When you look at lists of bestselling novels, and then at lists of what the “greatest novels” are, you don’t see as much overlap as you do in other media. It seems as though when it comes to those GOAT lists, people seem way more concerned with magnitude as works of literature as art, when in reality the kinds of books you’re taught in school won’t as often be the kinds of books people choose to buy and read. As much as reading is viewed as an “intellectual” hobby by society, I don’t think most readers are as concerned with that side of it, and often will even read stuff they know is trashy. Which is great! As long as people are reading, in a time when reading seems to be going away, it can only be a good thing. But that being said, having combed through some such lists, I’m wondering which books people consider to maximize both sides, being exciting and engaging reads while also being immensely powerful and well written as works of art. So for instance a Colleen Hoover novel may not be atop many people’s lists of contemporary masterpieces, but Ulysses won’t exactly be something people are addicted to and can’t stop themselves from devouring. What books hit that sweet spot between the two arenas in the best way?
The Count of Monte Cristo is the first one that comes to my mind. The plot is really entertaining and even tho it’s quite a long book, I don’t find it to be boring. So many great characters, so many great scenes and chapters. This book is the true definition of a masterpiece and Alexandre Dumas is a genius, really. The plot is so complex, that it’s amazing to think a single person just thought of this and wrote it.
I’m kind of shocked that this is so far down in the thread. I feel like Count of Monte Cristo is usually the go-to example for old classics that feel modern and engaging.