The Wisdom of Great Literary Works
What are the greatest literary works of all time? You wouldn't be wrong to point to Shakespeare's plays, Dante's Inferno, or Tolstoy's War and Peace. But as it turns out there are many other books that deserve a mention as well.
That's why we've put together this post; it explores some of the top literary works ever written in more detail with a description of what makes each important.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
A story that will make you see the world in a new light, A Tale of Two Cities is the tale of a family torn apart by the French Revolution. Filled with memorable characters and themes that resonated with readers at the time, it's a timeless tale that will still get you thinking about what it means to be human.
1984 by George Orwell
A dystopian novel set in a world where all individual freedoms are oppressed in favor of complete government control, 1984 is one of those books that has somehow never gone out of style. Whether you know it from the movies or not, this book is still a timeless classic that will leave you thinking about our society for years to come.
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Written from the perspective of different characters in the story, The Brothers Karamazov is one of those books that will make you think about what it means to truly be alive.
It's one of those books that may take a while to get into and feel relevant, but when you do it's impossible not to get wrapped up in the characters and their individual stories. There's no better way to see life through others' eyes than with this timeless work of literature.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
A dystopia like you've never seen before, Brave New World is about a future where people's bodies are bred for their purposes instead of their personalities, and where everyone has a say in their society's direction. It's a chilling tale of what could happen to a culture if people no longer valued individuality and freedom.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
In this other-worldly dystopia, the narrative follows Offred as she tries to navigate the world around her while she knows her life may be over at any moment. It's a harrowing tale of what it means to be human, and the beacon of hope that exists at the center of each of us.
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
This classic novel has seen its place as one of the best-selling books in American history. A sweeping tale of life during and after the South lost the war, this book gives a history lesson and also brings to life some unforgettable characters.
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Considered one of the best works of fiction ever written, War and Peace delves into Russian culture during Napoleon's invasion and tells a story about love, life, death...and warfare. It's a moving epic that takes you on a journey you won't soon forget; you can even read it in Russian.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
A moving tale about race, class, and what it means to be human, To Kill a Mockingbird will guide you through the life of Scout Finch as she learns that what's important is not always easily defined. You can also read it in Spanish.
The Bible by Various Authors
This ancient text is full of stories about all sorts of otherworldly creatures, like the Nephilim and giants from the soil. It's considered a collection of sacred texts, but what about our perception of the universe and the life that exists here on Earth?
The Bible has a long history of being used as source material by writers, and it's no wonder there are so many different takes on its stories. It takes you from the first story to the last, but if you want to read something shorter and more modern, check out The Holy Bible by Various Authors.
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
A timeless classic about bravery in the face of adversity, this book is one to take with you on your journey. It's a short read that you'll want to keep in your pocket for when you need to take a breather.
In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust
While this book is considered one of the best literary works of all time, it's also pretty long. A whopping seven volumes, this book will take you on a journey through the life and memories of one man. It may take you some time to get through it all, but Proust was sure to include some amazing and memorable characters.
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
The story of Christopher McCandless, Into the Wild is one of those books that will make you take a look at what matters most. McCandless gave up everything to head for Alaska and live in the wilderness, and his story will make you think about life in a new way.
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
There are few books that are as funny as this one. It's been described as hilarious since it was first published, but it's only gained more popularity over time. The main character Ignatius is sure to stick with you long after you finish reading this book.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
This Pulitzer Prize-winning classic tells a story about the lives of poor farmers during The Great Depression. It's a surefire way to get you thinking about what it means to be human, and how we treat those who have less than us.
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez
This classic novel is one that will have you wondering about what love truly is while you're reading it. It includes one of the most memorable couples of all time, which makes it a must-read for anyone who loves romance and relationships. The characters are complex and unforgettable; read this book if you want to let your imagination run wild.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a book that will take you on a journey to remember, pick up one of these books. They're classics in their own right and will help you bring your own ideas to the table when you read them. With so many great books on this list, it's time to get reading!
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