Top 5 Novels of All Time

as objectively determined by me

1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. (Yes, I am treating the seven books as one.) Bonus points for how re-readable these are.
2. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Known as a story of revenge for a horrible wrong, it is so much more. Read the unabridged version.
3. Winter’s Tale by Mark Helprin. This novel will make you realize that there are things that can be done with both language and plot that you did not realize were possible.
4. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. I am limiting myself to one book per author on this short list, even though Dickens can fill such lists by himself. I wouldn’t blame you if, under such constraint, you chose David Copperfield in this spot. I go with A Tale of Two Cities for the opening line, the gravity of the story, and for Sydney Carton.
5. Ishmael (and its sequel Self-Raised) by E.D.E.N. Southworth. (Yes, I am treating the two books as one.) Most of you will not have heard of this one. Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte (“E.D.E.N.”) was a popular nineteenth century novelist. There has never been a better fictional character than the Ishmael she created. You may obtain beautiful hardcover editions of these books from Lamplighter Publishing.