It is a truth universally acknowledged ... that Jane Austen remains one of the century's best-loved authors: for a reason. The Bennet sisters' quest for suitable husbands most epitomizes her writing -

Meddler/matchmaker Ms. Woodhouse is as strong a heroine as Lizzy & Elinor, but quirkier & less mature. Pity Harriet Smith for such a friend! Mr. Knightley is a bit too, err, saintly for me, but hey...

Austen's last masterpiece: the story of Anne Elliot and Captain Frederick Wentworth, whose romance has stood the test of time ... and survived well-meant but near-disastrous interference of others.

Emily Bronte's only novel; a masterpiece of gothic fiction and emotional torment. Heathcliffe will haunt you, too!

Likewise a poignant statement on British rural society, morals and married life, this is George Eliot (Mary Anne Lewes nee Evans)'s masterpiece.

Considered Eliot's most autobiographical novel, "The Mill on the Floss" looks at yet another passionate and unique heroine and her relationships with her family and various men.

A huge scandal when first published and Hardy's last major novel, "Jude" is in many ways the companion piece to "Tess," extending Hardy's social criticism to religion & the limits imposed on the poor.

Fate and chance again; plus love, compassion, alienation, belonging and the contrast between rural & cosmopolitan life are at the center of this moving story of 5 lovers with interchanging life paths.

The quintessential orphan hero, a cast of trademark memorable characters, sharp humor and biting social criticism made Dickens's first novel a perennial favorite.

The novel whose greatest mystery stems from the fact that it was left unfinished at Dickens's death. Was Edwin Drood murdered - and if so, by whom? Speculation abounds to this day ...

Widely considered Trollope's masterpiece; as topical in today's corporate world as when written: A look at greed & dishonesty on par w. Dickens's "Bleak House;" Trollope at his most overtly political.

Arguably the best of the Palliser novels: double-dealing & intrigue in parliament, love, and elsewhere in society. Another must-read series if you like "The Way We Live Now" and the Barsetshire stuff.

Last but not least, Thackeray's originally serialized "novel without a hero," the tale of gentle, naive Amelia Sedley & her friend (of sorts), social climber Becky Sharp. More enjoyable social satire!