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A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
“A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara is an intense and emotionally wrenching novel that delves deep into the lives of four college friends living in New York City. At its core, the story revolves around Jude St. Francis, a character burdened by a mysterious and traumatic past. Yanagihara masterfully explores themes of suffering, friendship, and human endurance, crafting a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking. The novel has garnered critical acclaim, being shortlisted for the Booker Prize and winning the Kirkus Prize for Fiction. Its raw portrayal of mental health issues and the complexities of human relationships has sparked significant discussions among readers, highlighting the importance of empathy in literature. With its profound emotional depth, “A Little Life” continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
The Overstory by Richard Powers
Richard Powers’ “The Overstory” is a sweeping narrative that beautifully intertwines the lives of its human characters with the majestic life cycles of trees. This novel serves as both an engaging story and a powerful environmental manifesto, urging readers to reconsider their relationship with the natural world. Powers’ work, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2019, is praised for its ambitious structure and lyrical prose. Through its interconnected tales, the book raises awareness about climate change and the urgent need for conservation. “The Overstory” has sparked meaningful conversations about the ecological crisis, making it a relevant and essential read for our times. Its ability to blend storytelling with environmental advocacy has cemented its place as a modern classic.
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
“Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee is a multigenerational saga that traces the journey of a Korean family living in Japan, exploring themes of identity, survival, and discrimination. Spanning several decades, the novel offers a poignant portrayal of the struggles faced by Koreans in Japan during the 20th century. Lee’s storytelling is rich and immersive, providing readers with a deep understanding of cultural complexities and the immigrant experience. The novel’s adaptation into a successful Apple TV+ series has further amplified its impact, bringing its powerful narrative to a wider audience. “Pachinko” has been lauded for its intricate character development and its ability to shed light on historical injustices. It stands as a testament to the enduring strength of family bonds in the face of adversity.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Sally Rooney’s “Normal People” offers a quietly devastating exploration of love, class, and communication through the lens of a complicated relationship between two Irish teenagers, Connell and Marianne. The novel’s raw and honest depiction of millennial intimacy and connection has resonated with readers worldwide, leading to its adaptation into a critically acclaimed television series. Rooney’s writing style, characterized by its simplicity and emotional depth, has earned her numerous accolades, including the Costa Book Award. “Normal People” continues to spark discussions about the nature of love in the digital age, as it captures the essence of modern relationships with authenticity and nuance. Its exploration of the complexities of human connection has solidified its place as a contemporary classic.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
“The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern is an enchanting and atmospheric tale that transports readers to a mysterious circus that appears only at night. Morgenstern’s debut novel masterfully blends romance and mystery, creating a captivating world filled with enchanting characters and intricate plots. The book has been praised for its lush prose and imaginative storytelling, earning it a spot on bestseller lists worldwide. The vivid sensory experience Morgenstern creates has made “The Night Circus” a beloved read among fans of fantasy and romance alike. Its ability to transport readers to a world of wonder and magic has solidified its status as a modern classic.
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Colson Whitehead’s “The Underground Railroad” offers a reimagining of American slavery through the lens of a literal underground train system. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel combines elements of magical realism with a harrowing portrayal of history, prompting readers to confront the brutal realities of the past. Whitehead’s narrative is both gripping and thought-provoking, shedding light on the resilience and courage of those who sought freedom. The book’s adaptation into a limited series on Amazon Prime has further amplified its impact, contributing to ongoing discussions about race and justice in America. “The Underground Railroad” stands as a powerful testament to the enduring struggle for equality and human dignity.
Circe by Madeline Miller
“Circe” by Madeline Miller is a feminist retelling of the Greek myth that humanizes Circe, a lesser-known goddess. Miller’s novel explores themes of power, isolation, and transformation as Circe navigates her existence among gods and mortals. The book has received widespread acclaim, winning the Orange Prize for Fiction and becoming a bestseller. Miller’s lyrical prose and rich character development have captivated readers, offering a fresh perspective on mythological narratives. “Circe” redefines the traditional portrayal of female deities, making it a modern classic that resonates with contemporary audiences.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Gabrielle Zevin’s “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” is a brilliant and emotional exploration of friendship, creativity, and the gaming culture. The novel follows two friends who bond over their shared love of video games, navigating the complexities of life and art. Zevin’s narrative delves into themes of collaboration and the impact of technology on human connection. The book has been praised for its innovative storytelling and relatable characters, making it a significant contribution to contemporary literature. Its exploration of the intersection between art and technology offers a thought-provoking reflection on the modern world.
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart
“Shuggie Bain” by Douglas Stuart is a gritty and poignant portrait of addiction and resilience set in 1980s Glasgow. The novel follows the life of a young boy, Shuggie, as he navigates the challenges of growing up with an alcoholic mother. Stuart’s debut work won the Booker Prize in 2020 and has been lauded for its raw and honest depiction of poverty and familial love. Through its powerful storytelling, “Shuggie Bain” sheds light on the struggles faced by many, making it a significant and impactful read. The novel’s exploration of love and survival in the face of adversity has resonated with readers worldwide.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Delia Owens’ “Where the Crawdads Sing” is a lyrical blend of mystery and coming-of-age set in the Carolina marshlands. The novel follows Kya Clark, a young girl abandoned by her family, as she grows up isolated from society. Owens’ evocative prose and exploration of themes such as loneliness and resilience have resonated with readers, making it a significant work in contemporary literature. The book has become a bestseller and has been adapted into a film, further solidifying its status as a modern classic. Its ability to transport readers to the haunting beauty of the marshlands has captivated audiences worldwide.
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
“Klara and the Sun” by Kazuo Ishiguro offers a haunting exploration of artificial intelligence and the nature of love. The novel follows Klara, an artificial friend, as she observes the world and contemplates her purpose. Ishiguro’s work has been praised for its thought-provoking themes and emotional depth, earning a spot on numerous bestseller lists. The novel’s exploration of the intersection between technology and humanity offers a compelling reflection on the rapidly evolving technological landscape. “Klara and the Sun” continues to captivate readers with its profound philosophical questions and evocative storytelling.
Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
In “Beautiful World, Where Are You,” Sally Rooney continues her exploration of friendship, love, and the burdens of modern life. The novel follows two friends, Alice and Eileen, as they navigate their relationships and the complexities of adulthood. Rooney’s signature style, characterized by sharp dialogue and introspective prose, has garnered critical acclaim. The book has sparked discussions about the challenges of contemporary existence, making it a relevant and timely read. Its exploration of the human condition in the modern world has resonated with audiences, cementing its place as a contemporary classic.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Fredrik Backman’s “Anxious People” is a quirky and deeply compassionate novel that examines the chaos of being human. The story revolves around a failed bank robbery that leads to a hostage situation, bringing together a diverse group of characters. Backman’s ability to blend humor with poignant insights into human nature has resonated with readers, making this novel a heartwarming exploration of empathy and connection. The book’s unique narrative structure and relatable themes contribute to its status as a modern classic. Through its exploration of the complexities of human relationships, “Anxious People” offers a touching reflection on the power of kindness and understanding.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
