A significant aspect of these 100 21st - century novels is their exploration of global issues. Climate change is a recurring theme, with novels depicting the consequences of environmental degradation on both a personal and a global scale. Additionally, there is a trend towards more inclusive storytelling, with many novels featuring LGBTQ+ characters and stories that break traditional gender norms. This reflects the growing acceptance and celebration of diversity in the 21st century.
They also tend to touch on contemporary social issues. Such as poverty, inequality, and environmental problems. These stories can be a powerful medium to raise awareness about these issues. Some might tell the story of a family struggling to make ends meet in a slum area, highlighting the harsh reality of poverty in the Philippines.
One notable 21st - century American novel is 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins. It's a dystopian story that follows Katniss Everdeen in a brutal fight - for - survival competition. Another is 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt. It tells the story of a boy who survives a terrorist attack at an art museum and his complex relationship with a stolen painting. And 'Americanah' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, which explores race, identity, and love through the story of a Nigerian woman in America.
One notable feature is the detailed social commentary. For example, in Charles Dickens' novels like 'Oliver Twist', he vividly depicted the harsh living conditions of the poor in 19th - century London. Another feature is the complex character development. Novels often had characters that grew and changed over the course of the story, such as in Jane Austen's works where her female characters often had to navigate through social and romantic challenges, which in turn led to their personal growth. Also, the use of elaborate language was common. Writers took their time to describe scenes, emotions, and characters in great detail, which added to the richness of the novels.
One notable feature is the development of the novel as a distinct literary form. Many 18th - century novels focused on the individual's experience in society. For example, 'Robinson Crusoe' by Daniel Defoe explored themes of survival and self - reliance. Also, the language in these novels was becoming more accessible to a wider range of readers compared to earlier literary works. Another aspect was the exploration of social classes and the emerging middle class, which was reflected in novels like 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, where the interactions between different social strata were a central part of the story.
One of the great novels from this list could be 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini. It's a powerful story of friendship, betrayal, and redemption set against the backdrop of Afghanistan's history. Another might be 'Life of Pi' by Yann Martel, which tells an incredible story of a boy stranded on a lifeboat with a tiger. It makes you think about survival, faith, and the power of storytelling.
One notable feature is their exploration of social taboos. These novels often delved into topics that were considered improper in mainstream society at that time, like unorthodox relationships. They also had a certain style of writing that was more daring compared to other literary works. For example, they might use more vivid language to describe emotions and situations that were on the edge of propriety.
One notable feature is the diversity of themes. Many of these novels explore complex human emotions like love, loss, and identity. For example, 'The Great Gatsby' delves into the American Dream and the hollowness of the upper class. Another feature is the experimentation with narrative forms. Some novels, like 'Ulysses' by James Joyce, use stream - of - consciousness to present a more in - depth view of characters' minds. Also, these novels often reflect the social and political climates of their times, such as George Orwell's '1984' which was a commentary on totalitarianism.
One notable 21st century black short story is 'The Ones Who Don't Say They're Poor' by Tressie McMillan Cottom. It delves into the complex experiences of black women in modern society. Another is 'Black Sunday' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie which explores themes of race, identity, and cultural clashes. Also, 'The Sellout' by Paul Beatty in short story form can be considered, as it satirizes race relations in America in a unique and thought - provoking way.
Some good 21st century science fiction books include 'The Three - Body Problem' by Liu Cixin. It presents a complex view of an alien invasion and humanity's response. 'Ancillary Justice' by Ann Leckie is also a great read. It has unique world - building with a focus on a former AI - controlled ship's ancillary. 'Exhalation' by Ted Chiang contains several thought - provoking short stories about various scientific and technological concepts.
Kazuo Ishiguro. His works in the 21st century, like 'Never Let Me Go', explore complex themes such as human nature and mortality in a unique and thought - provoking way.