9 Wonderful Works of Literary Fiction
Lighthearted romance novels and humorous books can be great, but sometimes it's nice to sit down with a work of literary fiction that delves into deep issues, like family, race, and what it means to be human. If you want to add some amazing literature to your book shelf, then go out and pick up these nine wonderful novels. When you click links from this website, we may receive advertising revenue to support our research. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
9 Wonderful Works of Literary Fiction
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In Depth
Novels under the literary fiction genre usually touch on significant topics, such as societal problems, political issues, and the human condition. If you're interested in delving into important subjects like these, you'll be sure to fall in love with one of the works on this list. Here are nine of the best works of literary fiction, listed in no particular order.
At #1 is "A Doubter's Almanac" by author and educator Ethan Canin. This is a skillfully-written story about Milo Andret, a brilliant young man with a passion for math. He begins his life's work in California in the 1970s where women, drinking, and academic disappointment lead him to failure. This book is narrated by Milo's son, Hans, who is also a math genius. Spanning seven decades, this story explores obsession, love, and grief in a deeply moving way.
Taking the #2 spot is M.O. Walsh's coming-of-age novel "My Sunshine Away." The story is told from the point of view of a young man who is suspected of committing a crime that destroyed the peace in a small community in Baton Rouge. Tales of passion, pain, and young love are revealed, creating a page-turning book that will keep readers engaged.
Tales of passion, pain, and young love are revealed, creating a page-turning book that will keep readers engaged.
Coming in at #3 is "Things That Happened Before the Earthquake." Chiara Barzini is the author of this moving and seductive novel, which follows the life of Eugenia, an Italian teenage girl who moves to Los Angeles with her parents, who are dreaming of fame and fortune in the film industry. Eugenia struggles to adjust to her new environment, and experiments with sex and drugs as she tries to escape from her teenage issues.
Following at #4, "Tuesday Nights in 1980" focuses on New York City's art community. The story is told from multiple perspectives, shifting between the points of view of three characters: James, an art critic, Raul, a painter, and Lucy, a small town girl in the big city. The lives of these three are intertwined in a colorful love triangle, masterfully crafted by author Molly Prentiss.
Taking the #5 spot is "Children of the Jacaranda Tree," a gripping and deeply moving novel by Sahar Delijani. Set in post-revolutionary Iran, the plot spans almost three decades, from 1983 to 2011. Each chapter tells the story of a different person connected to Evin Prison, a correctional facility in Tehran where several women have been held captive and have suffered. This book attempts to shed light on a dark moment in the Middle East.
Set in post-revolutionary Iran, the plot spans almost three decades, from 1983 to 2011.
Next, at #6 is "Call Me Zebra" by Azareen Van der Vliet Oloomi. A tale of romance and adventure, this novel features Zebra, a bookish twenty-two-year-old who decides to retrace the journey that she and her family made from their homeland Iran to the United States. She is hoping that in the process, she will be inspired to write an exceptional literary piece. In Barcelona, she meets Ludo, a young Italian man who becomes her travel buddy and lover.
Following at #7 is an engaging and funny novel titled "We're All Damaged." Written by Matthew Norman, this book tells the story of Andy Carter, a young man who is having a bad year. He moves to New York from Omaha after losing his job and ruining his best friend's wedding, but soon has to go back home to say goodbye to his dying grandfather. There, his life becomes complicated again with the presence of his ex-wife and a new friend named Daisy.
Coming in at #8 is "The Turner House." This epic page-turner tells the tale of a family in Detroit with thirteen children. The Turners have lived on Yarrow Street for years, but when their father dies, their elderly mother moves out of the family house. Now, their old home that has witnessed many memories is empty and dilapidated. Written by Angela Flournoy, this is primarily a story about siblings, their relationships with each other, and their own personal dreams.
The Turners have lived on Yarrow Street for years, but when their father dies, their elderly mother moves out of the family house.
Finally, at #9 is "Our Little Racket" by Angelica Baker. The author takes us deep into the lives of five women who are affected by an economic crisis. Madison is the fifteen-year-old daughter of Bob D'Amico, the CEO of an investment bank. When the business goes from financial giant to bankruptcy, Madison, her mother, her best friend, her nanny, and a family friend are forced to adjust to a different life. This novel explores family, loyalty, and betrayal from multiple points of view.
