Readers' top 100 novels
The Guardian, 2026. A readers list, ranked. See the original list
We use only the titles, authors and places from this list. 100 novels from it are in The Novel Index.
The Novel Index earns a small commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our rankings. More about how we earn.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
8
10
11
12
14
14
15
16
16
16
19
20
21
21
23
24
25
26
26
28
29
29
31
31
31
31
35
36
37
37
39
39
41
41
41
41
41
46
46
46
49
49
49
52
52
52
52
52
57
57
57
60

60
62
63
63
63
63

63
63
63
70
70

70
73
73
75
75
75
75
75
80
80
80
80

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Susanna Clarke, 2004
On 1 of the 17 lists it was eligible for
80
80
80
The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman
Laurence Sterne, 1759
On 7 of the 13 lists it was eligible for
80
80
80
80
80
80
93
93
93
93
93
93
93
100
The lists that agree with this one most
| List | Books in common |
|---|---|
| 100 novels everyone should read (The Telegraph, 2009) | 42 |
| The 100 best novels of all time (The Guardian, 2026) | 42 |
| The Big Read top 100 (BBC, 2003) | 41 |
| Bokklubben World Library (Norwegian Book Clubs, 2002) | 30 |
| 100 Books to Read in a Lifetime (Amazon.co.uk, 2014) | 31 |































































































