It’s a strange thought, but the novel hasn’t always existed. Author Milan Kundera makes a strong argument that the novel is Europe’s greatest invention. It’s hard to disagree.

So, a list of the most important novels should include the works that brought the form into existence and carried it into maturity. With this in mind, five of the most important novels include:

1) Gargantua and Pantagruel - Francois Rabelais

2) Don Quixote - Miguel de Cerventes

3) Ulysses - James Joyce

4) Journey to the End of the Night - Louis-Ferdinand Celine

5) The Trial - Franz Kafka

Note that I origionally wrote this as a response to a question on Quora.com. Follow my Quara account here: Quora.com/Peter-Clarke-18