The 100 Best Novels Written in English
A curated list of the 100 greatest novels written in English, compiled by Robert McCrum. This list spans centuries and includes iconic works that have shaped literature.
An Artist of the Floating World
In post-war Japan, a celebrated painter reflects on his past and the dark shadows of his involvement with militarism, as his tranquil retire…
The Beginning of Spring
In the tumultuous days before the Russian Revolution, a British printer in Moscow must navigate love, loss, and the complexities of raising …
Amongst Women
A powerful exploration of family dynamics and the struggle for independence, set against the backdrop of post-independence Ireland.
A Passage to India
The setting of A Passage to India is the British Raj, at a time of racial tension heightened by the burgeoning Indian independence movement.…
True History of the Kelly Gang
Experience the wild and passionate life of outlaw Ned Kelly through the dazzling ventriloquism of Peter Carey, blending history with fiction…
Of Human Bondage
A poignant tale of self-discovery and the enduring quest for meaning, 'Of Human Bondage' follows Philip Carey's journey through love, loss, …
Jude the Obscure
Jude Fawley dreams of academic greatness but is bound by his humble origins and a tumultuous love life. This classic novel explores themes o…
Underworld
A sweeping epic that intertwines the personal and the political, Underworld captures the essence of post-war America through the lens of the…
The Sun Also Rises
Explore the disillusionment and hedonism of the Lost Generation in 1920s Paris and Spain through the eyes of Jake Barnes, a wounded war vete…
Lolita
A controversial and darkly humorous tale of obsession and forbidden love, Lolita explores the twisted passion of Humbert Humbert for the you…
The Scarlet Letter
In Puritan New England, Hester Prynne's public shaming for adultery reveals the stark contrast between societal norms and personal passion, …
The Bell Jar
Esther Greenwood's summer internship turns into a descent into depression and a harrowing journey through mental illness, offering a raw and…
Joy in the Morning
Bertie Wooster finds himself in a pickle with an old flame, her suspicious fiancé, and a two-faced Boy Scout, but his trusty valet Jeeves is…
The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket
Embark on a harrowing sea adventure with Arthur Gordon Pym as he stows away on a whaling ship, encountering mutiny, cannibalism, and other t…
Tropic of Cancer
A raw and unfiltered account of a young writer's bohemian life in Paris, filled with vivid characters and unapologetic honesty.
The Red Badge of Courage
A young recruit's journey from fear to heroism in the brutal American Civil War, a tale that cemented Stephen Crane's literary legacy.
Cold Comfort Farm
Flora Poste, a resourceful young woman, takes charge of her eccentric relatives at Cold Comfort Farm, bringing order to their chaotic lives …
Song of Solomon
Follow the journey of Macon Dead, Jr., a man in search of his identity and freedom, as he uncovers the secrets of his family's past.
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
A charismatic and unconventional teacher, Miss Jean Brodie, takes a group of girls under her wing, shaping their lives in unexpected and dar…
As I Lay Dying
A poignant journey of a family's struggle to fulfill their mother's last wish, told through multiple perspectives.
The 100 Best Novels Written in English is a comprehensive list compiled by Robert McCrum, featuring the most influential and celebrated novels in the English language. After two years of careful consideration, McCrum selected these works based on their literary merit, cultural impact, and enduring relevance. The list includes classics from various genres and time periods, from John Bunyan's 'The Pilgrim’s Progress' to Peter Carey's 'True History of the Kelly Gang'. Each novel on this list has made a significant contribution to literature, offering unique insights into the human condition and the societies in which they were written. This collection is a must-read for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of English literature and its evolution over the centuries.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/aug/17/the-100-best-novels-written-in-english-the-full-list