Best novel of the 20th Century?

[Cindy87]

My nomination is The Bell Jar.

There is no way Memoirs of a Geisha would be published today, and thank god. So many problems with that book!

Coming back to this thread to recommend JG Farrell and The Siege of Krishnapur in response to the comments about the majority of books recommended being by women. But his other two books about colonialism and empire 'Troubles' and 'The Singapore Grip' are fantastic too.

I enjoyed "Memoirs of a Geisha". Why wouldn't it be published today?

Also loved Ken Follet's "Pillars of the Earth".

Suggest "Lord of the Rings" to add to the list although may be laughed at.

East of Eden
Also loved We have always lived in the castle, such a weird little book!

Ooh tough question!

I would also go for East of Eden - one of the best books I have ever read.

@Cindy87

Another nomination from me - The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Oh yes indeed.

I'm also voting for JG Ballard's 'Empire of the Sun' which is breathtaking, savage and moving.

A Little Life is incredible but I'm not sure I could read it again. Some of those scenes are almost unreadable .

I though a little life veered into misery porn, I really didn’t like it and I’m not squeamish

I can see what you mean, and it was hard to read. But it was absolutely beautiful writing.

'The Road'
'Rebecca'
'bonfire of the Vanities'
'Breathing Lessons'

A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth

fluffy Flowers for Algernon for me too! Amazing book, and Never Let me Go.

Don't think that's been mentioned here yet.

Not sure about The Reader, I can't read Holocaust novels. The horror of humankind gives me sleepless nights for weeks.

Yes to Daphne Du Maurier (would struggle to choose one)

Also agree re the red tent

Another for me - A Gentleman in Moscow. Amor Towles. Rare for a novel to be so 'delicious'

I like Susan Cooper’s “Dark Is Rising” series. Every book anticipated, cohesive, and I comfort read every year

So many books, several have already been suggested. Special mention to The Secret History which I adore. My absolute favourite however, which I have read at least once a year for the last 30 years is Katherine by Anya Seton.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Very little science fiction on this list, which I believe an omission - it's the genre of the century. A couple of PP (I think) have nominated, very deservedly, Never Let Me Go, and The Road, plus Margaret Atwood, I would add Anatheum by Neal Stephenson, The Ophiuchi Hotline by John Carley and Earth Abides by George R Stewart.

Sorry, John Varley.

The Women's Room by Marilyn French.

The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula Le Guin is my personal favourite book of the 20th Century.

Other nominations would be Midnight’s Children, 1984, The Lord of the Rings, Titus Groan.

I’d be the first to admit that I’ve read hardly any 20th century novels in translation though. Short stories, and 19th century novels yes but the only translated 20th century novels I can think of offhand are Pagnol which I was forced to read for A level French, and Eco who I like but don’t love.

The Old Wives' Tale by Arnold Bennett.

Kane and Abel? Isn't that setting the bar rather high?

1984

Terrifyingly prescient.