12 Novels Considered the “Greatest Book Ever Written”
Literary critics, historians, avid readers, and even casual readers will all have different opinions on which novel is truly the “greatest book ever written.” Is it a novel with beautiful, captivating figurative language? Or one with gritty realism? A novel that has had an immense social impact? Or one that has more subtly affected the world? Here is a list of 12 novels that, for various reasons, have been considered some of the greatest works of literature ever written.
Mar 26, 2025, 05:54 IST
Any fan of stories that involve juicy subjects like adultery, gambling, marriage plots, and, well, Russian feudalism, would instantly place Anna Karenina at the peak of their “greatest novels” list. And that’s exactly the ranking that publications like Time magazine have given the novel since it was published in its entirety in 1878. Written by Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy, the eight-part towering work of fiction tells the story of two major characters: a tragic, disenchanted housewife, the titular Anna, who runs off with her young lover, and a lovestruck landowner named Konstantin Levin, who struggles in faith and philosophy. Tolstoy molds together thoughtful discussions on love, pain, and family in Russian society with a sizable cast of characters regarded for their realistic humanity. The novel was especially revolutionary in its treatment of women, depicting prejudices and social hardships of the time with vivid emotion.
Certainly! Here is a list of 12 novels often considered among the greatest books ever written:
1. "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes - A groundbreaking work that laid the groundwork for modern fiction, filled with humor and deep insights into human nature. 🐴
2. "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy - A sweeping epic of Russian society during the Napoleonic era, blending historical fact with fiction. ⚔️
3. "In Search of Lost Time" by Marcel Proust - Known for its deep exploration of memory and time, it's a monumental work in literature. ⌛
4. "Ulysses" by James Joyce - A novel celebrated for its stream-of-consciousness technique and rich characterization set in Dublin. 🍀
5. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald - A timeless look at the American Dream and the Jazz Age, filled with love and tragedy. 💔
6. "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville - An epic tale of obsession and adventure on the high seas. 🐋
7. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez - A masterful work of magical realism exploring the Buendía family over generations. 🌿
8. "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky - A profound look into the mind of a young criminal in Russia. 🕵️
9. "The Odyssey" by Homer - One of the oldest and most enduring tales of adventure and heroism. 🌊
10. "Madame Bovary" by Gustave Flaubert - A groundbreaking novel exploring the life and struggles of Emma Bovary with striking realism. 🎭
11. "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen - A witty and timeless romance highlighting social commentary of early 19th-century England. 💍
12. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee - A powerful examination of racial injustice and moral growth in the American South. 🏹
These books are celebrated not only for their storytelling but also for their profound impact on literature and society. 📚