KingDavid has posted what he considers to be the great novel ever written (The Count of Monte Cristo). I respect KD, but he’s way out to lunch on this one. True, an assessment of ‘the Greatest Novel Ever Written‘ would be weighted to books I’ve actually read, so here’s my cut at the top five greatest novels of all time (that I’ve read):
- A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. Nobility, honor and grace in the midst of the horrors of the French Revolution.
- David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. A brilliant story that showcases coming of age while overcoming fierce adversity.
- Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. What can I say? Sweeping magnificence by an incredibly perceptive and inventive author.
- Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. Simply classic. The sequels uniformly stank.
- Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein. Another brilliant novel that shows nobility and honor, but also hints at how easily we can be drawn into fascism. The movie was pretty much an abomination.
What are your top five?
May 22nd, 2008 06:36 am
You’re right, I should have said the greatest I’ve ever read. It was a close call between Christo and LOTR. I’ve read the Dickens’ books, but that was back in high school, they’re off my radar screen now. I haven’t read the other two, but I’ll check our library and give them a go.
I’ve been reading fantasy fiction for about 5 years now, and my favorite authors have been David Eddings and Raymond Feist. I’d have a hard time picking a top 10, let alone a top 5. I’d rather pick some of my all time favorite authors: James Clavell, Leon Uris, Robert Ludlum, Tom Clancy, J.R.R., Dumas.
Have you read the different series that W.E.B Griffin has done; I bet you’d like those.
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May 25th, 2008 21:59 pm
My favorite so far has been “The Brothers Karamazov” by Fyodor Dostoevsky. I’ve read it twice, but it’s been about 11 years since the last time so maybe I’d better carve out some time in my schedule.
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