What makes Joan Didion's best novels stand out?

'A Book of Common Prayer' is also among her best. It tells the story of Charlotte Douglas, an American woman living in a fictional Central American country. It's a complex exploration of politics, exile, and the human condition.

One of the best is 'The Year of Magical Thinking'. It's a deeply personal and moving account of her experience after the sudden death of her husband. Another great one is 'Slouching Towards Bethlehem'. It offers a vivid and incisive look at the counterculture in California during the 1960s.

One could argue that 'The Year of Magical Thinking' is among her best. It's a deeply personal and poignant exploration of grief and loss after the death of her husband.

One of her highly regarded novels is 'Play It as It Lays'. It delves into the life of a woman, Maria, in Hollywood. The novel presents a fragmented and somewhat desolate view of her existence, exploring themes of identity, love, and the hollowness that can lurk beneath the glamorous surface of the movie industry.

Joan Didion's 'The Last Thing He Wanted' is among her best. It has a complex plot that involves journalism and international intrigue. The way she weaves the story and develops the characters makes it a standout. Also, her short stories can be considered some of her best fictional works. They are often poignant and display her unique writing style that is both minimalist and deeply evocative.

Another great work is 'A Book of Common Prayer'. It's a complex exploration of different cultures and relationships. The story is set in a fictional Central American country and follows the lives of various characters, showing Didion's skill in portraying human nature in a unique context.

In my opinion, 'Slouching Towards Bethlehem' stands out. It gives a raw and unfiltered view of the hippie movement and the cultural changes in California. The essays in it are like snapshots of a time that was both chaotic and full of new ideas. It's a great example of Didion's ability to capture the essence of an era.

One of the most highly regarded Joan Didion novels is 'The Year of Magical Thinking'. It's a deeply personal and poignant exploration of grief and loss, as she reflects on the death of her husband and the illness of her daughter.

For me, 'Play It as It Lays' is a top contender. It delves into the life of a Hollywood actress, Maria. The story is fragmented, much like Maria's own mental state. It gives a gritty look at the emptiness and disillusionment that can lurk beneath the glamorous surface of Hollywood life. It's a novel that stays with you long after you've finished reading.

One of her well - known fiction novels is 'Play It as It Lays'. It's a novel that delves deep into the psyche of its protagonist, Maria. It presents a rather desolate view of life in Los Angeles in the 1960s and 70s, with Maria struggling through a complex web of relationships, self - identity, and the general chaos of her existence.