Top 12 greatest literary masterpieces of all time

Context: "Don Quixote" is the famous work of Cervantes and a cornerstone of Spanish literature. He wrote the novel at a time when the age of knights was long past. In the industrial age, no one lived in the manner of knights anymore. However, during this period, many people still nostalgically clung to the past, constructing illusions and ideals detached from reality. They became engrossed in reading the abundance of chivalric novels sold on street corners, which clouded their judgment. Cervantes clearly saw this social malady, and "Don Quixote" emerged as a response to this phenomenon.

Value: Through this work, readers are introduced to the multifaceted nature of humanity, exemplified by the character of Don Quixote. Beneath his absurd obsession with chivalric tales lies a character who embodies kindness, love, the appreciation of freedom, and a disdain for the lavish and parasitic lifestyles of the nobility. The novel not only brings humor to the reader but also satirizes the remnants of medieval chivalric ideals in Spain, advocating for a more humane and just society.

Scope: The entire novel "Don Quixote - The Noble Knight from La Mancha" consists of 126 chapters, offering a vivid portrayal of Spanish society, capturing the true colors of its locations and the spirit of the era. The author introduces more than two hundred characters, ranging from an old, cunning innkeeper to girls who aren't exactly virtuous, from the love-struck student Grisostomo to the beautiful, freedom-loving Marcela, from the cruel mule driver to a greedy estate owner, priests, barbers, housekeepers, monks, shepherds, police officers, criminals, and a range of noblemen, officials, and wealthy individuals. All these characters surround the two main figures: the impoverished but noble Don Quixote and his squire Sancho Panza, a true peasant. The author takes the knight and his squire on an adventurous journey across Spain, from bustling cities to rural villages, from vast fields to deep mountain valleys, from humble inns to the majestic dwellings of the powerful.

Meaning: "Don Quixote" stands as one of the greatest works of the Renaissance period and is considered the first modern European novel. Through the character of Don Quixote, it reflects the complex nature of humanity, showing not only his eccentricities but also his delicate, loving side, his reverence for freedom, and his disdain for the decadence of the nobility. The novel is not merely a humorous work; Cervantes uses it to critique the lingering ideals of medieval knight-errantry and the rise of shallow, popular tastes, while also highlighting a yearning for a post-feudal society that is more just and humane. This is the finest and most iconic work in Spanish literature.

Cover price: Complete 2-volume set for 200,000 VND

Context: "Gone with the Wind" (original title: Gone with the Wind), first published in 1936, is a romantic novel by Margaret Mitchell, who won the Pulitzer Prize for this work in 1937. The story is set in Georgia and Atlanta, in the Southern United States during the Civil War and the Reconstruction era. The novel revolves around Scarlett O'Hara, a strong Southern girl who struggles to survive the war and overcome the hardships of post-war life. The novel was adapted into a film in 1937.

Significance: "Gone with the Wind" has captivated young readers in the United States and around the world with its exceptional love story. Curiously, despite the hardships of war and the aftermath of poverty and death, love shines through as the driving force that helps people survive and thrive. Beyond romantic love, the novel also speaks to love for one's country, community, and shared humanity.

Scope: The book, with 1,037 pages in its first edition, is divided into five parts, chronicling the dramatic and emotional love story of Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler. Just three weeks after its publication, "Gone with the Wind" had attracted over 170,000 readers. In 1937, it was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, a prestigious honor for many authors. By December 1938, over 1.7 million copies were printed in the United States, and a year later, following the film's release, more than 2 million copies were sold worldwide in 16 different languages. By 1962, sales exceeded 10 million copies, with translations into over 30 languages, and it was even adapted for Braille readers. In Vietnam, "Gone with the Wind" was split into two volumes and became widely available through multiple editions and translations.

Meaning: The novel does not immerse readers in a fantastical, rosy world but exposes a stark reality about money, human nature, survival, status, and ambition. Yet, it also contains poetic beauty and delicate moments that leave a lasting impression. Even after finishing the book, readers often find themselves haunted by its resonance. The nostalgic theme in "Gone with the Wind" embodies a distinct American spirit, different from the Eastern perspective. While Eastern nostalgia is often melancholic, particularly when the present is less ideal than the past, in "Gone with the Wind," nostalgia provides strength and the will to adapt to reality.

Cover Price: The complete two-volume set costs 245,000 VND

Context: "Nobody's Boy" (also known as "Sans Famille"), is widely regarded as the most famous novel by French writer Hector Malot, first published in 1878. The story follows a boy named Rémi, who is orphaned and travels through France and England, depicting the social landscape of the time, with a stark contrast between the wealthy bourgeoisie and the poor working class. Throughout his journey, Rémi encounters hard-working, kind-hearted people who help each other despite their struggles.

Significance: The novel highlights the precarious, dangerous, and demanding lives of miners and city workers, and emphasizes human compassion, gratitude, and solidarity among those in similar circumstances. The story also showcases rural and urban scenes, adding depth to the reader's experience and broadening their understanding of society at the time.

Scope: The book is about 500-600 pages long, featuring a manageable cast of characters, yet its emotional depth and educational value are immense. It addresses themes of love, human dignity, and resilience, making it one of the most important works in French literature. The novel was awarded the prestigious French Academy Literary Prize and has been translated into multiple languages. It is recognized as one of the best educational novels in France, offering insightful perspectives on child-rearing through an engaging and timeless story.

Meaning: Through the captivating adventure of young Rémi, the book celebrates hard work, independence, confidence, perseverance, and creative problem-solving. It encourages true friendship and the appreciation of art, while fostering a deep understanding of childhood psychology. With its clear writing and keen observations, "Nobody's Boy" captivates young readers and nurtures strong, positive emotions toward self-reliance, resilience, and compassion for others. The story inspires children and parents alike with its messages of determination and love for humanity.

Cover Price: 119,000 VND

Context: "The Godfather" (original title: "Bố già") is a renowned novel by American-Italian author Mario Puzo, first published in 1969 by G.P. Putnam's Sons. The story follows a Sicilian-American mafia family led by the powerful Don Vito Corleone, the central figure known as the Godfather. The main events of the novel unfold from 1945 to 1955, while also exploring Corleone's childhood and early adulthood at the turn of the 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of New York City's criminal underworld, dominated by mafia forces.

Significance: The underworld depicted in "The Godfather" reflects the collision of the strong will and tight-knit family traditions of Sicilian Mafia culture with the morally ambiguous, opportunity-filled landscape of American society. Within this world, the character of the Godfather becomes an iconic figure, embodying a philosophy shaped by decades of navigating the ruthless realities of the criminal world. The novel masterfully paints a portrait of a man whose life is a blend of philosophy and experience, shaped by survival in the mafia.

Scope: The book spans approximately 600 pages and constructs a vivid portrayal of American society, focusing on notorious mafia families such as the Stracci, Tattaglia, Corleone, Cuneo, and Barzini families, with the Corleones and Barzinis being the most influential. Across the country, many other mafia families also make their presence felt. The expansive narrative serves as the foundation for the film adaptation's immense success, bringing the world of organized crime to the big screen.

Meaning: The story delves into the lifestyle of a mafia family, where loyalty to friends is paired with ruthless vengeance against enemies, and personal sacrifices are made for the sake of family. The novel reveals the stark realities of the mafia world—bloodshed, betrayal, and power struggles—while also illustrating the love and devotion of a father for his children. This juxtaposition of human compassion and criminality is what makes the mafia world complex, and through this, Puzo's talent as a storyteller shines through.

Cover Price: The complete set is priced at approximately 150,000 VND

Context: "The Thorn Birds" (originally titled "Tiếng chim hót trong bụi mận gai") is the most well-known novel by Australian author Colleen McCullough, published in 1977. Alongside the romantic love story, the novel also depicts the society of the time, especially the life of the bourgeoisie, with its shifting changes both in daily life and internal struggles.

Value: The balance between realism and romance in this work is so seamless that it creates a perfect blend. The meticulous description of daily life, from the characters' attire and speech to the way they shear sheep and their daily routines, makes the novel almost like a 19th-century realistic novel. However, extraordinary characters shine through unexpected, captivating events, which infuse the story with a vivid romantic tone.

Scope: The story tells the history of a working-class family, with three generations of this family representing a miniature version of national history. Each new generation inherits the best qualities of the family—hard work, independence, resilience in the face of fate, and family pride—while simultaneously adapting to the changing times. If Fiona is brave and endures all hardships yet accepts her fate, her daughter Meggie takes a different approach, seeking to claim her own happiness from the hands of God. Meanwhile, Meggie's daughter, Jaxtina, is a modern woman with completely different moral standards. The novel is structured like a family chronicle, focusing more on psychological and ethical conflicts than on class or social issues.

Meaning: From the very title, we can grasp the profound significance of the story. The image of a bird with a unique and melodious song reflects the central character of a woman who loves only once in her life, but loves with the most intense passion in the world. At one point, she decides to abandon everything to search for her true love. Despite the numerous traps and injustices life throws at her, she plunges into the flames of love, even knowing it could destroy her. Overcoming immense pain, she conquers even God to reclaim her love. A love that the entire world must pause to admire, a love so extraordinary that even God in Heaven would envy, for the greatest rewards can only be obtained through immense sacrifice. This woman is Meggie, the heroine of "The Thorn Birds," who dares to seize a great love from the hands of God. And today, how many women dare to love fully, to face all the trials to secure their true love?

Cover price: 99,000 VND

Context: "One Hundred Years of Solitude" (originally "Trăm năm cô đơn") is the most famous novel by Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, first published in Spanish by Sudamericana in 1967. The story follows the Buendia family and their fictional town, Macondo, over the course of a century, reflecting the history of Colombia. Macondo, a town born from Marquez's imagination, is inspired by his memories of the village where he spent his youth, which he later recounted in his memoir "Living to Tell the Tale". The Buendia family spans seven generations, beginning with José Arcadio Buendía and ending with Aureliano, who was consumed by ants upon birth. This family, exiled into solitude, seeks to escape the curse of incest.

Value: Published in 1967, "One Hundred Years of Solitude" stirred up significant conversation in Latin American literature and quickly gained worldwide recognition. After nearly two decades, the novel found its way across the globe, resonating with people from all walks of life. The novel serves as a call to humanity to live authentically, embracing social bonds, overcoming personal biases, and bridging divides between individuals, families, and communities. Through its depiction of solitude, Marquez urges unity—to fight, to overcome the developmental stagnation in Latin America, and to create a new and vibrant myth. It is a story where no one’s fate is dictated by others, where love has an escape, happiness is attainable, and where families cursed by a hundred years of solitude are granted a second chance at life.

Scope: The novel spans seven generations within a single family. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" features about 60 characters, both main and secondary. Each character is unique, and through his distinctive artistic technique, Gabriel Garcia Marquez brings to life exceptional, bizarre, and sometimes grotesque figures. Together, they create a microcosm of Latin American society, where the meaning, emotions, and aspirations of life and love are explored.

Meaning: "One Hundred Years of Solitude" is a multifaceted work that uniquely reflects every aspect of life for the peoples of Latin America, including the most significant events in their history. From a stylistic perspective, the blend of indigenous mythology with modern intellectualism, the mix of reality and fantasy, has birthed a special aesthetic that literary critics call magical realism—an essential product of modern Latin American literature. In terms of meaning, the tail of the Buendía family represents the materialization of the author's reflection on the selfishness of humanity, which has lost its true nature. The characters of the Buendía family are intellectually and physically capable, but they lack the passionate heart of love. Love, ultimately, is the key to escaping loneliness.

Cover price: 55,000 VND

Context: The great playwright William Shakespeare wrote the tragic play "Romeo and Juliet" in 1596. The play is a poignant message about the deep-seated hatred and conflicts within royal families, from King Henry VIII to Queen Mary Tudor and Queen Elizabeth I, which led to thousands of murders and bloody battles between Catholics and Protestants. The story is set in Verona, Italy, where two aristocratic families, the Montagues and the Capulets, are embroiled in such a bitter feud that even their servants fight each other in the streets with swords.

Value: Through Shakespeare's pen, "Romeo and Juliet" became not only the most famous and celebrated of his plays, performed on countless stages worldwide, but also one of the greatest love stories in human history. "Romeo and Juliet" demonstrates the power of love. Their tragic deaths serve as a warning to humanity to respect the freedom of love.

Scope: The play features a relatively small number of characters and plot points. The focus is almost entirely on the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet, who must face the deep-seated hatred between their two families, the Capulets and the Montagues.

Meaning: At the conclusion of the play, both Romeo and Juliet die, but the ideals of love and the freedom to be happy in love remain eternal. Their deaths serve as a wake-up call for humanity to respect the freedom of romantic love. In the midst of darkness and coldness, the lovers, Romeo and Juliet, are warmed by their love. Love brings life and vitality to the soul, provided it is pure. The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet also represents Shakespeare's humanist voice, contributing to English and world literature.

Cover price: 169,000 VND

Context: "Steel is Tempered" holds a significant place in the history of Soviet literature and global progressive literature. Following the success of the October Revolution, the great battle of the working people across the vast territory of the Soviet Union demanded countless heroes. The people of the Soviet Union and the progressive world awaited a reflection of this new heroic figure in literature. For the first time, N. Ostrovsky captured this new human figure in the character of Korchagin. Pavel is not only distinct from the heroes of previous eras but also from the early revolutionary literary works, which often celebrated disorganized bravery, portraying the strength of the masses as a spontaneous, natural force.

Value: "Steel is Tempered" demonstrates how individual lives flourish within a vast collective, under the leadership of the Communist Party. The novel records the process of forging and the challenging path of maturation of the first generation of Soviet youth.

Scope: "Steel is Tempered" is not just a literary work that observes life; the author lives it, feels it, and then writes it. The central character, Pavel, is, in fact, the author himself: Nikolai Ostrovsky. As a fighter in the October Revolution, he lived with intense passion, just like his character Pavel.

Meaning: This is not merely an autobiographical novel written for personal interest or pleasure. The author wrote this work while bedridden, paralyzed and blind, with illness having destroyed almost his entire body. Never before has a writer created a work under such harsh conditions.

It is certain that the writer’s heart was filled with an overwhelming inspiration, which fueled his spirit. This inspiration became the source of strength for the revolutionary soldier, despite being physically disabled, enduring unbearable pain, yet refusing to succumb to death, unable to stay away from the fight. Thus, he struggled to become a writer and create this book.

Cover price: 120,000 VND

Context: The Alchemist (Portuguese: O Alquimista) is a novel first published in Brazil in 1988 and is the most famous work of author Paulo Coelho.

Value: The Alchemist is a simple, captivating fairy tale that is steeped in Eastern mystical wisdom. Today, the book has reached a global audience, touching the hearts of millions and becoming one of the greatest literary works of all time, with the potential to change the lives of its readers.

Scope: Translated into 67 languages and with over 65 million copies sold (as of May 19, 2008), it has become one of the best-selling books of all time.

Meaning: This story encourages readers to pursue their dreams. The book nourishes the soul and inspires, written in a simple style that blends elements of fairy tales and spiritual, religious stories.

Cover price: 69,000 VND

Context: The novel "War and Peace" was conceived by Lev Tolstoy in 1863 and is an epic work that was first published by Russki Vestnik between 1865 and 1869. The book offers a vivid and realistic portrayal of a tragic period in Russian society. The storyline revolves around two key historical events of the early 19th century: the wars of 1805 and 1812, while also depicting the peaceful life of the Russian people and the aristocracy between 1805-1812 and 1812-1820. "War and Peace" is considered Tolstoy's magnum opus and is regarded as one of the greatest novels in world literature.

Value: First, it explores a significant period in Russian history before and after the invasion of Napoleon Bonaparte. Secondly, Tolstoy analyzes and justifies his belief in why history unfolded the way it did. He argues that it is not the "heroes" who shape "the times" or control the fate of humanity, but rather the collective will of the people and national aspirations. With a sense of national pride, Tolstoy calls for unity among the Russian people and highlights the unique character and values of the Russian nation. He wants readers to see the birth of Russia, a multi-ethnic country with diverse customs and languages, capable of uniting to fight an invader.

Scope: The epic novel "War and Peace" is a grand heroic saga, similar to Homer's Odyssey, featuring hundreds of characters and thousands of details akin to an encyclopedia. It delves into various aspects of human life. The novel also provides a personal experience by focusing on three families: the Rostovs, the Bolkonskys, and the Bezukhovs. The monumental work was translated into English in 1886, spanning four volumes and over 1,600 pages, divided into 15 parts, each with multiple chapters. It remains the longest Russian novel of the 19th century and one of the longest in world literature. To create the 500 characters in the story, with 100 main ones, Tolstoy reportedly studied nearly every book in the library.

Meaning: "War and Peace" is a masterpiece that captures the full spectrum of human emotions: hope, ambition, satisfaction, sorrow, and conflict. Tolstoy examines the meaning of life, confronting the darker aspects of human nature, such as selfishness, material greed, and the obstacles that hinder the development of the good within us, blocking our path to happiness. Through the novel, contrasting images of the characters emerge: Andrei finds happiness while Pierre suffers, Helene pursues materialism and lives selfishly, immorally, while Natasha embodies purity, compassion, and kindness, reflecting the virtues of the Russian people.

Cover price: 280,000 VND

Context: 'Les Misérables' is a novel by French author Victor Hugo, first published in 1862. It is considered one of the most iconic novels of 19th-century world literature. Set in the early 19th century France, the novel spans over two decades, from the rise of Napoleon I to the years following his fall. The novel portrays the lives of the impoverished, painting a vivid and realistic picture of Paris and France in the first half of the 1800s.

Value: As an epic novel, it offers at least three significant depictions of French history: the Battle of Waterloo, the 1832 Paris uprising of the republicans, and the desperate flight through the sewers of Jean Valjean. The epic nature of the work is also seen in the internal conflicts within its characters, especially in the struggle between good and evil inside Jean Valjean, and the moral dilemma faced by Javert in balancing respect for the law and human compassion.

Scope: This novel does not only explore the concepts of good versus evil, or the law, but it also serves as a comprehensive encyclopedia of 19th-century French history, architecture, politics, philosophy, law, justice, and religion. Its significance is immense both in terms of content and form.

Meaning: 'Les Misérables' is a masterpiece celebrating human love and compassion. It is also one of the finest works of French literature, showcasing patriotism. In the heart of an exile, Victor Hugo recorded from memory and his heart the sights of France, particularly Paris, which serves as the backdrop for the entire novel. Through its characters, Hugo expresses his deep compassion for the victims of society's injustices, for those oppressed and suffering within the bourgeois world.

Cover Price: 336,000 VND

Context: This work primarily depicts the military and political warfare spanning almost a century from the first year of Emperor Ling's reign (Liu Hong) in the Eastern Han Dynasty in 184 AD, to the first year of Emperor Wu's reign (Sima Yan) in the Western Jin Dynasty in 280 AD. It chronicles the rise and fall of the three feudal factions: Wei (Cao Cao), Shu (Liu Bei), and Wu (Sun Quan).

Significance: The narrative reveals the political and social turmoil of ancient China, a period marked by fragmentation, civil strife, and a divided nation where the common people suffered. The work strongly reflects the people's desire for peace, unity, and stability, while promoting the ideology of supporting Liu and opposing Cao.

Artistic Value: The novel excels in character development, creating vivid, memorable figures, while its storytelling technique captivates the reader. In addition to its literary influence, it has shaped historical, military, and cinematic narratives.

Scale: The novel spans 750,000 words and consists of 120 chapters, edited by the Mao family during the early Qing Dynasty. It features numerous characters, some of whom have reached iconic status, such as Liu Bei (the noble hero), Cao Cao (the treacherous villain), Guan Yu (the loyal warrior), Zhang Fei (the fearless fighter), and Zhuge Liang (the wise strategist). The depiction of warfare reaches its peak, particularly in the famous Battle of Red Cliffs, one of history’s most renowned conflicts.

Meaning: *Romance of the Three Kingdoms* spans nearly a century, with numerous events, but its narrative remains coherent due to the distinct approach of Luo Guanzhong. The author sides with the Shu Han dynasty, criticizing the Wei kingdom while portraying the Wu kingdom as a middle force. Despite the historical inaccuracies and the influence of Confucian ideals, the work conveys a deep wish for a peaceful and unified nation, ruled by a compassionate and people-loving leader—Liu Bei.

Cover Price: The complete 3-volume set costs 260,000 VND.