“Nineteen Eighty-Four” by George Orwell is a book that has left an indelible mark on literary culture, so much so that the term ‘Orwellian’ is now part of our everyday language.

Published in 1949, this dystopian novel paints a chilling picture of a totalitarian future, a narrative that has remained relevant since its inception.

Jane Austen, though overlooked during her lifetime, is now celebrated as one of Britain’s most significant novelists.

Among her esteemed works, “Pride and Prejudice,” published in 1813, stands out as her magnum opus. This timeless romance also offers a vivid depiction of a bygone, idyllic England.

Charles Dickens, a literary giant second only to Shakespeare in Britain, penned numerous classics, but “A Christmas Carol” holds a unique place in literary history.

This 1843 novella, a holiday season favorite, not only promotes Dickens’ socially conscious themes but also popularized the motifs of ghost stories and time travel.

“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker is a hard-hitting yet ultimately hopeful novel about the struggles of a black woman in early 20th century Georgia.

Published in 1983, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is unflinching in its portrayal of racism and spousal abuse, and is hailed as a groundbreaking feminist and LGBT+ text.

“The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien, while often seen as a precursor to the epic “The Lord of the Rings,” is a more accessible novel in its own right.

Published in 1937, this single-volume book introduced many of the tropes that recur in 20th-century fantasy fiction, from dwarves and elves to dragons and enchanted forests.

“Frankenstein,” conceived by 18-year-old Mary Shelley as part of a friendly ghost story writing contest, is not only a landmark Gothic horror novel but also one of the earliest works of science fiction.

Since its publication in 1818, the novel has been widely praised for its genre innovations and its empathetic portrayal of a troubled outsider, Frankenstein’s creation.

“Lord of the Flies” by William Golding is a haunting tale of isolated schoolboys descending into savagery.

Published in 1954, this debut novel was Golding’s realistic take on the concept of children stranded on a remote island, a theme explored in a 19th-century adventure novel he had read.

The novel has been hugely influential and is widely taught in schools and colleges.

“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams, originally a radio drama, found its most powerful expression in the 1979 novel that launched a five-volume series.

Adams’ sharp wit permeates every page, satirizing both the science fiction genre and the socio-political norms of the day.

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl, published in 1964, is a testament to Dahl’s unique ability to blend wide-eyed wonder with biting cynicism.

Despite its controversial elements, the novel’s magical aura and evocative language, especially when it comes to chocolate, remain irresistible.

Narrated by the unforgettable protagonist Holden Caulfield, this iconic novel captures the voice of a disillusioned teenager navigating the complexities of adulthood and society.

Through Holden’s candid and often cynical observations, the book explores themes of identity, alienation, and the loss of innocence.

Salinger’s masterful portrayal of teenage angst and rebellion resonates with readers as they witness Holden’s struggle to find authenticity and meaning in a world he sees as full of phoniness.

Set in the extravagant Jazz Age, Fitzgerald’s classic novel revolves around the enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby and his pursuit of the unattainable Daisy Buchanan.

Through vivid prose and themes of wealth, love, and the decline of the American Dream, the book provides a critique of the materialistic society of the time.

Fitzgerald paints a dazzling portrait of the Roaring Twenties while exploring the emptiness and corruption that can lie beneath the surface of wealth and excess.

Melville’s epic tale recounts the obsessive quest of Captain Ahab to hunt down the elusive white whale, Moby Dick. Amidst detailed descriptions of life aboard a whaling ship, the novel delves into themes of human ambition, revenge, fate, and the metaphysical forces of the natural world.

Through its rich symbolism and philosophical digressions, “Moby-Dick” explores the depths of the human psyche, the complexities of obsession, and the eternal struggle between humanity and the mysterious powers of the universe.

Set in a totalitarian society called Gilead, Atwood’s dystopian novel follows Offred, a handmaid assigned to bear children for high-ranking officials.

Addressing themes of gender oppression, reproductive rights, and the abuse of power, the book serves as a chilling warning about the fragility of individual freedoms.

Atwood’s haunting prose and intricate world-building paint a stark picture of a society where women are stripped of their autonomy and identity, prompting readers to reflect on the importance of autonomy, resistance, and the preservation of human rights.

Brontë’s 1847 novel is a bildungsroman that tells the story of Jane Eyre, an orphan who overcomes adversity to find love and self-fulfillment, while exploring themes of social class, gender equality, and morality.

Jane’s journey from a mistreated governess to a strong-willed woman striving for independence captivates readers.

Brontë’s exploration of love, morality, and the constraints of Victorian society makes “Jane Eyre” a timeless tale of resilience and self-discovery.

Published in 1847, Emily Brontë’s Gothic masterpiece delves into themes of love, obsession, revenge, and the destructive power of unbridled passion through the tumultuous relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff.

Brontë’s haunting depiction of the Yorkshire moors serves as a backdrop to a tale of intense and destructive love, exploring the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of unchecked emotions.

“Wuthering Heights” remains a captivating exploration of the complexities of love and the enduring impact of the past on the present.

This ancient Greek epic, attributed to Homer, recounts the mythical journey of Odysseus as he faces various challenges and adventures on his long voyage home from the Trojan War.

It explores themes of heroism, fate, and the power of storytelling.

Through its vivid imagery and legendary characters, “The Odyssey” provides a window into the ancient Greek worldview while offering timeless insights into the human condition, the importance of perseverance, and the consequences of hubris.

Set in 17th-century Puritan New England, Hawthorne’s novel tells the story of Hester Prynne, who wears a scarlet letter ‘A’ as a symbol of her adultery.

It explores themes of sin, guilt, and redemption, while offering a critique of societal hypocrisy.

Hawthorne delves into the complexities of morality, the consequences of secrets, and the tension between personal desires and societal expectations in a strict moralistic society.

Dostoevsky’s psychological novel, published in 1866, delves into the troubled mind of its protagonist, Raskolnikov, who commits a murder and grapples with guilt, punishment, and the nature of morality.

The book examines the depths of the human psyche, exploring themes of existentialism, redemption, and the intricacies of the human conscience.

Dostoevsky’s penetrating analysis of the human condition and the consequences of one’s actions make “Crime and Punishment” a profound exploration of guilt, redemption, and the search for meaning.

Twain’s iconic novel, published in 1884, follows the journey of Huck Finn, a young boy who escapes his abusive father and embarks on a rafting adventure along the Mississippi River, tackling themes of race, freedom, and the hypocrisy of society.

Through Huck’s first-person narrative and his encounters with various characters, Twain presents a scathing critique of racism and societal norms, exploring questions of morality, individual conscience, and the pursuit of personal freedom.