-No Non-Fiction. There are certain novels on this list that involve real-life figures or events, but these are all fictionalized, straight up non-fiction is out.
-One work per author. This was done in order to insure that the list possessed some degree of variety.
- No Graphic Novels. I thought about including a few, but I'll save them for an eventual post on my favorite comics.
And now, without further ado, I give you; my favorite novels:
The Deptford Trilogy (Fifth Business, The Manticore, World of Wonders) by Robertson Davies
If I had to pick my favorite literary trilogy than there's a pretty huge chance that I'd pick The Deptford Trilogy. In this masterpiece, Robertson Davies tells the tale of a group of people whose lives were all changed by something as seemingly insignificant as a thrown snowball. From this humble beginning, Davies weaves an intricate tale filled with twists and turns and populated with unforgettable characters. An excellent read which I revisit regularly.
Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart
I've already written in detail about this novel set in an ancient China that never was (but should have been), so for now, I'll just say that Bridge of Birds is one of the greatest works of fantasy I've ever read. The fact that it doesn't seem to be more well-known is a crying shame.
Flashman and the Redskins by George MacDonald Fraser
It wasn't easy choosing which novel should represent MacDonald Fraser on this list, but for now, I'll go with Flashman and the Redskins. In this, the longest novel in the series, the Victorian Era's greatest scoundrel is still stuck in the US following events of its predecessor, Flash for Freedom. If its well-researched, thrilling historical fiction you want and if you can stomach spending time with a deplorable yet fascinating protagonists, than George MacDonald Fraser is the author for you.
Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
Perhaps more than any other work on this list, Blood Meridian has an epic feel to it. When I first read it, I felt as if I was reading the western/horror genre equivalent to The Iliad or The Odyssey. Be warned though, that Blood Meridian is not for the squeamish; it features both scenes of horrifying violence as well as one of the most terrifying creations in all literature: Judge Holden. However, if you can handle those things, I definitely recommend giving this masterpiece a try.
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stephenson
Basically, the perfect adventure novel. Sure, there are no significant female characters, but other than that, Treasure Island is pretty much flawless. Plus, it features the best pirate in fiction; Long John Silver. This book has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid and will remain one, no matter how old I get and if that ever changes, you may present me with the black spot, matey.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John Le Carré
The greatest spy in literature is a gray, middle-aged man, whom you probably wouldn't look at twice if you saw him on the street. Although George Smiley had been introduced in some of Le Carré's earlier work, it was in Tinker Tailor... that the character really comes into his own. In this novel, Smiley is called out of retirement to track down a mole inside the Circus (British spy-department), Le Carré's skill at portraying the world of the secret agent with its secrets and lies are pretty much unsurpassed. When you're done with the novel, be sure to check out both the 1970's mini-series with Alec Guinness and the 2011 movie with Gary Oldman.
The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester
One of the best science-fiction novels I've read; The Stars My Destination is Bester's take on the classical revenge-story in general and Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo in particular. Set in the 25th Century in which people have learned to teleport (or "Jaunt" as its called here) themselves, the book focuses on Gully Foyle, a man who is left to die and becomes obsessed with the thought of avenging himself on the ship that abandoned him. Aside from being a great read filled with memorable characters and ideas, The Stars My Destination is also the tale of a man who fulfills his long dormant potential and becomes truly great, but for all the wrong reasons. Any fan of Science-Fiction should participate in Gully Foyle's odyssey at least once in their life.
The First Man in Rome by Colleen McCullough
I recently learned that Colleen McCullough passed away and so, as a small tribute, I thought I'd include the first book in her Masters of Rome series here. The first three books in this series, the ones that focus on Sulla and Marius are among the greatest works of historical fiction that I've read and should be required reading for anyone with an interest in ancient Rome.
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
Last but not least, here's one of the great classics. You know what? I honestly can't think of anything to say here. I mean, its Don Quixote, its one of the founding works of western literature, that's all that needs to be said, right? Let's just say that Don Quixote is one of those masterpieces that deserves its reputation and leave it at that.
Well, there you have it dear reader; nine of my favorite novels. I hope I've made you interested in checking at least one of them. Oh, and I'd be very interested in knowing what your favorites are, feel free to mention them in the comments.
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