Modern day epic novels often feature an epic journey, not necessarily in a physical sense but also in an emotional or spiritual one. For instance, in 'Cloud Atlas', the characters go through different lifetimes and experiences that are all interconnected. They also might have elements of historical or cultural significance woven into the story. This helps to ground the novel in a larger context and gives it more depth and meaning.
I would recommend 'The Overstory' which is an epic exploration of trees and the people whose lives are intertwined with them. It has a broad scope, covering different time periods and locations related to forests. 'Americanah' is also a modern day epic novel. It deals with the themes of race, identity, and love through the story of a Nigerian woman who moves to the United States. And don't forget 'The Underground Railroad' which reimagines the Underground Railroad as an actual railroad and tells a harrowing story of slavery and escape.
Some might consider the 'Avengers' series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as modern day epic stories. It brings together a large group of superheroes with their own unique abilities and backstories. They face global and even universal threats like Thanos. There are epic battles, character arcs, and a sense of an overarching story that spans multiple movies, making it a modern epic in the superhero genre.
Modern day epic stories often use more modern technology and settings. For example, instead of ancient battlefields, we might have a post - apocalyptic world like in 'Mad Max: Fury Road'. Also, modern epic stories can have more diverse characters in terms of gender, race, and sexual orientation. In contrast, traditional epic stories were often more centered around male heroes from a specific culture. Another difference is the medium. While traditional epics were mainly oral or written in the form of long poems, modern epics are often movies, TV shows, or novels.
One example is the story of Malala Yousafzai. She defied the Taliban in Pakistan to fight for girls' education. Despite being shot in the head by the Taliban, she survived and continued her advocacy on a global scale. Her courage makes her an epic hero in modern times.
One of the best modern epic novels is 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' by Gabriel García Márquez. It weaves a complex and magical tale of the Buendía family over generations in the fictional town of Macondo. Another great one is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien, which takes readers on an epic journey through Middle - earth with its richly detailed world - building and heroic characters. Also, 'Infinite Jest' by David Foster Wallace is considered a modern epic for its large scope and exploration of various themes.
Modern day epic hero stories can also drive social change. Greta Thunberg's climate change activism has pushed governments and corporations to re - evaluate their environmental policies. Her story has made climate change a more urgent topic in the public consciousness, leading to more efforts towards sustainability.
Some epic modern novels include 'Infinite Jest' by David Foster Wallace. It's a complex and sprawling work that delves into themes like addiction, entertainment, and the search for meaning in a post - modern world. 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien, while set in a fictional fantasy world, has had a huge impact on modern literature and is an epic in terms of its world - building, character development, and the grandeur of its story. 'A Passage to India' by E.M. Forster is also an important epic modern novel that examines the relationships between the British and Indians during the colonial era, exploring themes of race, culture, and misunderstanding.
Well, modern epic novels usually involve a hero's journey in a contemporary or modern - set context. They might deal with the struggle against social and political systems. In a novel like 'The Corrections' by Jonathan Franzen, it shows family drama on an epic scale, with characters facing various modern - day challenges. And the language in these novels can be rich and detailed, painting a vivid picture of the world they create.
Another one is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It's an epic portrayal of the life of Thomas Cromwell in the Tudor court. The novel is detailed and gives a deep insight into the politics and personalities of that era. It's part of a trilogy that continues to explore that world in great depth.