Scarlett O'Hara (1845) is the protagonist of Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind. She is spoiled by her wealthy Irish father and French-American mother. Initially falls in love with Ashley Wilkes, but marries Charles Hamilton instead
Published in 1977, The Shining is King's first hardcover bestseller. Inspired by King's 1974 visit to The Stanley Hotel. Story follows Jack Torrance, alcoholic caretaker at Overlook Hotel
Bram Stoker's 1897 Gothic horror novel published in London. Written between 1895 and 1897 using extensive notes. Stoker found name "Dracula" in Whitby's public library
Jay Gatsby (originally James Gatz) is the protagonist of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel. Fitzgerald drew inspiration from Max Gerlach, a wealthy bootlegger during the Jazz Age. Gatsby's family is recent German immigrants, making him an outsider
Kevin Kwan's 2013 satirical novel about contemporary Asian wealth. Based on author's childhood in Singapore. Became bestseller with two sequels and film adaptation. Translated into over 40 languages, sold 5 million copies
Alexandre Dumas' most popular work, completed in 1844. Based on true story of shoemaker Pierre Picaud imprisoned for seven years. Story takes place 1815-1838 in France, Italy, and Mediterranean islands