Explore These 11 Modern Literary Classics
Book Raider"Every so often, you'll find yourself in the mood for a literary classic, but the idea of slogging through Middle English or reliving the ennui of 19th century Russian nobility just doesn't tickle your fancy. You yearn for a tale with more modern sensibilities, something that will engage your thoughts, touch your heart, and maybe even make you chuckle a bit. Well, my friend, you're in luck.
You see, at the intersection of timeless wisdom and contemporary appeal come these modern literary classics; one as satisfyingly thought-provoking as the last, but with an added dash of 21st century flair. No 'thee's, 'thou's, or excessively long descriptions of a character’s left eyebrow here. Just good, solid storytelling with a side of occasional existential crisis. Buckle up literature enthusiasts, this is going to be a fun ride."
The Goldfinch
by Donna Tartt
Why The Goldfinch is on this list: The Goldfinch is a shining example of modern literature's power to explore deep philosophical questions while still delivering a rollickingly good tale. Donna Tartt has a knack for spinning yarns that appeal to both the head and the heart, and that's why it's listed here as a modern literary classic.
The book tells the story of Theo Decker, a young New Yorker who survives an accident that kills his mother. Abandoned by his father and taken in by a wealthy family, Theo clings to a small painting that reminds him of his mother: a tiny bird chained to its perch. As an adult, he gets drawn into the underworld of art. And yeah, things get rather complicated.
What readers like: Readers love how Tartt dives headfirst into the murky waters of grief and trauma, but still surfaces with a story that's incredibly poignant and captivating. The book, peppered with beautifully crafted sentences, complex characters, and intricate plot twists, compels you to turn page after page. So, if you're a sucker for absorbing novels that challenge your worldview and tug at your heartstrings, The Goldfinch should be next on your reading list.
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1Q84
by Haruki Murakami
Why 1Q84 is on this list: If 'modern literary classic' was a course in college, '1Q84' would be the mandatory textbook. This masterpiece from Haruki Murakami is about as modern as you can get while still being considered a classic in literary circles. Plus, it's just a real head-scratcher, in the best way possible. It challenges conventional storytelling methods, making it a genuine gem for anyone needing a unique reading experience.
1Q84 is a hefty tome which juggles parallel realities, a religious cult, a fitness enthusiast, a hitwoman, and a fictitious author. It’s set in Japan, circa 1984. But don't be fooled by the date, this is not a history lesson. It’s a world where two moons hang in the sky and strange things happen as reality bends and twists - all presented in Murakami’s signature beautiful prose.
What readers like: Readers love the novel's off-kilter vibe which keeps them on their toes as they dive into the labyrinth of Murakami's imagination. The book's captivating storyline and unique characters are pure catnip for readers craving something a little different. They appreciate the richly detailed and descriptive narrative style of the book, which adds flavors and nuances to the world Murakami has expertly crafted. Plus, the blend of magical realism and unconventional story arc will make you question reality, in a fun sort of way.
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Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
by Jonathan Safran Foer
Why Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is on this list: It has magic: the magic of perspective, of love, and of words. This is a heart-aching reminder of the beautiful chaos that comes from being human, taking us on a journey like few others can. That's why it earned its place as a modern literary classic.
It all kicks off with a young boy named Oskar, embarks on a quirky and poignant adventure after discovering a mysterious key left behind by his late father, a victim of the 9/11 attacks. It's a loaded mix of humor, emotions, history, and eccentricity as it delivers a heart-tugging narrative about grief, love, and human connection.
What readers like: Readers have been captured by its unique and emotionally raw storytelling. Its mix of humor and grief, reality and fantasy all but makes you fall in love with it. People also adore the authenticity of Oskar, our young protagonist, who sees the world in such a beautifully complex way that it sticks with you long after you read the last page.
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The Luminaries
by Eleanor Catton
Why The Luminaries is on this list: Eleanor Catton masterfully weaves together a compelling narrative that, despite being set in the 19th century, resonates with the modern reader's sensibilities. Take it as a nod to how timeless classics never really go out of style, just like those baggy jeans you love but your partner hates.
The Luminaries throws you into the world of New Zealand's rugged Gold Rush era snares you into a labyrinth of intersecting stories. It’s a helter-skelter ride of love, deceit, murder, and astrological mystique - with characters as carefully detailed as a botanist's sketchpad.
What readers like: Readers are captivated by Catton's rich and vivid storytelling, lauding the way she portrays every perspective in depth. Her use of astrological symbolism, like a middle-class horoscope on literary steroids, adds an unique dimension to the book. And that's even before we mention the unpredictable twists and turns that make it less of a book and more of an addiction.
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The Namesake
by Jhumpa Lahiri
Why The Namesake is on this list: Nothing says 'modern literary classic' more than a tale of identity, culture, and the immigrant experience in America. Although written in the early 2000's, The Namesake retains its relevance through posterity.
This is an intimate exploration of a bi-cultural family trying to establish their roots in a new land while staying grounded to their old. Imagine newborn Gogol (named after a Russian author because of a deeply-felt paper delivery mishap), growing up in the USA with Bengali parentage, constantly wrestling with the duality of his cultural identity. In essence, it's like straddling two boats sailing in opposite directions. But minus the ocean-sickness.
What readers like: Readers have praised this book for its eloquent prose and vivid storytelling. They've also found Lahiri's delicate handling of the immigrant experience particularly insightful, which is pretty awesome, because no one really likes to be hit over the head with cultural commentary. Plus, fans of thoughtfully-named characters and loveable family mess-ups may find their hearts stolen by Gogol and co.
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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 straddles the unique line between recent and classic, offering a modern viewpoint wrapped snugly in timeless storytelling.
Ever heard the phrase, 'truth is stranger than fiction?' In this book, James takes that phrase and knocks it out of the park, weaving a narrative around the attempted assassination of Bob Marley. It's not just a crime story, it's a rich tapestry of politics, music, culture and Jamaican history that'll continually surprise you with each turn of the page.
What readers like: Readers have raved about this book's vivid characters, sharp dialogue, and how it compellingly transports you to a different time and place. If you've ever wanted to travel to 70s Jamaica from your armchair, this book is your round-trip ticket.
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A Little
by Hanya Yanagihara
Why A Little is on this list: Yanagihara's masterpiece has nudged its way into the distinguished hall of modern literary classics, combining contemporary themes with timeless human emotions.
A Little Life is an emotional ride, to say the least. It unravels the story of four friends navigating their lives in New York City. The main spotlight is on Jude, whose heartbreaking and mysterious past acts as the pivotal spine to the narrative. And trust me, this book doesn’t let you grab a breather - it keeps you chewing your nails and turning the pages, like bingeing your favorite Netflix show.
What readers like: This book is a hit with readers who love profound character explorations and aren't adverse to falling down the rabbit hole of raw emotions. You'd be hard-pressed to find a reader who didn't feel connected to these characters or came out of it without a renewed perspective on life.
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All The Light We Cannot See
by Anthony Doerr
Why All The Light We Cannot See is on this list: This book firmly holds its ground as a modern literary classic, delivering a cocktail of heartfelt, historically poignant, and subtly magical ingredients that are sure to swoon every reader into a reading coma. And no, we don't mean the 'snore-fiesta' kind of coma. But the 'I-must-read-this-again' type.
All The Light We Cannot See is an intricate tale set in the bleak backdrop of WWII, twining around Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German boy with a knack for radio gadgets. The story brings the two protagonists together showing how, amidst war's darkest shadows, human connections can flicker like tiny yet resilient flames of hope.
What readers like: From its fine, precise storytelling, to the poetic backdrop of war-ravaged Europe, readers rave about the novel's ability to make you feel like you're living the characters' realities. The book also earns brownie points for the doze of magic realism, dropped here and there, for the romantics at heart. Not only does this book give you a story for the ages, but it also leaves you a wee bit smarter- in a 'I could win World War trivia night' kind of way.
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A Visit From The Goon Squad
by Jennifer Egan
Why A Visit From The Goon Squad is on this list: Well, let's see. Despite not being a guide to menacing sports mascots, it's a literary classic that's a modern piece too. Jennifer Egan's brilliant storytelling is packed with creativity, humor, and relevancy that doesn't hesitate to challenge the norm. Poetry in motion, right?
This winning Pulitzer Prize novel doesn't just walk the regular path. It's comprised of interconnected stories zooming into the lives of a record executive and his young assistant navigating through time. What's more? Egan takes narrative ingenuity up a notch, having an entire chapter done as a PowerPoint presentation - talk about modern!
What readers like: Readers have taken a significant liking to this book's inventive style and its exploration of time, music, and relationships. The richly developed characters ring true with an authenticity that makes them feel like your best mate - or that one oddball at the corner coffee shop. Egan's striking ability to compile such disparate tales into one cohesive narrative is admired as nothing short of magical.
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Americanah
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Why Americanah is on this list: Once in a while, a book comes along that makes you peer into the mirror of your life and nod with one of those quiet 'aha' moments. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is definitely such a gem. Set in modern times, revolving around the intertwined lives of two Nigerians living in the U.S and U.K, it is as relevant to our today as coffee is to mornings.
Americanah is a riveting, beautiful tale of love and identity. At its core, it’s a story about Ifemelu and Obinze, who are young and in love when they depart military-ruled Nigeria for the West. Living in America, Ifemelu is forced to grapple with what it means to be black, while Obinze leads a dangerous, undocumented life in London until he finally gets to join Ifemelu in the USA. Through their stories, Adichie gives us a brutally honest critique of race and immigration in the modern world.
What readers like: This book isn't a sweet little nugget to be consumed passively. It's one of those books that prompts you to think, evoking everything from chuckles to gasps. Readers love how Adichie’s prickly, intelligent prose gives a no-punches-pulled observation of the racial divides in contemporary society, deftly woven into a moving story. And let's not forget Adichie's storytelling - she has a knack for creating characters who feel like friends by the last page. So, if you dig wit, social critique, and heart-aching love stories, this one's for you.
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Lincoln in the Bardo
by George Saunders
Why Lincoln in the Bardo is on this list: Ever thought of Abe Lincoln chatting with ghosts? Well, here you have it. A modern twist on a historical figure, making it the perfect addition to our list of 12 Modern Literary Classics.
Right in the middle of America's cruel civil war, President Abe Lincoln loses his beloved 11-year-old son. Saunders uses this historical fact and gives it a supernatural spin, to create a gripping narrative in 'Lincoln in the Bardo'. This is a work of fiction that happens in a weird ghostly netherworld (Bardo), where Lincoln’s son, Willie finds himself post-death. Here among other colorful and eccentric specters, Willie must navigate the strange rules of the bardo, as his bereaved father visits the crypt to come to terms with his loss.
What readers like: Readers loved the originality of the narrative style, the dark humor and the poignant portrayal of Lincoln’s parental love. If you like your stories served up with a good dollop of the bizarre, along with a side of historical truth, then this book’s your cup of tea.
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