Dive into 13 Award-Winning Contemporary Fiction Novels
Book RaiderWe all have those days when the stars align and drop a hefty stack of free time right in our laps. It's on these divine days, too rare to reserve for ordinary pastimes, that we pick up an award-winning contemporary fiction novel and let ourselves be swept into a finely woven world of the author's creation. Geez, there's nothing quite like it.
Of course, being spoilt with books as we are by the clamoring horde of talented authors at the peak of their game, choosing just one novel to play the leading role in our adventures of literary escapism can be a Herculean task. Heaven knows, we can't judge these books by their covers alone, fancy as they might be. Hold on to your armchairs, folks - it's time to dive into the captivating realms of award-winning contemporary fiction novels.
Homegoing
by Yaa Gyasi
Why Homegoing is on this list: Homegoing offers a compelling narrative that straddles the fine line between the past and the present, making it every bit deserving to be on our list of award-winning contemporary fiction novels.
Through a powerful and intelligent exploration of the legacy of slavery and colonialism, Homegoing tells the story of two half-sisters, born into different villages in Ghana. Separated by fate, one sister is married off to an Englishman, while the other one is captured and sold into slavery. The book traces the generations of family that follow, as their fortunes rise and fall. This splendid debut, where history and humanity intertwine so poignantly, might just leave you feeling like you've experienced a deeply personal journey.
What readers like: Readers have particularly liked Gyasi's sharp and crisp narrative that crafts intricate portraits of family life across continents and centuries. The blending of historical and personal perspectives seem to strike an emotional chord, making the characters stick around in memory long after the last page has been turned. Expect a sigh-worthy, profound end to your reading journey.
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The Underground Railroad
by Colson Whitehead
Why The Underground Railroad is on this list: Award-winning? Check! Contemporary fiction? Check! Deliciously stimulating? Double check! And that's The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead for you.
The Underground Railroad isn’t a metaphor in this book; it’s a living, breathing, steam-filled monster of a railroad running under the United States. It’s a tale that follows Cora and Caesar as they start a daring escape from slavery in the pre-Civil War South. As they endure the atrocities and barbarities at each stop along the railroad, you can't help but feel a deep connection with these characters and the terrible times they lived in.
What readers like: If you're thinking this might be a heavy read, you're spot on. But here's the thing: readers love this book precisely for that weight. They dig how Whitehead took a grim slice of history, colored it with vivid imagination, and served it up wearing the shoes of people who were stronger than their circumstances. If you enjoy beautifully crafted language, intricately created worlds, and genuine characters who stay with you long after you close the book, The Underground Railroad is a train you’ll want to board.
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Olive, Again
by Elizabeth Strout
Why Olive, Again is on this list: Olive, Again is a contemporary gem that has garnered much praise and acclaim, including the Story Prize, making it a perfect fit for our list of award-winning reads.
Olive, Again is the second novel about Olive Kitteridge, a grumpy yet empathetic retiree living in a small town in Maine. This book presents a series of interconnected stories featuring Olive as the focal point. From her relationship with her son to encountering an old flame, each tale draws you deeper into Olive's world. The novel's charm is in the ordinary, daily-life situations, painted with such detail and emotional depth, it makes you see your own world in a new light.
What readers like: Readers loved how Strout's vivid and insightful writing painted the picture of regular life while dealing with themes such as aging, love, and maturity. They appreciated the sharp and contradictory character of Olive, with her moments of clarity that were both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Many found the book's portrayal of everyday life surprisingly thought-provoking, making it a read that is both easy to connect with and deeply moving.
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Normal People
by Sally Rooney
Why Normal People is on this list: Ever heard the phrase 'keep it real?' That's exactly what Sally Rooney does in her award-winning book 'Normal People'. It's proud to be a gem in contemporary fiction.
This isn't a fairytale or superhuman saga, rather it's a story about, well, 'Normal People'. Think two highschool sweethearts from a small town who navigate the messy, heart-wrenching path of young love amidst class tensions, secret emotional struggles, and resentments. Later, they reunite at Trinity College, and their threads of connection become even more tangled.
What readers like: Readers love Rooney’s authentic portrayal of Millennial life and relationships. They appreciate how she uncovers the subtle dynamics of power and liberation in common people's lives. If you're into novels with characters more real than your nosy next-door neighbor, 'Normal People' will be right up your alley.
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The Testaments
by Margaret Atwood
Why The Testaments is on this list: This novel holds the prestige of being a part of contemporary fiction's vanguard. It clinched the Booker Prize in 2019, a testament (pun intended) to its brilliance.
The Testaments is a sequel to Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale' and couldn't be more timely. Set around 15 years after the original, it explores the inner workings of Gilead in even greater depth, this time through the eyes of three female narrators. Buckle up for a thrilling roller coaster ride in a dystopian universe.
What readers like: Readers love the vibrant storytelling and captivating plotline that keeps them on the edge of their seats. Margaret Atwood's nuanced view of a dystopian society, combined with her flair for creating intricate characters, makes this an indulgent read. If you enjoy diving headfirst into parallel universes and surprising twists, this one's for you.
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A Brief History of Seven Killings
by Marlon James
Why A Brief History of Seven Killings is on this list: This book fits the list like a glove, or better yet, like a bookmark snug between book pages. It has all the elements of great contemporary fiction – intricate plot, engaging characters, vivid setting, and a whole lot of swagger. Plus, the fact that it won the Man Booker Prize in 2015 pretty much seals it as award-winning gold.
A Brief History of Seven Killings takes us on a wild ride through the last half-century of Jamaican history, crisscrossing between the gritty streets of Kingston and the cultural melting pot of New York City. It's a story with a dazzling array of voices, from gunmen and drug dealers to CIA agents and ghosts. At the center of it all is the failed assassination attempt on Bob Marley, an enigma that brings out the best (and worst) in everyone.
What readers like: Readers tend to enjoy the distinct narrative voices and the true-to-life portrayal of Jamaica's social and political landscape. It's violent, it's intense, but it's also mesmerizingly complex, much like a beautiful piece of abstract art. The diverse fabric of characters also adds up to the book's global appeal, striking a chord with people from different walks of life.
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Ducks, Newburyport
by Lucy Ellmann
Why Ducks, Newburyport is on this list: Well, we told you we're talking award winners and Lucy's book didn't just hang around, it scooped the Goldsmiths Prize. So, if awards were people, this book would be the one at the party everyone wants to chat with.
Imagine packing one woman's every thought into a single book. Now, stop imagining because that's exactly what 'Ducks, Newburyport' is. It's a day-in-the-life tale of an Ohio housewife that strings together pop culture, personal memory, and the humdrum of everyday existence in a way that's nothing short of a rollercoaster ride for the brain. Can't forget the mountain lion subplot either, it's the cinnamon on this novel's cappuccino.
What readers like: Readers have found a real pal in this book; it's a snapshot of human thought they didn't know they needed. The unconventional writing style is a breath of fresh air for those tired of the same old sentence structures. Plus, the protagonist's thoughts aren't so different from their own, making it a bit like looking into a beautifully penned mirror.
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An American Marriage
by Tayari Jones
Why An American Marriage is on this list: An American Marriage by Tayari Jones isn't just a contemporary fiction novel, it's a shining star in the genre. It snagged the prestigious Women's Prize for Fiction in 2019 and cemented its place among the best.
This is a page-turner centered around Celestial and Roy, a newlywed couple whose world turns upside down when Roy is wrongly accused and imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. This is not your average romance novel, folks. It skillfully dives deep into themes like racial injustice, love, loyalty and the impact of incarceration. So, dig in and taste a slice of contemporary life that probably isn't your own, but feels just as real.
What readers like: Readers say they're charmed and challenged in equal measures by the authentic characters, their complex relationships, and the rich storytelling. Its rawness feels relatable even if their situation doesn't, and that's the beauty of it. Just a heads-up, this one might have you reaching for the tissue box more than once. But in a good way, we promise.
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Lincoln in the Bardo
by George Saunders
Why Lincoln in the Bardo is on this list: It's a Man Booker Prize winner, so it's fair to say it's hobnobbed with some prestigious folks in the contemporary fiction world. And like any good party guest, it's definitely brought its own unique flavor to the table.
The book is set in a graveyard where Willie Lincoln, the 11-year-old son of the president, is laid to rest during the very heart of the Civil War. Enter the colorful ghostly voices of the cemetery, who aren't shy about sharing their thoughts, tall tales, snippets of their lives, and their existential ponderings. Yes, it's as cool as it sounds.
What readers like: Readers have found this book to be an out-of-the-box journey that doesn't play by typical novel rules. Saunders' stylish storytelling and wit reign supreme, leaving them often laughing and always thinking. It's the kind of book you'll want to reread, because there are so many layers to unwrap. Plus, the whole thing is about ghosts. Who doesn't love a good ghost chat?
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Station Eleven
by Emily St. John Mandel
Why Station Eleven is on this list: This stunning novel captivates you from start to finish, earning its place as an award-winning contemporary fiction. Its riveting themes capture the essence of modern literary art, which is why it's included on this illustrious list.
Station Eleven is a gripping apocalypse narrative with a twist. It narrates the story of a Hollywood star, his would-be savior, and a nomadic group of actors roaming between the settlements of an altered world. Rather than focusing on the chaos typical of apocalyptic fiction, it attentively weighs the significance of art, fame, and the deep-seated human longing for connection and goodness.
What readers like: Readers fancy this book for its fluid storytelling that weaves together disparate timelines and characters into a comprehensive, absorbing narrative. Its exploration of the paradoxes inherent in human nature and our reactions to crisis enchants readers. Plus, the dazzling mix of the beautifully ordinary and the dreadfully extraordinary keeps you turning the pages.
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Milkman
by Anna Burns
Why Milkman is on this list: If you're in the mood for a unique and phenomenal tale, then Milkman is the book for you. As a Man Booker Prize winner, it fits right into your contemporary fiction wish list.
Set against the backdrop of the Irish Troubles, this novel unfolds in the voice of Middle Sister, an eighteen-year-old girl who is pursued by a much older married man, the Milkman. The novel isn’t so much about the conflict itself, but a deep and brutal dive into the absurdity of it all, and the way it affects human behavior and relationships. The book really isn't interested in the who, what, where, when, or why...but in the HUH? You'll be thinking about it long after you've closed the cover.
What readers like: Readers tend to be quickly hooked by the distinctive narrative style of the book – it's a stream of consciousness with idiosyncratically long sentences and minimal paragraph breaks. It's one of those novels that is capable of making you laugh, cry and think – sometimes all at once. For fans of unusual and thought-provoking reads, Milkman comes highly recommended.
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The Nix
by Nathan Hill
Why The Nix is on this list: Aside from the obvious—being an award-winner—The Nix offers a fresh and much-needed escapism through its contemporary tale that bleeds nostalgia. It's a massive buzz in the modern fiction realm, so it expects no less than a spot in this list.
The Nix spins a deliciously complex story set in different eras - 1968 and 2011. Samuel, an underachieving son, has to dig into his mother, Faye's past after she's arrested for attacking a conservative politician. Faye, however, isn't your regular law-abiding citizen; she's got a lot of surprises up her sleeve. Throughout the novel, there are computer games, political upheavals, student riots, and even myths. It's a heady mix of biting political commentary, intimate family dynamics, and a riveting exploration of human emotion.
What readers like: Readers adored the richly detailed backdrop, multi-layered plot and genuine, flawed characters that you can't help but root for. They expressed appreciation for Hill's dark humor, keen character observations, and the way he intricately wove history throughout the narrative. The unexpected twist of events and satirical touches left readers, like you perhaps, eager to flip the pages.
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Circe
by Madeline Miller
Why Circe is on this list: Considered as a masterpiece of contemporary fiction, Circe garnered Madeline Miller the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fantasy in 2018. So it fits perfectly in our list of award-winning books.
Circe is a satisfyingly spellbinding narrative, spun with themes of love, loss, family, and immortality, all centered around one compelling and complex woman – Circe, daughter of the mighty Sun God, Helios. From her less-than-glamorous childhood and a desire to get a smidge of attention, she grows up to wield unfortunate powers that cause her to be exiled on the island of Aiaia. What's a girl to do when faced with eternal boredom on an island? Well, she turns nasty sailors into pigs - sensible hobby, if you ask me.
What readers like: Readers around the globe have been enamored with Miller's enchanting storytelling style and intricate character development. The book's reimagining of this classic mythological character is celebrated, proving that old dogs, or rather old gods, can learn new tricks. And let's not overlook the opportunity here to cheer on a strong female lead who embraces solitude, hones her craft and stands up to male deities.
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