Hilary Mantel is also a prominent contemporary female author of historical fiction. Her 'Wolf Hall' trilogy delves deep into the life of Thomas Cromwell during the Tudor era. Mantel's work is noted for its in - depth research and vivid portrayal of the historical setting.
Geraldine Brooks is another great one. Her novel 'March' gives a different perspective on the story of 'Little Women' by imagining the absent father's experiences during the American Civil War. She often takes historical events and weaves engaging fictional stories around them.
One well - known contemporary fiction author is Haruki Murakami. His works, like 'Norwegian Wood' and 'Kafka on the Shore', are known for their dreamy and surreal elements. Another is Margaret Atwood. Her novels such as 'The Handmaid's Tale' are very popular and often deal with feminist and dystopian themes. J.K. Rowling is also a significant figure, mainly known for the 'Harry Potter' series which has a huge global following.
There are several notable female authors of historical fiction. Diana Gabaldon is one. Her 'Outlander' series combines elements of historical Scotland with time - travel and romance. Ursula K. Le Guin, though also known for other genres, has written historical - inspired works. And Geraldine Brooks, with books like 'March', which gives a different perspective on the events of 'Little Women' from the absent father's point of view.
Jonathan Safran Foer is also prominent. His works, such as 'Everything Is Illuminated', use unique narrative styles to explore his own Jewish identity as well as broader themes related to family, history, and the human condition in the context of the Jewish experience.
Toni Morrison is a very well - known author in contemporary black fiction. Her works like 'Beloved' are highly regarded. Another is Ta - Nehisi Coates, who has written powerful books exploring race and identity.
George Saunders is a popular figure in contemporary short fiction. His stories are known for their unique blend of humor and poignant social commentary. He often uses surreal elements to tell stories about modern - day America.
One well - known author is J.K. Rowling. Her 'Harry Potter' series, while having elements of fantasy, is also set in a contemporary Western - like world and has had a huge impact on modern literature. Another is Stephen King. He is famous for his horror and suspense novels that often deal with contemporary fears and issues in a Western context.
One well - known author is Lee Child. His Jack Reacher series has elements of pulp fiction with its action - packed plots and a tough, lone hero.
John Updike is a well - known one. His works often explore the lives of ordinary Americans, their relationships, and their place in society. Another is Ian McEwan. His novels like 'Atonement' are known for their detailed characterizations and exploration of complex emotions within a real - world setting.
Kazuo Ishiguro is also a significant figure in new contemporary fiction. His novels, like 'Never Let Me Go', blend elements of science fiction with deep - seated human emotions and moral questions. His writing style is often understated yet powerful, drawing readers into his unique fictional worlds.
Tim O'Brien is a well - known author of contemporary war fiction. His work 'The Things They Carried' is highly regarded. It gives a very personal and in - depth look at the experiences of soldiers in the Vietnam War. Another is Sebastian Junger, who has written about modern warfare. His books often focus on the experiences of soldiers in combat zones and the bonds that form between them.