Classics with complex moral dilemmas:
* The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien: Explores themes of good vs. evil in a grand, epic fantasy setting. It's a classic for a reason, but the good and evil are fairly clear-cut.
* The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky: A philosophical novel that grapples with complex moral questions, the nature of faith, and the existence of God. It's a heavy read, but very rewarding.
* The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: This classic American novel explores themes of wealth, materialism, and the pursuit of the American Dream, all intertwined with the complexities of love and loss. While it doesn't have traditional good vs. evil characters, it explores how society shapes our moral compass.
Contemporary novels with nuanced perspectives:
* The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: This story, narrated by Death, examines the choices people make during wartime and explores themes of compassion, resilience, and the power of words. It's a moving story with a unique perspective.
* The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood: This dystopian novel explores the dangers of totalitarianism and how easily good people can be corrupted. It raises important questions about power, control, and the importance of individual freedom.
* The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini: This story of friendship, betrayal, and redemption set in Afghanistan deals with complex themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the consequences of past actions. It delves into the human capacity for both good and evil.
Philosophical works:
* The Republic by Plato: Plato's philosophical dialogue explores the concept of justice and the nature of a good society. While it doesn't have a clear good and evil protagonist, it explores what a just individual and a just society should look like.
* The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli: This political treatise, while often seen as advocating for ruthless ambition, is actually more about pragmatism and the realities of power. It challenges the traditional view of "good" and "evil" in politics.
Ultimately, the best "good and evil" book for you depends on your interests and what you're looking for in a story.
It's also important to consider the narrative structure of the book. Some books have clearly defined good and evil characters, while others explore the gray areas of morality. Some books might use allegory or symbolism to represent good and evil, while others tackle the topic directly.
No matter what your preference is, there are plenty of great books out there that can challenge your understanding of good and evil and make you think about the complexities of human nature.