The joy of book reading for many starts with a classic novel, but the number of classic novels are countless, many of which are written in some of the native languages of the authors, and later translated to english so that a wide base reader can access it. Classic novels oftentimes qualify as the best books to read and choose for any occasion, whether you are traveling solo, sitting in a cozy book shop with your favorite cup of coffee, or have started to build a healthy habit of reading before going to bed, ditching the smart gadget at hand called the smartphone for a more grounded and fruitful habit of nurturing patience, improving focus and polishing language. In this article there is the mention of some of the top classic literature of all time that needs to be a part of your reading corner without any hesitation.
10 Best Novels To Read In A Lifetime: The Finest Literary Gems To Pick And Indulge
Classic literature never disappoints as the themes and writings are not replications, follow monotony but are original and the inspiration of many plots, themes and stories that you may have come across with cinema watching and attending plays in theaters. Here is a list of the top 10 classic novels to pick for a delightful reading experience.

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Moby Dick
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This story written by Herman Melville is considered as one of the best classic novels of all time. It is a richly written literary text that covers a whole spectrum of man’s nature and struggle for survival with some philosophical underpinnings. The popularity of Moby Dick came very later, years after it was written and published. A strange theme and writing of the book makes it quite a complicated read for many. Some people’s bucket list reading has the name of this book and excerpts of its writing may even intrigue you to give it a read. Although forewarning is necessary, the book is hefty. Choosing this and dedicatedly reading it would help practice patience initially but would eventually draw you in its story and provide a renewed sense of some philosophical life meanings by the time you finish reading it.
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The Picture of Dorian Gray
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Original, classic and engaging is how many would define The Picture of Dorian Gray to be. While the story arch has been followed and replicated many times it still remains quite an engaging read to get on reading with. Blurring the lines between desires and happiness, how Dorian Gray’s life changes when he asks for eternal youth and ends up getting his wish but then things take a different turn, transforming the character of the protagonist and turning towards and dark alley gives a moral awakening to the readers about unchecked power and the impact that it may have on others. This book written by Oscar Wilde is one of the most popular classic novels that can be found in multiple beautiful hardbound editions which can be a worthy pick for a stunning bookshelf.
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Three Men in a Boat
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For a no brainer and refreshing read, this book would be a great classic to retreat to. Three Men in a Boat is a humorous, sharp, witty and heartfelt read, one that you can read alone anytime you need to rewind and relax. Three friends out on a quest to shed the tiredness of being overworked decide to go for a vacation accompanied by a faithful and loving dog named Montmorency. This particular edition of the book is a decorated and shiny piece with gilded edges that would be a stunning piece to include in your book stack. This story has been loved by so many that it is translated into numerous languages to make it accessible for a good range of readers. A fun read for all age groups it is the perfect definition of being a classic novel, the charm of which never fades.
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Jane Eyre
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The story of Jane Eyre is riveting and quite an interesting read to pick up for the fall reading season. It can also to some extent be identified as a coming of age novel. It follows the love story of Jane Eyre and the challenges she faces while growing to finally getting the freedom she deserves. The ending of the novel is also quite interesting and heartfelt, as a reader you will root for the protagonist to have a happy ending. As this is one of the most popular classic novels of all time it would be a little hefty length wise but well layered and quite a language lesson to get in. it is not written to accommodate your language deciphering capacity but is more inclined to improve and upgrade you level of language understanding.
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Emma
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Among all the books written by Jane Austen, Emma stands as one of the most popular novels that is also considered as perfect and layered as Pride & Prejudice is often said to be. The protagonist of the novel is Emma Woodhouse who is a complete character with less flaws to show but readers will get to see where the shoe would drop on her head when she decides to take in her hands the matter of arranging a match for Harriet Smith. Reading Emma would be a nice experience especially for those who have an inkling as to how Jane Austen writes. This book is written in a very nice and layered fashion, one that would be quite enjoyable with a sip of your favourite coffee on a weekend holiday.
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Metamorphosis and Other Stories
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The name of Franz Kafka is one of the most prominent ones when it comes to understanding the impact of absurdist literature. The subtext of which can be applied to everyday modern life and to the basic tents of being mortal at times. This is a collection of his stories that he intended to put in public domain by publishing. It has the ever famous novel named Metamorphosis that is a haunting tale of transformation, while the other pieces of work include The Stoker as well. If you have been planning to get on with Kafka’s writing then this can be a worthy read, one that would make you see the world in a different light. This book needs to be in the collection of every classic literature lover.
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Pygmalion
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The story of Pygmalion would be a thrilling and interesting journey as it touches on multiple societal issues and themes, giving readers a peek into how upward social mobility can happen with the proper training and education, it is a distinct taste of read one that a contemporary reader may find to be quite critical as you would see a man nurturing a woman to the liking of how it serves the notion of what a man wants. This story has been an interesting choice of adaptation for many types of artistic endeavors. It will be quite a compelling read to understand the social norms of earlier times. Pygmalion is rightly a rich class novel to get immersed in for a great reading experience.
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Idiot
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A Dostoyevsky novel is a must to add in when it comes to preparing a long list of best books to read especially in the classic novel category. Apart from Crime and Punishment, White Nights, the story of Idiot written by him is also a worthy read that follows the protagonist of the story named Prince Lev Myshkin. This book would give a glimpse into a different character that is meek, childish and observant of religion in the most dedicated and fanatic way possible. Idiot would be an interesting choice of read if you have already tried Crime & Punishment, since both the characters may appear to be polar opposite of each other. Draw parallels, critique and marvel at the range of how Dostoyevsky has given the world of literature some of the most unforgettable books that need to be read once in a lifetime.
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The Odyssey
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For a true classic read there can be no better read to pick than Homer’s, The Odyssey. Written for avid readers and true literature lovers, the story follows the end journey of Odysseus after the Trojan war. It is a book, where the foundation lies in the struggle of coming back home. This epic poem is a truly rich experience of understanding how intense and complex classic literature can be. It is among one of the oldest surviving literature which is written in a lyrical way for readers to enjoy and the perfect long form prom for continuous recitation that can be directed as a stage performance too.
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Madame Bovary
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For modern readers the book Madame Bovary would be quite a tuning point to enjoy as it follows a woman heeding to her desire and romantic idealism. Emma Bovary the wife of Charles Bovary leads a life that is monotonous and not a happy one, she seeks passion in romantic literature and aspires a life of fortune getting into habits that lead to a tumultuous time and disappointing end. Many contemporary readers may find the courage to critique this book as it tries to paint a rather cruel side to things when things don't happen as they are prescribed to happen in a society.
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Faq's
- What criteria were used to select these 10 novels?+The criteria on which these books are recommended is solely despondent on the writers discretion and choice, which in turns stems from the fact that the writer is an avid reader and has been the part of many book clubs and circles in a physical surrounding and knows that these classic novels are a must read for anyone looking to read the best classic novels.
- Where can I find these novels?+The list of novels included in this article can be easily availed on Amazon and even in bookstores and bookshops, or book fairs easily.
- How can I join a book club or discuss these novels with other readers?+There are various online platforms as well as offline book clubs to join for discussing classic novels. You would have to meet up with fellow book readers in libraries, bookstores enquire about offline book clubs in local community centres to understand the criteria of joining one. On the online front the things are more easier and accessible with just searching and signing up for book clubs, review writing and other such interesting engagements.