when heroin came first.
78
Herman Melville
Ahab, the captain of a whaling ship, set the goal of his life to take revenge on a whale named Moby Dick. Wit ruined too many lives to let him live. But as soon as the captain starts hunting, mysterious and sometimes terrible events begin to happen on his ship.
79
Joseph Heller
One of the best books about World War II. In it, the author was able to show the senselessness of war and the monstrous absurdity of the state machine.
80
William Faulkner
Four characters, each telling their own version of events. And to understand what we are talking about, you need to read to the end, where the puzzles will fit into a single picture of life and secret desires.
82
JK Rowling
83
Roger Zelazny
A classic of the fantasy genre. The chronicles are divided into two volumes of 5 books. In this cycle you can find travel in space and time, wars, intrigue, betrayal, as well as loyalty and courage.
84
Andrzej Sapkowski
One of the best fantasy series. The series includes 8 books, with the last one being “Season of Thunderstorms”, which is best read after the first or second book. This is a story about the Witcher and his adventures, his life and love, and also about the girl Ciri, who can change the world.
85
Honore de Balzac
An amazing story about the boundless and sacrificial love of a father for his children. About love that was never mutual. About the love that destroyed Father Goriot.
86
Gunther Grass
The story is about a boy named Oskar Matzerath, who, when the National Socialists came to power in Germany, refuses to grow up in protest. Thus, he expresses his protest to the changes in German society.
87
Boris Vasiliev
A poignant story of war. About true love for parents, friends, and the Motherland. This story must be read to feel the entire emotional component of this story.
88
Stendhal
The story is about Julien Sorel and the soul, in which there is a confrontation between two feelings: passion and ambition. These two feelings are so intertwined that it is often impossible to distinguish between them.
89
Leo Tolstoy
An epic novel that describes an entire era, delving into historical realities and art world of that time. War will be replaced by peace, and the peaceful life of the characters depends on the war. Many heroes with unique characters.
90
Gustave Flaubert
This story is recognized as the greatest work of world literature. Emma Bovary dreams of being beautiful social life, but her husband, a provincial doctor, cannot satisfy her requests. She finds lovers, but will they be able to fulfill Madame Bovary's dream?
91
Chuck Palahniuk
No matter how much the work of this author is criticized, it cannot be denied that his book “Fight Club” is one of the symbols of our generation. This is a story about people who decided to change this dirty world. The story is about a man who was able to resist the system.
92
Markus Zusak
Winter Germany in 1939, when Death has too much work, and after six months the work will increase significantly. A story about Liesel, about fanatical Germans, about a Jewish fighter, about thefts and about the power of words.
93
Alexander Pushkin
The novel in verse tells the story of the fate of the noble intelligentsia with their vices and selfishness. And at the center of history love story no happy ending.
94
George Martin
A fantastic story about another world ruled by kings and dragons. Love, betrayal, intrigue, war and death, all for the sake of power.
95
David Mitchell
History of past, present and future. Stories of people from different times. But these stories make up a single picture of our entire world.
96
Stephen King
A fantastic series of novels by the master of horrors. This series interweaves genres. The books closely coexist with horror, western, Science fiction and other genres. This is the story of the gunslinger Roland, who is searching for the Dark Tower.
97
Haruki Murakami
Story about human destinies in Japan in the 60s of the twentieth century. A story about human loss. Memoirs of Tooru, which will introduce the reader to different people and their stories.
98
Andy Weir
By chance, an astronaut is left alone at a space base on Mars. He has a limited amount of resources, but no connection with people. But he doesn’t give up, he believes that they will come back for him.
100
Samuel Beckett
An amazing play where everyone determines for themselves the mysterious personality of Godot. The author gives you the opportunity to find the answer to the question “who is he?” A specific person? Strong personality? Collective image? Or God?
I would like to include many more books in this top. Therefore, dear readers, write in the comments about those books that you consider the best. We will add books to the top and, with your help, expand it to the 1000 best books of all times.
