The best 26 Nobel books

The Remains of the Day (1989) features one of contemporary literature’s most unforgettable narrators, Stevens, a butler who reminisces on his life in service at one of England’s stately homes in the years leading up to World War II. 

As I Lay Dying (1930) centers on the arduous journey of the Bundren family to bury their mother, Addie, in her hometown. The story’s uniqueness lies in its delivery through the perspectives of fifteen different characters, subtly unraveling the family’s complex dynamics and individual struggles. 

Never Let Me Go (2005) by Kazuo Ishiguro is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of love, loss, friendship, and the ethical implications of science. Set in a dystopian world, the story follows three friends who discover the unsettling truth about their existence and are forced to confront their fate. Ishiguro's beautiful prose and deep exploration of humanity make this a must-read.

Dear Life is a collection of short stories by Alice Munro that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the moments that shape our lives. With her signature style, Munro weaves together tales of love, loss, and self-discovery, offering a poignant reflection on the experiences that make us who we are.

Doctor Zhivago is a classic novel by Boris Pasternak that tells the story of Yuri Zhivago, a physician and poet, during the Russian Revolution and its aftermath. Set against the backdrop of political and social upheaval, the book explores themes of love, loss, and the struggle for individual freedom. It is a timeless tale of human resilience and the power of the human spirit.

The Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn is a powerful and harrowing account of the Soviet Union's forced labor camp system. Through personal stories and meticulous research, Solzhenitsyn exposes the brutality and injustice of the Gulag, shedding light on a dark chapter of history that must not be forgotten.

The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis is a thought-provoking novel by Jose Saramago that explores themes of mortality, existentialism, and political change. Set in 1936 Lisbon, the story follows Ricardo Reis, a fictional character created by Fernando Pessoa, as he grapples with the transient nature of life and the uncertainty of the future. Blending history with fiction, Saramago delivers a captivating narrative that challenges our perceptions of reality and the passage of time.

Too Much Happiness is a collection of short stories by Alice Munro that delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. From tales of love and loss to unexpected moments of joy, Munro weaves together captivating narratives that explore the depths of the human experience.

Life and Times of Michael K by J. M. Coetzee is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of human existence. Set in a war-torn South Africa, it follows the journey of a simple man named Michael K as he navigates through a world filled with hardship and adversity. Through Michael K's story, the book explores themes of resilience, freedom, and the innate desire for a sense of belonging.

Pygmalion is a classic play by George Bernard Shaw, first published in 1912. It tells the story of a professor who makes a bet that he can transform a working-class woman into a lady by teaching her how to speak and act like a member of the upper class. The play explores themes of social class, identity, and the power of language.

The Golden Notebook is a groundbreaking novel by Doris Lessing that delves into the complexities of female identity and the societal expectations placed upon women. Through the story of writer Anna Wulf, the book explores themes of politics, love, and mental health, challenging traditional narrative structures along the way. It is a thought-provoking and influential work that continues to resonate with readers.

Rue des Boutiques Obscures is a novel by Patrick Modiano that delves into the mysterious past of a man named Guy Roland. As he retraces his steps and investigates his own life, he uncovers a web of secrets and identities. Set in the dark alleys of Paris, this book explores themes of memory, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction.

The Pearl by John Steinbeck tells the story of a poor Mexican diver named Kino who discovers a valuable pearl. Believing it will bring his family a better life, Kino soon finds himself in a desperate struggle against greed, envy, and violence. The novella explores themes of wealth, power, and the corrupting influence of material possessions.

Travels with Charley is a travel memoir by John Steinbeck, detailing his road trip across America with his poodle, Charley. Published in 1962, Steinbeck takes readers on a journey filled with insightful observations, encounters with diverse individuals, and reflections on the changing landscapes and society of the United States.

'Waiting for Godot' by Samuel Beckett is a timeless classic that delves into the themes of existentialism, the meaning of life, and the concept of waiting. Through the absurd and thought-provoking conversations between its main characters, Estragon and Vladimir, the play challenges our perceptions and invites us to reflect on the human condition.

For Whom the Bell Tolls is a novel by Ernest Hemingway that takes place during the Spanish Civil War. It follows the story of an American protagonist, Robert Jordan, who is fighting for the Republican side. The book explores themes of love, honor, and the futility of war, and is known for its powerful and evocative writing style.

Flights by Olga Tokarczuk is a thought-provoking novel that weaves together multiple narratives centered around the theme of travel. Through a series of interconnected stories, the book explores the human desire for movement and the search for meaning in our journeys. It offers a unique perspective on the concept of travel and the interconnectedness of people and places.

Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage (2001) is a collection of short stories by Alice Munro that delves into the complexities of human relationships. Through her masterful storytelling, Munro explores the themes of love, betrayal, and redemption, offering a poignant and insightful reflection on the intricacies of the human heart.

The Grass Is Singing by Doris Lessing is a powerful novel that delves into the complexities of race, class, and gender in colonial Africa. Set in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), it tells the story of Mary Turner, a white woman trapped in a loveless marriage on a remote farm. As tensions build and relationships unravel, the novel explores the destructive effects of societal expectations and the deep-seated prejudices that ultimately lead to tragedy.

Demian is a thought-provoking novel by Hermann Hesse that delves into the complexities of human existence and the search for self-discovery. Through the story of a young boy named Emil Sinclair, the book explores themes of duality, spirituality, and the struggle to break free from societal norms. It challenges readers to question their own beliefs and perceptions of the world.

Cannery Row (1945) is a novel by John Steinbeck that takes place in a rundown area of Monterey, California during the Great Depression. It tells the story of a group of colorful characters who live and work in the area, focusing on their everyday lives and relationships. Through Steinbeck's vivid descriptions and poignant storytelling, the book explores themes of friendship, community, and the human spirit.

The Old Man and the Sea, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Ernest Hemingway tells the story of an aging Cuban fisherman named Santiago, who struggles with a giant marlin in the Gulf Stream. Filled with themes of struggle, resilience, and the nature of mankind, it is a timeless classic that explores the relationship between man and the natural world.

Blindness by Jose Saramago is a thought-provoking novel that explores a world struck by a sudden epidemic of blindness. As society crumbles and the government struggles to maintain control, a group of strangers bands together to survive in a world of darkness. This gripping and haunting story delves into the depths of human nature and the resilience of the human spirit.

Voices from Chernobyl is a haunting oral history book by Svetlana Alexievich that gives voice to the survivors and witnesses of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Through a series of interviews, the book reveals the untold stories of those affected by the catastrophe, offering a deeply personal and harrowing account of one of the worst man-made disasters in history.

Buddenbrooks (1901) follows four generations of the Buddenbrook family as they navigate the changing social and economic landscape of 19th-century Germany. Thomas Mann's debut novel delves into themes of decay, tradition, and the inevitable decline of a once-powerful family, offering a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the complexities of human existence.

Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel García Márquez is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of honor and fate. Set in a small Colombian town, it tells the story of a young man's predestined death and the chain of events that lead up to it. With lyrical prose and a nonlinear narrative, the book explores themes of guilt, justice, and the blurred lines between truth and perception.