What are some of the best contemporary western novels?

'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon, although it has elements that span different genres, has a strong western - like feel in some parts and a very intense, romantic relationship. The story is set in a time when the American West was still being explored and settled, and the love between the main characters is full of passion and struggle.

Contemporary western novels often feature complex characters. These characters are usually multi - faceted, with their own inner conflicts and contradictions. For example, in some novels, the protagonist might struggle between moral and self - interest. Another characteristic is the diverse themes. They can cover topics like social inequality, identity crisis, and environmental issues. Also, the writing styles vary greatly. Some are more stream - of - consciousness, like James Joyce's works, while others might be more straightforward in narration.

For beginners, 'The Hate U Give' by Angie Thomas is a great choice. It's a contemporary novel that deals with important social issues like racism and police brutality in a very accessible way. The story is engaging and the characters are relatable.

One of the contemporary best novels is 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt. It tells a story of a boy's journey through life after a tragic event, filled with themes of art, loss, and self - discovery. Another great one is 'Educated' by Tara Westover. It's a memoir - like novel that shows her journey from a strict and isolated upbringing in the mountains to getting an education and finding herself in the wider world. And 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney is also highly regarded. It beautifully depicts the complex relationship between two young people growing up in Ireland, exploring themes of class, love, and identity.

One from the 100 best contemporary novels is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. This novel is a classic exploration of love, class, and social expectations. Its characters, like Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, are iconic. Also, 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger is a significant work. It delves into the mind of a disillusioned teenager, Holden Caulfield, and his struggles with growing up and the 'phoniness' of the adult world.

One of the best contemporary novels is 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini. It tells a powerful story of friendship, betrayal, and redemption set against the backdrop of Afghanistan's tumultuous history. Another great one is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, which tackles themes of racism and justice in the American South. '1984' by George Orwell is also highly regarded. It's a dystopian novel that warns about totalitarianism and the loss of privacy and freedom.

One of the best contemporary novels is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It beautifully portrays the Jazz Age, with themes of love, wealth, and the American Dream. Another great one is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, which tackles issues of racism and moral growth in a small Southern town. And '1984' by George Orwell is also highly regarded. It presents a dystopian future where the government has extreme control over the people.

There are many. For instance, 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' by Gabriel García Márquez, which combines elements of magic realism and family saga. 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green is a contemporary YA novel that has touched the hearts of many readers with its story of young love in the face of illness. 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison is also a remarkable work, exploring the haunting legacy of slavery.

In western contemporary romance novels, the themes are quite diverse. For example, there could be themes about second chances at love, or falling in love against all odds. The plots can be complex, involving misunderstandings, family issues, or career - related problems that the couple has to overcome. The description of the physical attraction between the characters is also an important part, but it's often intertwined with the emotional connection. These novels also tend to reflect the current cultural trends in the Western world, like the importance of independence in a relationship.

One characteristic is their diversity in themes. 'The Goldfinch' focuses on art, loss, and coming - of - age, while 'Gone Girl' is centered around a marriage gone wrong and the dark side of human nature. The writing styles vary as well. Some, like Cormac McCarthy in 'The Road', have a sparse and minimalist style that still manages to convey deep emotions. And many of these novels are set in different time periods and locations within the western world, adding to their richness.