The best novels in English: readers' alternative list
There are countless great novels in English, but if you're looking for an alternative list—books that may not always top the mainstream "best novels" rankings but are still masterpieces—here’s a selection that covers a mix of genres, styles, and eras.
Mar 29, 2025, 22:40 IST
1. "The Master and Margarita" – Mikhail Bulgakov
A wild blend of political satire, magical realism, and philosophical musings, this novel is a cult favorite, offering a gripping take on Stalinist Russia and the supernatural.
2. "I Capture the Castle" – Dodie Smith
A charming, beautifully written coming-of-age novel about a young woman growing up in a crumbling English castle, dealing with love, family, and artistic ambition.
3. "The Siege" – Helen Dunmore
A haunting and underrated novel set during the Siege of Leningrad, Dunmore’s writing vividly captures human resilience and the cost of war.
4. "Fingersmith" – Sarah Waters
A Victorian-era thriller filled with twists, betrayals, and a richly immersive plot that blends historical fiction with psychological depth.
5. "Stoner" – John Williams
A quiet yet profoundly moving novel about the life of a humble English professor, celebrating the beauty of an ordinary life.
6. "Their Eyes Were Watching God" – Zora Neale Hurston
A powerful novel about a Black woman's journey to self-discovery and independence in early 20th-century America, told in poetic and deeply evocative prose.
7. "The Book Thief" – Markus Zusak
A unique and heartbreaking World War II novel narrated by Death itself, exploring the power of words and resilience during dark times.
8. "The Secret History" – Donna Tartt
A mesmerizing literary thriller about a group of classics students at an elite university, caught in a web of obsession, murder, and moral decay.
9. "House of Leaves" – Mark Z. Danielewski
A mind-bending horror novel that plays with form, typography, and unreliable narration to create a truly immersive and eerie experience.
10. "Piranesi" – Susanna Clarke
A stunning, dreamlike novel set in a mysterious, labyrinthine house, blending fantasy, mystery, and philosophical depth.