Great novels are enjoyed around the world and are called great because they appeal to the complex nature of us as human beings. A great novel can make you laugh, cry or even feel inspired to write a book for yourself.

For those yet to sample the adventure and intrigue that comes with reading one of the greats we have put together what we think is the top 10 greatest novels of all time.

In no particular order, we have…

Northern Lights by Philip Pullman

 Northern Lights, aka The Golden Compass, is set in an alternate universe where the world is lead by an all powerful theocracy with talking animals that are a physical manifestation of a person’s soul. A great novel to read to your children. Northern Lights will light up their imagination like the aurora borealis in the sky of the arctic.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

An epic novel with various messages concerning class and the perils of marriage. Pride and Prejudice is a great read for those with a passion for romance. It also has a pinch of comedy added in for good measure

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Lord of The Flies by William Golding

 Lord of The Flies is the story of the ill-fated attempt of 6 boys stranded on an island to govern themselves. As you would expect, it leads to catastrophe. Lord of The Flies is a great read for anyone looking for a child’s take on politics and government.

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

This saga is widely regarded as the greatest Russian literary work of all time. It follows Pierre through Tsarist Russia during the French invasion of 1812 by Napoleon. War and Peace is equally notorious for its size. If you plan to read it, make sure you have plenty of time put aside. There’s 1,225 pages of drama contained inside its covers.

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The Great Gatsby by Scott F Fitzgerald

 Set in the roaring twenties in America, Gatsby is a self made gangster who throws extravagant parties in the hopes of attracting his one true love. Will he find it? You’ll have to read it to find out!

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

Another wonderful children’s novel. A tale of revenge for Ahab, who lost his leg to Moby Dick, a whale he now hunts incessantly. The book is based on various historical accounts and includes biblical references which surely adds to the magic of this great novel.

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Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

 Contrasting greatly to the Great Gatsby, this darker novel is set in the depression of the 1930s and it follows the story of two hired hands known as Lennie and George who are constantly on the move due to Lennie’s inability to act with decorum. Both friends look for somewhere to settle down in this ever changing world, but only ever walk into trouble wherever they go.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare

One of Shakespeare’s most infamous tragedies, Hamlet focuses on the Prince of Denmark’s avengement of his father’s death to his brother, Claudius (who stole the throne and married his deceased brother’s wife). As all of Shakespeare’s tragedies, it ends with the death of most involved. A saddening read, but a worthy one of its place in our top 10.

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The Hobbit/ There and Back Again by J.R.R Tolkien

 The precursor to the Lord of The Rings, The Hobbit is a tale of a young hobbit named Bilbo Baggins, who has a great adventure thrust upon him. He must travel with a company of dwarfs and an old wizard named Gandalf to raid the treasures of Smaug the Magnificent, a very threatening dragon who resides inside a mountain.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

And lastly, a true classic of Victorian origin. Great Expectations follows Pip, an orphan, who is taken up by an escaped convict called Abel. Pip’s childhood is followed throughout the novel and includes themes such as wealth and poverty, which are seen in most of Dickens’ work. Great Expectations is a lovely read for anyone new or accustomed to Dickens. One to certainly add to your list of books to read.

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Read through our top 10 list of Greatest Novels of all time and you will have sampled a smorgasbord of tragedy, drama, romance and adventure. We wish you happy reading!

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