This is the list of Burgess's favorite 99 novels published in English between 1939 and 1989. He wrote a book called, aptly enough, 99 Novels: The Best in English since 1939, compiling his list and explaining his choices. I have not read Burgess's book yet, but based on those novels from his list that I have read so far, I find his choices to be excellent reads.
This is one list that I want to make an effort to finish.
This brings back memories. I owned a copy for years and recently swapped it away through Bookmooch.
ReplyDeleteI have read:
For Whom the Bell Tolls****
Under the Volcano*****
The Heart of the Matter****
Invisible Man*****
The Old Man and the Sea*****
Saturday Night and Sunday Morning*****
The Rebel Angels****
And I own copies of:
The Power and the Glory
The Bell
Riders in the Chariot
The Old Men at the Zoo
The Golden Notebook
Sophie's Choice
So I have quite a way to go yet.
I tried Catcher in the Rye and Finnegan's Wake but just couldn't stick them. It is a good list and I admire your determination to read it all. I'll watch for your reviews and comments on them.
You've read some of the good ones. Although I think I started Saturday Night, Sunday morning back in college and didn't finish because I didn't care for it. But I am going to give it another try.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to getting my TBR books unpacked and start reading some of these!