The writing styles also made them stand out. Ian McEwan's 'Saturday' had a very detailed and almost stream - of - consciousness style that let readers really get into the mind of the main character. This style, combined with the relevant and relatable setting of London, made it a great read.
The best books of 2006 fiction often had unique and engaging storylines. For example, books like 'The Road' had a very different post - apocalyptic take compared to others at that time. It was not just about the destruction but also about the human spirit and relationships in a desolate world.
The themes in the anticipated 2019 fiction books were very diverse. For example, some books explored dystopian futures like 'The Testaments', which was highly anticipated due to its connection to a very popular previous work. The way it built on the existing world was really interesting. Others, like 'The Starless Sea', had unique concepts such as a magical library that captured readers' imaginations.
In the case of 'A Little Life', it was the complex characters. The audiobook made their emotional journeys more palpable. The long, detailed story was made more accessible through the excellent voice acting. The different voices for each character helped in distinguishing them clearly and added depth to their personalities. It also had a very well - paced reading that kept the listener engaged throughout the many hours of the audiobook.
In the case of 'Where the Crawdads Sing', the mystery aspect really stood out. Readers were intrigued by the death in the marsh and Kya's connection to it. Plus, the historical details of life in the marshlands were fascinating. It painted a picture that was both beautiful and haunting.
One aspect that makes the best 2020 fiction books shine is their originality. Take 'Interior Chinatown' for instance. It breaks the traditional narrative structure and presents a fresh perspective on the Asian - American experience. Also, the best books of 2020 fiction usually have strong emotional cores. Whether it's the love and loss in 'Hamnet' or the self - discovery in 'Transcendent Kingdom', these emotional elements make the books memorable and impactful.
For 'The Martian', its use of scientific accuracy made it stand out. The detailed descriptions of how to grow food on Mars, manage resources, and deal with the planet's harsh environment were fascinating. It was like a scientific manual wrapped in an exciting adventure story.
Well, many of them have strong social and cultural commentary. They can provide deep insights into different historical periods or current social issues. Like books that deal with race relations in America, they not only tell a story but also make you think about the bigger picture. Also, the character development in these books is usually top - notch. Complex, relatable characters draw the readers in and make them care about the story on a deeper level.
One key factor is their ability to create unique and relatable characters. For instance, Douglas Adams' characters in 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' are so distinct and their reactions to the crazy situations are what make it humorous. Another is their use of unexpected twists. Terry Pratchett often throws in a curveball in his Discworld stories that catches the reader off - guard and makes them laugh. Also, their use of language. Mark Twain had a way with words that was both simple and yet deeply humorous. His descriptions and dialogues were full of wit.
The characters. Take 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt. The characters are multi - dimensional. Theo, the main character, is full of contradictions. His journey through life after a tragic event is so engaging. The author's ability to create such believable and complex characters is what makes the book stand out among the best fictions of the year.
Adam Driver's emotional range made him stand out.
Many of the 2018 dystopian novels like 'The Poppy War' had really detailed and immersive world - building. They created settings that were both familiar and strange at the same time. The characters in these novels also had complex motives and growth arcs, which added depth to the stories. For instance, in 'The Water Cure', the sisters' relationships and their struggle for survival in a harsh world made the story engaging.