For centuries together, Fiction has been an authors’ instrument to capture the essence of their times leaving a legacy for generations to follow. Fiction novels or literary works created through imagination rather than sticking strictly to reality, have continued to define an important part of literature. Through storytelling, ancient manuscripts, novels, and even cinema, fiction has traversed through multiple spheres, offering escapism, entertainment as well as education.
Now that we have deciphered the invaluable contribution of fictional works, it is time to delve into some of the most-read fiction novels across the world. From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, these novels present readers with ultimate literary excellence, crossing geographical boundaries and enriching lives with their compelling narratives.
While it’s challenging to narrow down the vast array of literary works, we’ve curated a selection of novels that have left a profound impact on readers. Whether you’re a seasoned bibliophile or new to the world of fiction, this article will introduce you to the top six most-read iconic fiction novels of all time. Do not forget to read it to the end:
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (or “Philosopher’s Stone”) of 1997 is the first book in the Harry Potter series, whose manuscript was initially rejected by multiple publishers. Finally, it was published by Bloomsbury, a UK publishing house, from where it started gaining popularity gradually.
An important part of fantasy fiction, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is one of the first books that introduced us to the world of magic and spells at their best. Called a timeless classic, it revolves around the world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
It unravels the journey of a young orphan named Harry Potter who discovers his true identity as a wizard on his 11th birthday. The story moves through Harry’s encounters with new friends and dangerous foes. Embarking on his first year, he slowly goes on to uncover secrets about his past and move forward into realizing his true identity through his destiny at Hogwarts.
The book is known for its imaginative storytelling, richly detailed world-building, and relatable characters. It seamlessly weaves together elements of mystery, adventure, and coming-of-age themes, captivating readers of all ages, everywhere. J.K. Rowling’s engaging writing style and use of accessible language, make it easy for readers to become completely immersed and feel like a part of Harry’s fantastical world.
The later books in this series include:
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998),
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999),
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000),
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003),
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005), and
- Harry Potter the Deathly Hallows (2007)
The adaptations of the book series by directors like Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell, and David Yates further speak of its craze amongst the children and youth, in specific.
Today, the Harry Potter series ranks as one of the best-selling book series in history, demonstrating the eventual success of author J.K. Rowling despite early setbacks.
“The Fellowship of the Ring” by J.R.R. Tolkien
“The Fellowship of the Ring”, the first volume in J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy series called “The Lord of the Rings”, was published in 1954. Belonging from a celebrated book series, “The Fellowship of the Ring” introduces us to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth, setting the stage for an epic quest that unfolds throughout the trilogy. The book falls into different genres such as epic, heroic, folktale, and fantasy. The intricate mythology grasps readers’ attention as soon as the book begins. The fusion of myth with fantasy enables readers to experience grandeur, valiance, and adventure.
The story begins with hobbit Bilbo Baggins discovering a powerful and dangerous ring, who then passes it on to his nephew, Frodo. Frodo is unaware of the ring as the One Ring forged by the Dark Lord Sauron to control and dominate all of Middle-earth. Realizing the grave danger posed by the ring, he embarks on a perilous journey to destroy it in the fires of Mount Doom, where it was originally forged. Joined by a diverse group of companions, like the wizard Gandalf, the ranger Aragorn, the dwarf Gimli, the elf Legolas, and his hobbit friends Sam, Merry, and Pippin, Frodo sets out on an adventurous journey from Shire, his homeland, to the land of Mordor, where the Mount Doom is.
Along the way, numerous challenges, hostile creatures, dark forces, and the temptation of the ring itself, interfere and distract Frodo and his companions. The quest expands from a journey to destroy the ring to a desperate race against time aimed at winding up Sauron’s evil designs.
The richly detailed imaginary world-building, compelling characters, and epic scope, make “The Fellowship of the Ring” one of its kind. Tolkien’s masterful storytelling transports readers to a world of magic, adventure, and heroism, as they flip through the pages. Themes of friendship, courage, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil are explored throughout the book making it a worth-read.
The rest of the two volumes are named “The Two Towers” (1954) and “The Return of the King” (1955). All three of them have been adapted into a movie series by director Peter Jackson in the early 2000s.
“Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer
Twilight, a 2005 young adult fantasy romance novel by Stephenie Meyer, is the first in the Twilight series before “New Moon”, “Eclipse”, and “Breaking Dawn”. Known for its sensual and suspenseful appeal, Twilight is responsible for bringing an era in the 2000s where everyone was talking about “vampire fiction”. The fame of this book is because of the kind of craze it ignited especially amongst teen readers.
The story surrounds the life of Bella Swan, a high school student who relocates to a small town in Forks, Washington. Leading a simple life, little does she know how she would get entangled with a family of vampires, especially Edward Cullen, the vampire she slowly falls in love with. Bella not only steers through the challenges of her relationship with Edward but also deals with the dangers posed by other vampires.
The novel delves into the themes of love, friendship, and the supernatural at its core and gives a stage to all the struggles that transform Bella’s life forever in the following books. Talking about the time it was published, “Twilight” had received diverse criticism and still managed to become a cultural phenomenon, leading to successful film adaptations and a dedicated fan base.
“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
An 1813 classic romantic novel written by Jane Austen, “Pride and Prejudice” has earned huge recognition through centuries for its womanist approach and depiction of 19th century England. The novel plays around themes like marriage, class, love, courtship, and gender roles. The protagonist of the novel is Elizabeth Bennet, an intelligent and independent-minded second daughter of the Bennet family who engages in a hate-love story with a wealthy and aristocratic landowner, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.
“Pride and Prejudice” consists of numerous characters that showcase their belongingness from different sections of society as different families. At the same time, the story also portrays how love does not take note of either of these differences when it happens between the two souls that are meant to be with each other.
The smart use of humor and witty dialogue can be easily observed in this literary work where Austen diligently satirizes the upper British class for their manners and morals. Several love stories run parallel not only giving richness to the theme of love and marriage, but also showcasing a comparison with the other. This is done through couples like Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley, Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Collins, Lydia Bennet and Mr. Wickham, and ultimately, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
To date, “Pride and Prejudice” is celebrated for its sharp social commentary with an insightful portrayal of human relationships. It has been adapted into numerous films, television, and stage productions, continuing to be one of the most famous texts ever written in literature.
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald and originally published in 1925, “The Great Gatsby” is a well-known American novel known for satirizing the American dream through its characters and their lives. The story is about an enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby and his pursuit of the American Dream just to win his old love, Daisy Buchanan. Daisy is a beautiful and wealthy young woman from his past who has already been married to Tom Buchanan, an upper-class man. Through the eyes of the narrator, Nick Carraway, we see the “great-ness” of Gatsby who idealizes his love for Daisy and is driven by the hope to have her back one day.
The novel explores themes like love and desire, wealth and class, illusion vs. reality, social differences, and moral decline. Portraying the Jazz Age of the 1920s, the story is positioned in fictional towns like West Egg, East Egg, and the Valley of the Ashes, with each symbolizing a different class.
A classic American work, “The Great Gatsby” is celebrated for its evocative prose, vivid characters, and incisive portrayal of the Roaring Twenties in America. It makes one understand the void in the American Dream whilst making the reader question how fruitful is wealth in the absence of humanity. Due to its impactful narrative, it has been adapted for films and television a lot of times in the past.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” (1960) is a novel that is surrounded by themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and the loss of innocence. Set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, in the 1930s, it centers around the trial of Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell. We witness everything happening from the eyes of Scout Finch who narrates the story as the events unfold. Atticus Finch, the narrator’s father, serves as Tom’s defense attorney, consolidating his position as a symbol of integrity, courage, and moral conscience, despite the town’s prejudice.
The book addresses the complex issues surrounding matters of race, justice, inequality, and society. It does a great job showcasing the deeply rooted prejudices and systemic injustices working in Southern society during the Jim Crow era, a period of racial segregation that prevailed in the U.S. between the late 19th century to mid the mid-20th century.
In 1962, this book was adapted into a film by director Robert Mulligan for its timeless themes. It is, to date, glorified for its powerful portrayal of childhood innocence juxtaposed with the harsh realities of injustice, questioning humanity every time.
In conclusion, it must be noted how each of the above-stated fiction novels has successfully made a mark in the literary landscape, continuing to inspire readers of all ages. Known for their profound insights into the human condition, these novels continue to top the chart as some of the most-read fiction novels worldwide.
Jennis Jacob, a passionate literary enthusiast in her 20s, is a writer and poet. With eight years of experience in literature, she is currently a master in English and finds inspiration in Womanist, American, and Indian Partition Literatures. Her works have appeared in anthologies such as ‘Carved Words Of Creative Minds’ and ‘100 Splendid Voices,’ and she is working on upcoming books. Through LitWithASip, she aims to ignite a love for literature and empower individuals to embrace their true selves.
