In 2020, 'The Mirror & the Light' by Hilary Mantel was a significant fiction release. It is the final part of her trilogy about Thomas Cromwell. 'Shuggie Bain' by Douglas Stuart is another one. It's a poignant story of a boy growing up in poverty in Glasgow. And 'The City We Became' by N. K. Jemisin is a unique urban fantasy that uses the city of New York as a character in its own right.
Some 2020 fiction books worth checking out are 'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell. It gives a fictional account of Shakespeare's family life, especially around the death of his son. Then there's 'A Burning' by Megha Majumdar. This book is set in India and shows how the lives of three characters intersect in a complex web of ambition, justice, and power. Also, 'Unsettled Ground' by Claire Fuller is a gripping read about siblings facing hardships.
One great 2020 fiction book is 'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett. It tells the story of twin sisters who choose very different paths in life. Another is 'Transcendent Kingdom' by Yaa Gyasi, which explores family, race, and science. And 'Leave the World Behind' by Rumaan Alam is also notable. It presents a tense and thought - provoking scenario of a family's encounter with strangers during a strange event.
One great 2017 fiction book is 'The Power' by Naomi Alderman. It presents a world where women develop the power to electrocute at will, which completely flips the power dynamics between genders. Another is 'Exit West' by Mohsin Hamid. It tells a love story set against the backdrop of global migration, with the unique element of magical doors that connect different parts of the world.
I really liked 'The Cartographers' by Peng Shepherd in 2023 fiction. It's about mapmakers and a mysterious, magical map. The plot is full of twists and turns, taking readers on an adventure through different times and places as the characters try to uncover the secrets of the map.
Well, 'Leave the World Behind' by Rumaan Alam is a great pick. It's a gripping story that unfolds when a family on vacation is interrupted by the arrival of strangers. It creates an atmosphere of unease and makes you think about modern society.
The 'The Female Persuasion' is also a notable 2018 fiction work. It explores themes of feminism, friendship, and the power of influence. It follows the story of Greer, a young woman who is inspired by an older feminist figure and how their relationship evolves over time.
A good 2022 fiction is 'Babel' by R.F. Kuang. It's a thought - provoking book that explores themes of colonialism, language, and power through a story set in a magical university.
A great 2020 fiction book is 'Remote Control' by Nnedi Okorafor. It's a science - fiction story that follows a girl with special powers. Also, 'Concrete Rose' by Angie Thomas is worth reading. It's a prequel to 'The Hate U Give' and gives more background on the main character's father.
One great military fiction book is 'The Red Badge of Courage' by Stephen Crane. It vividly depicts the psychological journey of a young soldier in the American Civil War.
Another good one is 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie. This novel is set against the backdrop of India's independence and partition. It follows the lives of children born at the stroke of midnight on the day of independence, and through their stories, it delves into India's complex history and cultural tapestry.
'South Pole Station' by Ashley Shelby is another good one. It gives a more contemporary view of life in Antarctica through a fictional story, exploring the relationships and experiences of the people working at the station.
You should consider 'The Miniaturist' by Jessie Burton. It's set in 17th - century Amsterdam and is full of mystery. The story focuses on a young bride who receives a miniature house as a gift and the strange miniaturist who seems to know all of her secrets.