More than 3,000 readers from around the world have cast their votes in our poll to find the greatest novels, as chosen by the public. The list, which spans continents and centuries, features a new favourite at the top, dethroning previous classics. From Uruguay to the Isle of Skye, readers shared personal reflections on the books that left a lasting impact.
William Wood, a retired art historian from Alberta, Canada, praised a series of novels that dissect English society from the early to mid-20th century, calling it a work of 'comic brio, melancholy and knowing social analyses.' Heather, an engineer from Sydney, described another entry as 'devastating,' adding that she never wants to read it again but will never forget it.
Several readers highlighted the emotional power of their chosen books. Roger Paine from Colorado noted that 'history is brought fully to life' in one novel, while Jenny Lundy from London credited George Orwell's work as her 'entry-level book to socialism.' Adam Glasser, a musician, lauded a tale set against Colombian history as 'unsurpassable' and 'poetically bewitching.'
The list also includes modern classics, with Natalie Clark, a paediatrician from St Andrews, calling a 21st-century novel 'truly the greatest novel of the century.' Other readers praised works by authors such as Virginia Woolf, W. Somerset Maugham, and Toni Morrison, each offering unique perspectives on society, love, and human nature.
The poll reveals a diverse range of tastes, from historical whodunits to philosophical critiques. As one reader put it, the list is 'not complete' without Oscar Wilde's masterpiece, which explores the corruption of the soul. The full results are now available, showcasing the novels that have moved, challenged, and inspired readers worldwide.
