10 (rather) current novels worth reading.
While I generally read classics more often, there are also newer books I enjoy. These recommendations were all written after the year 2000. So here are 10 (rather) current novels worth reading.
Normal People (2018)
Author: Sally Rooney
Charming novel from young Irish literary sensation Sally Rooney (born '91). A love story with changing perspectives, and much more than just a boy-meets-girl novel. Unputdownable.
PS: If you like it, also read her other novel "Conversations with Friends".
Atonement (2003)
Author: Ian McEwan
A couple is torn apart after the younger sister of the girl isn't able to cope with thing she has witnessed and makes a false accusation. Give this writer a Nobel Prize already, he's deserved it for many decades in my opinion!
PS The adaptation by Joe Wright is great as well (with Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, a very young Saoirse Ronan and a very creepy Benedict Cumberbatch in one of his first memorable roles).
The Glass Castle (2017)
Author: Jeannette Walls
A memoir in fictional form, Jeannette Walls retells her childhood. An unusual family with a charismatic yet challenging father, struggling to find their way. Beautiful writing, compelling story.
PS The adaptation with Brie Larson in the leading role is wonderful, too.
The Kite Runner (2004)
Author: Khaled Hosseini
A tale of friendship, betrayal and redemption. An instant classic since its publication, which can be reread many times without losing any of its magic. Heartbreaking and beautiful.
PS Of course there's a great film version too, made by Swiss director Marc Forster.
A Most Wanted Man (2008)
Author: John LeCarré
Famous for his intelligent espionage novels, Le Carré has created many relevant analyses of past and current political conflicts. This novel is set in Germany, where a human rights lawyer is trying to protect a Muslim immigrant with dangerous knowledge. Riveting.
PS The 2014 adaptation with the late Philip Seymour Hoffman is well done.
The Only Story (2018)
Author: Julian Barnes
An unusual love story that got stuck in my mind for a long time after reading it, about a young man and a much older married woman. Masterful storytelling including several surprising turns.
PS No adaptation (yet) :) Also read "The Sense of an Ending" by Barnes if you like this one.
Wild (2012)
Author: Cheryl Strayed
An autobiographical yet very literary account of a woman's transformational journey while hiking the PCT. Adventurous, funny and deeply inspirational.
PS The adaptation with Reese Witherspoon is quite close to the book, and a nice visualisation.
The Human Stain (2018)
Author: Philip Roth
An author who was incredibly industrious, Roth has published 27 novels. This one remains one of my favourites, telling the story of a professor who is suspended for alleged racism. His own past, however, holds a relevant secret.
PS The adaptation with Nicole Kidman and Anthony Hopkins is worth watching; also, "American Pastoral" and "The Plot against America" are worth reading if you liked this one.
The Buried Giant (2015)
Author: Kazuo Ishiguro
While I love all of Ishiguro's books*, this is a less famous one which I personally found very compelling. It tells the story of a couple setting out to find their son, in a land that is covered by a mysterious mist. Poetic and haunting.
*except for the experimental The Unconsoled, tried my best but couldn't finish it - a rare occurrence.
Americanah (2013)
Author: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
A wonderful story about national identity, this partly autobiographical novel is a tale of a young Nigerian woman moving to America to study. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a masterful storyteller, while also expressing her views on race and gender very clearly. A compelling mixture.
PS Miniseries with Lupita Nyongo coming out in 2020 from HBO! Exciting!