I seem to be recommending this one a lot, but *East of Eden* (600 pages), such an epic and timeless read.
Charlotte Brontë”s *Shirley* (572 pages) if you’re a Brontë fan at all. “A work that combines social commentary with the more private preoccupations of Jane Eyre, Shirley demonstrates the full range of Brontë’s literary talent.”
Thackeray’s *Vanity Fair* (about 900 pages) which he called “a novel without a hero”. His aim is to depict life realistically, and as real life is not heroic, his novel is void of conventional heroes. Therefore, none of the characters escape his cynicism, but all have their allotted share of vanities.”
Victorian writer and setting, and if you like a good family generational drama, *The Forsyte Saga* which is actually three trilogies, clocking in at about 900 pages as well. Bonus: the series made in 2002 is extremely well done.
Natasharoxy on
I have two. Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke. And The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber.
ETBiggs on
Don Quixote. I read it over an entire summer and felt like I was on a journey with friends and was genuinely sad when it ended.
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Anna Karenina and The Count of Monte Cristo
I seem to be recommending this one a lot, but *East of Eden* (600 pages), such an epic and timeless read.
Charlotte Brontë”s *Shirley* (572 pages) if you’re a Brontë fan at all. “A work that combines social commentary with the more private preoccupations of Jane Eyre, Shirley demonstrates the full range of Brontë’s literary talent.”
Thackeray’s *Vanity Fair* (about 900 pages) which he called “a novel without a hero”. His aim is to depict life realistically, and as real life is not heroic, his novel is void of conventional heroes. Therefore, none of the characters escape his cynicism, but all have their allotted share of vanities.”
Victorian writer and setting, and if you like a good family generational drama, *The Forsyte Saga* which is actually three trilogies, clocking in at about 900 pages as well. Bonus: the series made in 2002 is extremely well done.
I have two. Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke. And The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber.
Don Quixote. I read it over an entire summer and felt like I was on a journey with friends and was genuinely sad when it ended.
[The Covenant of Water](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/180357146-the-covenant-of-water?ref=nav_sb_ss_2_7) and [Cutting For Stone](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3591262-cutting-for-stone?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_7). I know that’s two but I’m taking the liberty because they are by the same author (Abraham Verghese).
Hyperion. Was so excited the story didn’t have to end! And then so sad when I kept reading.
the whalebone theatre by joanna quinn, dune by frank herbert, the priory of the orange tree by susanna shannon
Lonesome Dove
So many good classics suggestions here but I also will add a few more contemporary books:
* THE FORGOTTEN GARDEN by Kate Morton
* THE CIDER HOUSE RULES by John Irving
* POSSESSION by A. S. Byatt
So far Shōgun