Islandia

The novel describes the adventures of John Lang, an American who gets appointed as a consul to the mysterious land of Islandia. Islandia is fairly isolationist, only allowing about a hundred foreigners at a time in the country. Lang is expected to investigate the possibility of opening up business interests there and possibly bringing this backward place into the totally modern world of 1910. Instead, he finds himself exploring the land with an Islandian colleague, getting involved in their politics, learning about their culture and falling in love with all of their women. Why it's on the list Islandia's message is strong and relevant, filled with the complexity of trying to live a truly good life in increasingly complicated times; of getting to the essentials; of honoring friendship and love. This is not just a Utopian novel or just another fantasy paperback. It is a great piece of classical literature that deserves more accolades. Read if you like Classic writing and a spellbinding storyline.