Moving, compassionate story set in Belfast in 1969 - excellent observation of approaching trouble

Beautifully written, compassionate story of everyday life, love and loss

One of the greatest works of Victorian fiction - long, but with sustained tension and interest

Probably the best starting place for the newcomer to Joyce. A statement of intent, a novel of growing up, and a foretaste of the greatness to come

Less a novel than a series of acutely-observed character sketches. Few people write as well as David Mamet.

Probably the scariest book I've ever read, because Lessing makes the breakdown of society seem not just likely, but inevitable. Good for students of Jung, too.

Impressively detailed and intricate recreation of 18th century London in a compelling tale of love and science

Absorbing, quirky tale peopled with eccentric (and eccentrically-named) characters. Good fun

Colourful, exuberant and very funny story of growing up in the 1970s, which also plays with important questions of identity and cultural borrowings

Great comic novel about the bewildering and hilarious success of a failed teacher and incompetent reader

Cracking crime thriller set in early 60s America - Howard Hughes, Sam Giancana, the Kennedy family, Cuba and J. Edgar Hoover thrown together, mixed with brilliant dialogue

Short, disturbing fable of a love triangle at the end of the 60s. Convincing characterisation and a brooding, sinister atmosphere