100 must-read classics, as chosen by our readers

1. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The greatest, most scathing dissection of the hollowness at the heart of the American dream. Hypnotic, tragic, both of its time and completely relevant.

Joe T, Twitter 

2. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez 

Magic realism at its best. Both funny and moving, this book made me reflect for weeks on the inexorable march of time.

Andre C, Twitter

3. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 

A jarring & poignantly beautiful story about how humans treat each other.

Greygardens, Twitter

4. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Philosophy, history, wit, and the most passionate love story.

Francesca, Twitter

5. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

In this groundbreaking novel, completed after six arduous years of research, Capote invented a new genre - the 'Nonfiction Novel' - applying prose techniques to fact. It spawned the school of New Journalism & invented the true crime genre as we know it.

Kgjephcott, Twitter

6. Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys

Rhys took a character from a classic novel and breathed new life into the “madwoman in the attic” based on her own experiences/world view. She beautifully showed how the stories we read fold into our lives to make new stories.

Eric A, Twitter

7. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Given the exponential growth of AI, Machine Learning & Robotics, Huxley's vision acts as a warning. Will we rise and challenge those who seek to shape our future or sleepwalk toward conditioning by technology?

David G, Twitter    

8. I Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith

A 'children's book' that speaks volumes (ha) about unrequited love and dysfunctional families. Timeless. And funny. (and we need some laughs on the 100 Classics list!)

Helen Y, Twitter

9. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Because Jane is a role model: she stands up for herself, others and what she believes in, but isn't too proud to give second chances to those whose time is running out.

Sarah F, Twitter

10. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

No other novel has made me feel so much for the main characters, so deeply depicted by the author. I felt like an orphan when I finished it and it's the only novel I've re-read several times.

Angie V, Twitter

11. The Secret History by Donna Tartt

A modern classic - so well-articulated and written (something that’s hard to come by these days). Also, EXCELLENT PLOT!

AnamiAndBooks, Twitter

12.  The Call of the Wild by Jack London

Because everyone who loves the earth knows it’s true.

Helen D, Twitter

13. The Chrysalids by John Wyndham 

A post-apocalyptic novel, about intolerance, loneliness, friendship, and what it means to be human. A fantastic sci-fi novel, as relevant today as it was in the 50s.

Hollie B, Twitter

14. Persuasion by Jane Austen

This continues to be my favourite novel. It is a more mature love story, full of humourous, delightful observations of human behaviour. It offers us a glimpse of redemption. We change as we grow, and the mistakes made in our youth can be overcome.

Dartmouth_Diva, Twitter

15. Moby Dick by Herman Melville

The great American novel: great characters, wonderful language, thick with the Bible and Thomas Browne, and has the best opening sentence ever. What's not to like?

David H, Twitter

 16. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S.Lewis 

A beautiful timeless tale of innocence, wonder and sacrifice for young and old alike. It was one of the first books that I read from cover to cover without putting down!

Adisha K, Twitter

17. To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

You feel like you’re stood on top of a cliff with the sea breeze blowing right through your bones.

‏Halcyonbookdays, Twitter

18. Death of the Heart by Elizabeth Bowen

This book captures the awkward tension and anxieties of the interwar period through a deeply reflective, but oddly naive, unloved girl. ‏

Heather O, Twitter

19. Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

This novel teaches us about the position of women in the past and their moments of frailty versus moments of strength. Basically, an important insight for everyone to have!

Abbie H, Twitter

20. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Chosen for all the questions it raises about consequences and taking responsibility for your actions; nature versus nurture; the value of friendship. I could go on.

Julie A, Twitter

21.  The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

This novel has got the Devil mooching around Moscow with a massive black cat. Oh, and there’s a naked flying lady.

Eggfrieddog, Twitter

22. The Go-Between by L. P. Hartley

As a 17-year-old, I was completely absorbed by this story, wishing Leo was my brother so that I could protect him from the disappointment that awaited him.

Rapsodiafestiva, Twitter

23. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey

 A story that shows there is more to life than following rules. Having joy and being spontaneous are as important as anything else in life.

Darren B, Twitter 

24. Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

I first read this book years ago, and was glad I would never have to be a part of that kind of society. Yet, here I am in 2018, and so much of that novel has come true.

Donna J, Twitter

25. Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann

It’s a great novel about the rise and fall of a family, the relationship between fathers and sons, and the conflict between art and business. Well, and I have to say I do love family sagas.

Peter L, Twitter

26. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck 

Migration in search of work and a better future. A modern day story. Still makes my skin tingle.

Morven, Twitter

27. Beloved by Toni Morrison

This book is amazing. Beautifully written, haunting and the level of detail of the lengths people went to protect their families from slavery is fantastic.

LittleReigate, Twitter

28. The Code of the Woosters by P.G. Wodehouse

The best of the Bertie and Jeeves novels by Wodehouse, the 20th century master of the light comic novel. Intricate plotting and brilliant command of English prose.

Matt F, Twitter

29. Dracula by Bram Stoker

A Gothic tale of fear and love. Would one desire immortality at the cost of one’s morality and soul? Loneliness beckons down such a dangerous and fearful path.

Rob K, Twitter

30. The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien

It's got the great sweeping story, romance, heroism, self-sacrifice, social commentary... it's not just magic and elves!

Anne O, Twitter

31. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain 

This book demonstrates how a young boy learns to think for himself, and shows us how we can, too. It’s funny, sweet and sad – sometimes all in the same paragraph.

Richard C, Twitter

32. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens 

This book is not only important as a literary masterpiece and an evocative story - it also has universal appeal as, unfortunately, many children in today's world undergo the same suffering as Pip.

Ayesha K, Twitter 

33. Catch 22 by Joseph Heller 

In my opinion there is no book that better captures human nature and the futility of conflict. You’ll come out the other side angry, uplifted, and crazy.

Sam W, Twitter

34. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

“When SHE comes she is different, and one doesn't know why...".

Lulu B, Twitter

35. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

A compelling and important exploration of cultural identity in relation to both the rising tide of British colonialism and the pressures of gender expectations. A poignant tragedy written with pathos. Necessary reading!

Danny N, Twitter

36. Middlemarch by George Eliot

This book is superb in form and content. There is no better dissection of and insight into human society. She was the Shakespeare of her day and Middlemarch is her finest novel.

Tim R, Twitter

37. Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie

This is the most magical and well written book I've read. The history of the partition of the Indian subcontinent told as a delightful allegory.

Claudia G, Twitter

38. The Iliad by Homer

This is the ultimate war poem, filled with existential drama, heroic striving, death, and the meaning of life.

Max G, Twitter

39. Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray

Because Becky Sharp is the greatest female lead character in English literature. Bar none.

Greg R, Twitter

40. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh

So evocative of a certain time and place, as well as being a compelling story.

Patricia C, Twitter

41. The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger 

This novel’s main character, Holden, is coping with tragic loss, as all of us do in our lives. As he wanders aimlessly around the city, he struggles to plan his next life move, but finds happiness in small joys, such as his strong bond with his sister.

Alma E, Twitter

42. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll 

We should all get lost down a rabbit hole every once in a while and come out believing in six impossible things before breakfast #whyisaravenlikeawritingdesk

Lauren D, Twitter

43. The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot

One classic everyone must read: The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot. A beautifully told story of an intelligent girl who yearns for more than society allows.

Jess, Twitter

44. Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope

This book has tremendous characters and a plot which sucks you into such a different world, about which you find yourself caring desperately.

Hilary S, Twitter

45. Another Country by James Baldwin

This is a book that shows how everyone can live and love together, passionately, dangerously, with exquisite music.  I’ll never forget the thrill of first reading it.

Jon A, Twitter

46. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

A beautiful story of the power of redemption and a good heart along with a backdrop of the socio-economic iniquities of 19th century France. Beautifully written, it tugs the heartstrings.

Gary G, Twitter

47. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

This list wouldn't be complete without some of Roald Dahl's magic, and my golden ticket is for this novel.

Isanne V, Twitter

48. The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

The original YA novel, which sparked many crushes and made me fall in love with reading.

Claire C, Twitter

49. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

The best classic tale! A story of innocence, romance, betrayal, suffering, revenge and more importantly, Man’s triumph over all life throws at him.

Hayati Y, Twitter

50. Ulysses by James Joyce

Reading it as a person, an emotional journey. Reading it as a writer, technically mesmerizing and inspiring

Pqxzyvr, Twitter

51. East of Eden by John Steinbeck

Brilliant writing, epic family saga, drills deep into human nature and how we think, feel and act toward one another. My all-time favourite novel.

Naomi M, Facebook

52. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

 A depiction of the darkest recesses of human nature. But also of the brightest ones…

Luca C, Facebook

53. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Beautifully written. The book takes you into the mind of this awful character and lets you roll around in the gorgeous word-play as the story unfurls.

Lesley L, Facebook

54. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

I will never forget reading this book as a child. I felt I was in the middle of the story.

Ulrika F, Facebook

55. Scoop by Evelyn Waugh

A funny story wrapped around absurdity, journalism and war.

Guy V, Facebook

56. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Sitting alone at 16 years old after the family had gone to bed,  tears streamed down my cheeks as I finished this novel.

Pat C, Facebook

57. Diary of a Nobody by George and Weedon Grossmith

I have read this book so many times and laugh out loud every time. I have a Penguin Classic copy of it that's falling apart but I wouldn't part with it for the world

Emma H, Facebook

58. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Simply the best in-depth characterisation of all time. Tolstoy's psychological insights have never been beaten.

Chris W, Facebook

59. The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni

This book is on the verge of being forgotten by casual readers, but it’s entertaining, socially and scientifically progressive for its time, has incredibly moving, beautifully-written passages on bread riots and the plague, and it has the best surprise trope-subversion at the end.

Shawna R, Facebook

60. Orlando by Virginia Woolf

What is it to be a woman? Woolf's modernist novel is so fresh even 90 or so years later. Gender fluidity before the term was even coined. And a history of literature as a backdrop.

Antonia M, Facebook

61. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

This book engages the reader through its characters and themes, allowing one to be entranced through this cautionary tale that can be applied to the modern world.

Deanna H, Facebook

62. The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

A story of knowledge, education, and imagining a future.

Gultekin S, Facebook

63. The Art of War by Sun-Tzu

This should be called the little book of common sense. It makes everything easier to understand.

Darren G, Facebook

64. The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy

This book gives you a wonderful impression of life in the 19th and early 20th century. It’s both enthralling and touching.

Hildegard S, Facebook

65. Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck

One of the true first ‘road’ books – a search for the spirit of the ordinary American people.

Edith S, Facebook

66. Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller

Loud, funny, sexual Paris in the 1930s. I read it when I was 20, and it changed the way I look at the world.

Brendan P, Facebook

67. Women in Love by D. H. Lawrence

This is Lawrence at his best… although I do think Lady Chatterley’s Lover is under-rated…

David P, Facebook

68. Staying On by Paul Scott

A funny, tragic, beautifully written study of an English colonial married couple left behind as an independent India moves ahead.

Catherine B, Facebook

69. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

You can enjoy this book at any age – and it’s beautifully written.

Vicky A, Facebook

70. My Ántonia by Willa Cather

Quite simply, a beautifully written book.

Carolyn R, Facebook

71. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Passion, heartbreak – this is the greatest novel ever written.

Tessa J, Facebook

72. Perfume by Patrick Süskind

A story of suspense and love, with beautiful narration.

Ivy W, Facebook

73. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy 

This novel is just gripping and beautifully written. Kept me enthralled for weeks....

Angela T, Facebook

74. Of Human Bondage by Somerset Maugham

A compelling story of unreciprocated love.

Rajan D, Facebook

75. Bleak House by Charles Dickens

An amazing story, with so many twists and turns

Jane E, Facebook

76. Lost Illusions by Honoré de Balzac

A magnificent story about human nature, ambition and society (in any century).

Isabel K, Facebook

77. Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut

Reading this blend of surrealism, sci-fi and other genres made me realise that sometimes, fiction can be more powerful than real-life stories!

Kleber L, Facebook

78.  A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens 

A masterpiece. The ultimate story of hope and redemption.

Sergeant_Tibbs, Twitter

79. Silas Marner by George Eliot 

Redemption and love. Beautifully written

Rhiannon C, Facebook

80. Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

A reminder that no life is too small.

Marianna S, Facebook

81. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

A story of growing up and changing and the world set around a group of young girls. This book is as timeless as it is beautiful.

Luke E, Twitter

82. The Sea, The Sea by Iris Murdoch

This book left me speechless, while reading and after reading and I still can't find the words to describe why it is one of the most impressive pieces of writing I have ever read.

H, Twitter

83. The Godfather by Mario Puzo

This novel teaches the reader about the strengths and failures of human nature.

Louisa J, Twitter 

84. The Castle by Franz Kafka

This book leads the reader into a maze of conundrums, confusion, iciness and moral fog. Never to be forgotten once read.

Arnold F, Twitter 

85. I, Claudius by Robert Graves

A beautifully written novel about absolute power. Very relevant.

Ian M, Twitter

86. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

A book that reminds everyone to never grow up inside!

Jennifer M, Twitter

87. A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Tool

I chose this book just because the characters are fantastic, and it makes me laugh.

Sharon, Twitter 

88. The Razors Edge by Somerset Maugham

A profound story of one man’s journey to find himself.

Holden M, Twitter

89. Lark Rise to Candleford by Flora Thompson

Perhaps a little bit out of left field, but I love this book. It's simple, it's beautifully written and it's all about capturing a vanishing way of life as countryside farming turns to Victorian towns... really eloquent, really moving!

Vicky, Twitter

 90. Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy

I chose this book because Eustacia Vye is misunderstood - as are many women.

Linda M, Twitter

91. A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce

Joyce is not only the greatest stylist in English, but the novel contains one of the most complex discussions of aesthetics in the 20th century.

Donald K, Twitter

92. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

What an amazing piece of writing from someone who had to learn the language first...

Tracey L, Twitter 

93. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

This novel combines a beautiful love story and discussion of important economical and social issues of its time.

Alina, Twitter

94. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

I chose this book because it gives a feminist perspective  on the  world. Also, Atwood uses events from history to create the story, which I find important. History is a circle.

Emma H, Twitter

95. Suite Francaise by Irene Nemorovsky

This is my favourite book. It is an extremely moving account of the kinds of things that actually happened in Nazi-occupied France during the Second World War. It presents the dilemmas, fears and choices that were felt and had to be made by ordinary people.

Jim H, Twitter

96. One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Alexander Solzhenitsyn

Solzhenitsyn’s writing from personal experience of life/existence in a forced labour camp under Stalin's communist regime is a stark, brutal, masterpiece.

Brian T, Twitter

97. What A Carve Up! by Jonathan Coe

This novel has so much to say about human nature, political power and the elite, and always will do. Caustic, heartfelt, funny, devastating; a beautiful book.

Declan C, Twitter

98. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig

An amazing philosophical adventure that influenced a generation.

Jason F, Twitter

99. White Nights by Fyodor Doestoyesky

This is an incredibly beautiful and uplifting book. Everyone should read it!

Melly, Twitter 

100. Hard Times by Charles Dickens

Pathos, humour, social comment, politic and incredibly well drawn, believable characters.

Angela, Twitter 

Books ranked in no particular order. Some answers have been edited for clarity and style.