Dune by Frank Herbert
An all-time sci fi classic – the politics giving rise to a galactic crusade play out against an incomparable setting
The Lord of the Rings
The monolithic forefather of high fantasy, a huge tale that picks a thread of a larger history, beautifully told in Tolkein’s stately, literary prose.
The Brothers Karamazov
A rambling religio-philosophical study of men and their fathers, with flashes of sublime writing and insight.
The Riddle of the Sands
This grandfather of the spy thriller is still sprightly – an engaging tone, intriguing plot and compelling setting.
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Spanish Civil War tragedy told in Hemmingway’s classic sparse style.