What are the best George Pelecanos novels?

Well, 'Hard Revolution' is often seen as a top George Pelecanos novel. It's set in a particular era and gives a great sense of time and place. Pelecanos does an excellent job of exploring the characters' motivations, relationships, and how they are shaped by the society around them. It's a novel that really makes you think about the past and how it impacts the present.

'Shoedog' is also a great one. It gives a good look into the lives of the characters in a unique setting. The writing is very detailed and it really makes you feel like you're there with the characters.

Complex characters. His characters are multi - dimensional and often have a mix of good and bad qualities.

Definitely. His fantastic fiction is known for its authenticity. He doesn't just rely on outlandish ideas for the sake of it. Instead, he builds his fictional worlds on real - life situations and emotions. This makes his stories relatable even when there are elements of the extraordinary. His characters are often flawed and trying to navigate through difficult circumstances, which adds depth to the overall narrative.

In my opinion, 'The Night Gardener' is one of the best Pelecanos novels. It has a great sense of place and character. The story is set in a vividly described urban environment and the characters are complex and believable, making it a really engaging read.

I'd recommend 'Shoedog'. It's a great example of his writing style. The characters are complex and the story has a lot of depth. You get to see how Pelecanos weaves together different elements like family, loyalty, and crime in a really engaging way.

For me, 'Drama City' is the best Pelecanos novel. It's a powerful story that shows the darker side of urban life. The way Pelecanos portrays the relationships between the characters, especially the complex ones, is really impressive. It also has a strong sense of authenticity, as if you're really there in the city with the characters.

Some of the best George Gissing novels include 'New Grub Street'. It vividly portrays the struggles of writers in a harsh literary marketplace. Another great one is 'The Odd Women', which delves into the lives of unmarried women in Victorian society, exploring themes like feminism and social change.

I also highly recommend 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold'. While not solely focused on George Smiley, it's a classic spy novel that is related to the world he inhabits. It shows the dark and gritty side of espionage and has a very clever plot that makes you question loyalties and motives.

Another great one is 'Consuelo'. It's a story rich in historical and cultural context. The main character Consuelo is a strong - willed and talented singer. The novel explores themes like art, love, and the struggle between passion and propriety.