The 20th century was a period of immense social, political, and cultural change, and its literature reflects this complexity with works that have shaped readers’ imaginations and worldviews for generations.
From whimsical tales of childhood to dark political allegories, here are the books voted by Goodreads users as the best of the century – each with storytelling that has transcended time, major critical acclaim and its own impact on popular culture.
7. The Little Prince – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1943)
4,709 votes
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince is often regarded as a simple children’s story, yet its themes resonate deeply with adult readers.
Written and illustrated by Saint-Exupéry himself while he was exiled in the United States during World War II, the novella tells the story of a young prince who travels from planet to planet, meeting strange inhabitants and reflecting on love, loneliness, and human nature. Its poetic style and gentle philosophical questions have made it one of the most translated books ever, with over 300 languages and dialects.
The character of the Little Prince serves as a symbol of innocence and curiosity, while the adults he encounters embody various flaws of society – greed, vanity, narrow-mindedness.
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6. The Hobbit, or There and Back Again – J.R.R. Tolkien (1937)
5,028 votes
The Hobbit introduced readers to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth, setting the stage for Tolkien’s later masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings. Originally conceived as a children’s story, it follows Bilbo Baggins, a peaceful hobbit thrust unexpectedly into an epic quest to reclaim treasure guarded by the dragon Smaug.
Tolkien’s meticulous attention to language, history, and mythology created a fantasy landscape unlike any before, blending adventure with deeper themes of courage, greed, and friendship.
The Hobbit played a pivotal role in popularising the fantasy genre in the 20th century and inspired a vast fandom, countless adaptations, and academic study. Its tone, combining light-heartedness with moments of danger, makes it accessible to young readers while offering rich detail for adults.
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5. Animal Farm – George Orwell (1945)
5,437 votes
Written during World War II but published just as the conflict was ending, George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a concise allegorical novella exposing the dangers of totalitarianism. Using a farmyard rebellion as its premise, the story mirrors the Russian Revolution and Stalinist era, portraying how ideals of equality can be corrupted by power and propaganda.
Orwell’s sharp and economical prose delivers a powerful political message in a form accessible to a wide audience. Its characters – the pigs who lead the revolution, the hardworking horses, the cynical donkey – have become shorthand in political discussions around tyranny and manipulation.
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4. The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)
7,323 votes
Though not an immediate bestseller upon its release, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby has become synonymous with the Roaring Twenties and the American Dream’s illusions.
Set against the backdrop of jazz, prohibition, and economic boom, the novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who observes the tragic pursuit of wealth and love by Jay Gatsby.
The book’s complex characters and rich symbolism have made it a staple of American literature curricula. Its critical reassessment during the mid-20th century led to numerous film and stage adaptations, reinforcing its place in cultural history.
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