What makes a “classic” novel such as “The Great Gatsby,” “The Catcher in the Rye,” and “To Kill a Mockingbird”? A classic novel must be able to stand the test of time with its complex characters and themes. It must remain relevant across different eras and continue to be read long after publication.
Classic novels have deeper meanings and many different interpretations. “Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird” explores racial injustice and moral growth that can be applied to any generation.
There have been classics that didn’t prosper during their time of publication but became classics later on, such as “Moby Dick,” a story about a sailor’s retelling of his quest to seek vengeance against a giant white whale named Moby Dick.
There have been debates over which modern books could potentially become classics. While some future classic books may not even be on our radar, these books are sure to earn the title:
“The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is a futuristic dystopian novel set in a patriarchal, totalitarian economic state known as the Republic of Gilead, which has overthrown the United States government. The protagonist, Offred, is part of a class of women called handmaids. The novel has been banned in several different places for its vulgarity, sexual content, and anti-Christian themes, but what could make it a classic is its commentary on gender, power, and authoritarianism that could resonate with generations to come.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is a well-loved young adult novel that became a 3.3 billion dollar franchise. The exploration of the inequalities between districts represents real-world inequalities between the rich and the poor. Other themes include the focus on providing entertainment despite the suffering of the entertainers or ‘tributes’.
“A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara
If you haven’t been warned before, consider this your first warning, “A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara is not for the weak; it will have you in tears, confused, mad, and every emotion you could imagine. The novel covers several difficult subjects, including the improbability of life, debts to family and friends, vulnerability, trauma, and more. What makes this novel a modern classic is its relatability to themes of human suffering. If you’ve never suffered a day in your life, then you’re one of the very few; Yanagihara does an impeccable job of depicting what one’s traumatic past can do to a person.
“The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
A historical fiction novel, “The Book Thief,” follows a girl named Liesel in Nazi Germany during World War II who finds comfort in books. She learns to read and steals books, but the mere title should tell you that. This novel can teach readers about the cruel nature of humans and the power of written words, two things that will never cease to exist, making this novel a long-standing relatable piece.
“White Teeth” by Zadie Smith
White Teeth is unique as it explores Britain’s relationship with immigrants from the British Commonwealth. Immigration is a topic constantly discussed. Archie Jones and Samad Iqbal are World War II veterans who share a close bond over a dark experience together. “White Teeth” is powerful in depicting the dark sides of assimilation, the purpose of life, the patriarchy, racism, and more. Just like the previous novels listed, the topics in this book will never cease to be discussed.
“The Secret History” by Donna Tartt
Six close friends and students at an elite liberal arts school face the murder of one of their own, Edmund “Bunny” Corcoran. Obsessism, elitism, and forbidden knowledge make this novel hauntingly beautiful and an excellent contender for the next classic novel.
“Call Me by Your Name” by André Aciman
Despite the problematic aspects of the protagonists’, Elio and Oliver’s, love story, “Call Me By Your Name” captures the complexities and intensities of young love as well as themes of desire and identity. The themes of young love are universal, making it a novel that will continue to be revisited and analyzed. The emotional depth of this book solidifies its place as a modern classic.
