The writing styles were often very sophisticated. Take 'The Overstory' for instance. Richard Powers has a way of writing that is both lyrical and deeply profound. He can describe nature in a way that makes the reader feel truly immersed in the world of the trees, which was likely a factor in its award - winning status.
Many of them had unique and engaging storylines. For example, some might have focused on important social issues like 'There There' which looked at Native American experiences. This made them not only entertaining but also thought - provoking.
Character development was also key. In 'Washington Black', the titular character goes through a huge transformation. Starting as an enslaved boy, he grows into a confident and self - aware man. This kind of well - crafted character arc is common among books that won the 2018 fiction awards as it draws the reader in and makes them care about the character's journey.