What are the characteristics of the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction winning work?

Well, they often deal with important social issues. For example, many explore topics like race, class, and gender inequality. This makes them relevant and thought - provoking.

Often, they have strong and unique themes. For example, they might explore social issues deeply, like 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison which delved into the horrors of slavery and its long - lasting impacts on African - American families.

The winning book 'The Overstory' by Richard Powers has complex and interwoven storylines.

They often have strong, well - developed characters. For example, in 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Atticus Finch is a very memorable and morally upright character.

It was Richard Russo. His novel 'Empire Falls' won the 2002 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. Russo has a talent for writing stories that are both engaging and thought - provoking. In 'Empire Falls', he weaves a complex tale of a small town and its inhabitants that clearly impressed the Pulitzer committee.

The 2009 Pulitzer Prize Fiction work 'Olive Kitteridge' is characterized by its ability to capture the essence of human emotions. It's a collection of short stories that together form a complex portrait of Olive. The stories are often bittersweet, showing both the beauty and the pain in life. The setting of a small town is also a big part of its charm. It gives a sense of community and how individuals fit into it. The language used is simple yet powerful, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

Many Pulitzer Prize - winning fictions are deeply rooted in the time and place they are set. They can provide a vivid picture of a particular era or location. For instance, 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker gives insights into the lives of African - American women in the rural South.

One characteristic is high - quality writing. These works often have a polished prose style that draws readers in. For example, the language used is vivid and descriptive.

Many of them are very good at portraying social issues. For example, they might show the struggles of different social classes or the problems within a particular community.

The criteria generally include excellence in writing, original and creative storytelling, and the ability to engage with important themes relevant to society or the human condition.