Since we are avoiding the erotic aspect, another great 80s author was Toni Morrison. Her novels like 'Beloved' were powerful works that explored complex themes such as race, identity, and history in a very profound way. She was one of the most important voices in 80s literature, and her works are still widely studied and celebrated today.
Some of the best contemporary authors in fiction include Haruki Murakami. His works often blend elements of the surreal with the ordinary, like in 'Norwegian Wood'. Another is Margaret Atwood. Her novels, such as 'The Handmaid's Tale', are not only engaging stories but also important commentaries on society.
John Irving was a great author in the 80s. His novels often had complex characters and explored themes like family, morality, and the human condition. For example, 'The Cider House Rules' was very popular in the 80s and dealt with issues like abortion and the meaning of family in a thought - provoking way.
Anais Nin is often considered one of the notable ones. Her works are known for their exploration of sensuality and female sexuality in an artistic way.
Guillermo del Toro is quite notable. His works often blend gothic elements with horror and the fantastical. For instance, his movie 'Crimson Peak' has a strong gothic undercurrent with its spooky mansion and family secrets.
Rainbow Rowell has written some great contemporary love stories like 'Eleanor & Park' and 'Attachments'. John Green is the author behind 'The Fault in Our Stars'. Diana Gabaldon wrote 'Outlander' which has a great love story element in it. Casey McQuiston is the author of 'Red, White & Royal Blue' which is also a great contemporary love story.
Contemporary historical novel authors include Paula McLain. Her 'The Paris Wife' gives an interesting look at Ernest Hemingway's first wife in the context of the 1920s Paris. Gillian Flynn is also considered by some, as her novel 'Gone Girl' has elements of a thriller set within a contemporary - ish social context that can be seen as having historical roots in a sense. And Amor Towles with his novel 'A Gentleman in Moscow' which is set in post - revolutionary Russia.
Casey McQuiston is a notable author of 2019 contemporary romance novels with 'Red, White & Royal Blue'. Beth O'Leary is also notable for 'The Flatshare'.
The best 80s contemporary novels often had a strong sense of social commentary. For example, many works were dealing with the changing economic and social landscapes. Novels like 'White Noise' by Don DeLillo explored the post - modern consumerist society, the fear of death in the face of a media - saturated world. Another characteristic was the exploration of different cultures and identities. Writers were starting to break away from the traditional Western - centric view, as seen in works like 'The Joy Luck Club' by Amy Tan which delved into the experiences of Chinese - American women.
If we focus on 80s contemporary novels, 'A Confederacy of Dunces' by John Kennedy Toole is also a great one. It's a humorous yet deep exploration of human nature and society in the South. The main character, Ignatius J. Reilly, is one of the most memorable characters in American literature, with his idiosyncrasies and his clashes with the modern world.
Jeff VanderMeer is a name in contemporary science fiction. His 'Southern Reach' trilogy is full of strange and otherworldly concepts. Cory Doctorow is also famous. He writes about digital rights and how technology impacts society in works like 'Little Brother'. And of course, there's Octavia Butler, who was a pioneer in exploring themes of race, gender, and power in science fiction with works like 'Kindred' and 'Parable of the Sower'.