Don DeLillo. His novels touch on various aspects of American life, including those of the middle class. He is known for his in - depth exploration of the cultural and social landscapes that the middle class inhabits.
Donna Tartt is an important author. Her novel 'The Goldfinch' is a best - selling and critically acclaimed work. It tells a complex story of art, loss, and redemption. And then there's Kazuo Ishiguro, whose novels such as 'Never Let Me Go' are known for their exploration of moral and ethical issues in a unique, often dystopian, setting.
One of the well - known authors is Paolo Bacigalupi. His works often deal with environmental dystopias. For instance, in 'The Windup Girl', he depicts a world struggling with ecological disasters. Neal Shusterman has written dystopian novels too, like 'Unwind', which explores the idea of organ harvesting in a dystopian society. Also, Lauren Oliver is recognized for her dystopian works such as 'Delirium'.
Jonathan Littell has made a mark with his novels. His works often explore complex historical and moral themes. For example, his novel 'The Kindly Ones' delves into the psyche of a Nazi officer, which is a very controversial yet thought - provoking exploration.
Carmen Boullosa is a well - known author. Her works often explore themes of female identity and the cultural landscape of Latin America. Her short stories are known for their vivid descriptions and engaging characters.
Often, these novels focus on the changing family dynamics in the 21st century middle - class American families. They may show how technology and new social norms are affecting relationships between family members. In some novels, we can see how the traditional family structure is being challenged by things like divorce, single - parenting becoming more common, and the influence of social media on family communication.
Richard Wright is well - known. His 'Native Son' is a classic. Zora Neale Hurston is also famous for works like 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'. And of course, Toni Morrison. Her novels like 'Beloved' have won many awards and are widely studied. Ralph Ellison with 'Invisible Man' is another great author. His work delved deep into the African American experience in a complex and thought - provoking way.
Jhumpa Lahiri has made a mark with her short stories. She beautifully weaves stories about the Indian - American experience as well as stories set in India. Also, Anjum Hasan has written some interesting short stories that explore different facets of modern Indian life.
Merlinda Bobis is also prominent. Her works are known for their vivid descriptions and deep - dived exploration of themes like displacement and identity, often with a feminist perspective in the context of Philippine society.
Haruki Murakami. His works often blend the ordinary with the surreal. His short stories can be set in modern Japanese society but then take strange twists and turns, exploring themes like loneliness and the search for meaning.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She has written stories that touch on feminist issues, especially in the context of Nigerian and African cultures. Her works often explore the experiences of women in patriarchal societies.