What are the characteristics of recent good fiction?

One characteristic is the exploration of modern - day issues within the crime story. In some recent crime fictions, they touch on topics like social media's impact on crime or how mental health can be related to criminal behavior. Also, good recent crime fiction usually has a well - paced plot. It doesn't drag but keeps you engaged from start to finish, like 'The Woman in the Window'. And the use of red herrings is common. Authors will throw in false leads to keep readers guessing, as seen in 'Before She Knew Him'.

One characteristic is the exploration of the relationship between humans and nature. In 'Braiding Sweetgrass', it shows how Native American cultures have a harmonious relationship with nature, while in modern society, we often struggle with it. Another is that they use nature as a backdrop to tell deeper stories. In 'Flight Behavior', the changing patterns of the monarch butterflies are a metaphor for the larger environmental issues we face.

Many recent fiction books are highly influenced by modern technology. Some use social media as a plot device or explore the impact of the digital age on relationships. Also, the writing styles can be quite experimental. Writers are playing with different narrative structures, like non - linear storytelling or multiple points of view. Another characteristic is the focus on identity. Authors are delving deep into how individuals define themselves in a complex and changing world, which can be seen in books like 'Americanah' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Many good recent novels also have unique narrative styles. Some might use multiple points of view, like 'Cloud Atlas'. This style makes the story more complex and interesting, allowing readers to see different perspectives on the same events or situations.

One characteristic is diverse themes. Recent popular fiction books cover a wide range, from mystery like in 'The Silent Patient' to coming - of - age stories. Another is strong character development. For example, in 'Educated', the main character's transformation is very well - portrayed.

Recent historical fiction novels often have very detailed historical settings. For example, they might describe the architecture, the clothing, and the social customs of a particular era accurately. They also tend to focus on the human stories within the historical context. Like in 'The Nightingale', the main focus is on the two sisters' experiences during the war rather than just the big historical events. And they sometimes use modern writing techniques to make the stories more accessible and engaging for today's readers.

Recent historical fiction books often have more diverse perspectives. For example, they might focus on the experiences of marginalized groups that were overlooked in traditional historical accounts. They also tend to be more research - intensive, using new historical findings to create more accurate and detailed settings. For instance, books about World War II now include more about the role of civilians in different countries.

Recent crime fiction books tend to be more psychologically - driven. They dig deep into the motives of the criminals and the minds of the investigators. The pacing is usually fast - paced, not wasting much time getting into the action. There's also a trend of having unreliable narrators, which adds an extra layer of mystery. And the themes often touch on current social and cultural concerns, making the stories not just about solving a crime but also about the society in which the crime occurs.

Many recent works of New Zealand fiction are known for their exploration of social and cultural issues. They might touch on topics like the Maori - Pakeha relationship, which is an important part of New Zealand's social fabric. Also, there's a sense of innovation in the writing styles. Writers are not afraid to experiment with different narrative structures, like in 'The Luminaries' which has a complex astrological - based structure.

One characteristic is that they often deal with contemporary issues. For example, many recent best sellers touch on topics like mental health, as seen in 'The Midnight Library'.