What are some of the most notable works that have won the national book award for fiction books?

One such book is 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It's a powerful novel that reimagines the Underground Railroad as an actual railroad underground. Another is 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. It tells a moving story of a blind French girl and a German boy during World War II. And 'The Overstory' by Richard Powers, which is a unique exploration of the relationship between humans and trees.

One of the well - known ones is 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker. It's a powerful novel that explores themes of race, gender, and abuse in the South. Another is 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison, which delves into the horrors of slavery and its aftermath through a haunting story.

Another notable winner is 'The Grapes of Wrath' by John Steinbeck. This novel powerfully portrays the hardships of the Great Depression - era migrant workers. It shows their struggles, hopes, and the social and economic challenges they faced, making it a significant piece of American literature.

Some of the earlier winners also include works that pushed the boundaries of the medium. They often combined unique art styles with engaging storytelling, whether it was exploring historical events or personal stories, much like the more recent award - winning graphic novels.

Jesmyn Ward's 'Salvage the Bones' is also a winner. It's set against the backdrop of Hurricane Katrina and shows the strength and resilience of a poor African - American family. The book beautifully portrays family bonds, poverty, and survival in the face of a natural disaster.

One great winner is 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison. This book is a powerful exploration of slavery and its aftermath. Morrison's use of magical realism in the story makes it a unique and poignant read. It's a story that stays with the reader long after finishing the book.

Some well - known books that have won the National Book Award for Fiction include 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It's a powerful novel that uses the metaphor of an actual underground railroad to explore themes of slavery and freedom in a very unique and impactful way.

I'm not entirely sure which specific books were on that longlist. But typically, the books that make it to the national book award longlist in the fiction category are those that have received critical acclaim. They could be works that deal with important social issues, like race relations or gender equality, through the medium of fictional stories. These books also usually have strong narrative voices and engaging plots.

Some works might include those by well - known authors. However, without further research into the specific longlist, it's hard to name exact titles. Generally, works on such a list often cover a wide range of themes from social issues to personal and family dramas.

The National Book Award shortlist for fiction usually features a diverse range of books. They might include novels that explore complex social issues, like racial inequality or environmental concerns. There could also be works that are more focused on character - driven stories, delving deep into the psyche of the protagonists. Some might be experimental in their narrative structure, offering readers a fresh and different reading experience.