“Journey Through Fiction: Best English Novels You Can’t Miss”

Here’s a detailed list of 12 must-read English novels, spanning various genres and periods, that have shaped literature and continue to resonate with readers. I wish you have great journey through fiction

12 must read English novels.

1. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen

Published: 1813
Genre: Romantic Fiction
Why Read It?: A classic tale of love, social standing, and morality, this novel is cherished for its sharp wit, memorable characters like Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, and Austen’s commentary on the societal expectations of her time.

2. “1984” by George Orwell

Published: 1949
Genre: Dystopian Fiction
Why Read It?: Orwell’s chilling vision of a totalitarian future where Big Brother controls everything is more relevant than ever. It explores themes of surveillance, censorship, and the loss of individuality.

3. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

Published: 1960
Genre: Southern Gothic, Legal Drama
Why Read It?: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel addresses racism, moral courage, and justice through the eyes of a child, Scout Finch, as her father, lawyer Atticus Finch, defends a Black man unjustly accused of rape in the Deep South.

4. “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville

Published: 1851
Genre: Adventure, Epic
Why Read It?: An epic tale of obsession and revenge, Captain Ahab’s relentless pursuit of the white whale Moby-Dick symbolizes humanity’s struggle against the uncontrollable forces of nature.

5. “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë

Published: 1847
Genre: Gothic Fiction, Bildungsroman
Why Read It?: This novel follows the life of the orphaned Jane Eyre, exploring themes of class, sexuality, religion, and feminism as she seeks love and independence while maintaining her moral integrity.

6. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Published: 1925
Genre: Modernist Novel
Why Read It?: Set in the Roaring Twenties, this novel explores the American Dream, materialism, and the pursuit of happiness through the tragic story of Jay Gatsby’s love for Daisy Buchanan.

7. “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë

Published: 1847
Genre: Gothic Fiction
Why Read It?: This dark and intense love story set on the English moors is a timeless tale of passion, revenge, and the destructive power of love, focused on the tormented characters Heathcliff and Catherine.

8. “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley

Published: 1932
Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction
Why Read It?: Huxley’s vision of a futuristic society obsessed with technological advancement, genetic engineering, and artificial happiness raises important questions about freedom, individuality, and humanity.

9. “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Published: 1866 (English Translation)
Genre: Psychological Fiction, Philosophical Fiction
Why Read It?: This Russian novel, translated into English, delves into the mind of Raskolnikov, a man who believes he can justify murder for a higher purpose. It explores themes of guilt, morality, and redemption.

10. “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger

Published: 1951
Genre: Coming-of-Age Fiction
Why Read It?: Through the voice of the rebellious and alienated teenager Holden Caulfield, Salinger captures the struggles of adolescence, the search for identity, and the yearning for human connection.

11. “Beloved” by Toni Morrison

Published: 1987
Genre: Historical Fiction, Magical Realism
Why Read It?: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel explores the traumatic legacy of slavery through the haunting story of Sethe, a woman grappling with her past and the ghost of her dead daughter.

12. “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding

Published: 1954
Genre: Allegorical Novel
Why Read It?: Golding’s disturbing story of a group of boys stranded on a deserted island exposes the darker aspects of human nature, as civilization collapses and savagery takes over.

These novels are not only literary masterpieces but also offer timeless insights into human nature, society, and the world around us. Each one provides a unique reading experience and continues to influence readers and writers alike.