- Germany’s Leading the Way in Animal Welfare: An Example for The US Food Retailers? - October 31, 2025
- 15 Future Superfoods You’ll Be Eating by 2030 - October 31, 2025
- How 3D-Printed Food is Changing the Restaurant Industry in 2025 - October 31, 2025
Stoner by John Williams
William Stoner is not a hero in the traditional sense. He is a quiet, unremarkable academic whose life passes by mostly unnoticed. Yet, John Williams transforms Stoner’s story into something unexpectedly powerful. Readers follow Stoner’s journey through love, failure, small joys, and the slow grind of university politics. With each page, the novel uncovers layers of endurance and the search for meaning in the most ordinary routines. The resurgence of “Stoner” in recent years, especially among younger readers, shows how its subtle emotional depth resonates today. The book is often cited for its honest depiction of disappointment and quiet perseverance, making it a touchstone for those who believe there is beauty in an unremarkable life. It’s a testament to how the seemingly mundane can be epic when seen through the right lens.
Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
“Gilead” unfolds as a series of letters from an elderly preacher, John Ames, to his young son in a small Iowa town. Robinson’s storytelling is gentle, meditative, and deeply reflective, capturing the spiritual richness of an otherwise quiet existence. Themes of forgiveness, family, and the passage of generations are woven through the preacher’s memories. The prose is celebrated for its lyricism, and the novel won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2005, underlining its critical impact. Readers often find themselves surprised by how moving and epic the story feels, despite its small-town setting and slow pace. The inner life of Ames, filled with doubts, joys, and regrets, makes for a deeply relatable and honest portrait of a life well-lived. Robinson’s depiction of faith and humanity elevates the ordinary into something grand.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Ove is a grumpy, solitary widower whose life is ruled by strict routines and a rigid sense of duty. When a lively family moves in next door, Ove’s carefully ordered world is turned upside down, leading to a series of hilarious and heartwarming events. Backman’s novel has won global acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of loneliness and the power of community. Ove’s slow transformation from a curmudgeon to a cherished neighbor is both touching and inspiring. The story was such a hit that it inspired an Oscar-nominated Swedish film and an English-language adaptation, further cementing its popularity. It’s a reminder that even the most stubborn hearts can open up, and even the quietest lives can become unexpectedly epic through small acts of kindness and connection. Many readers find themselves deeply moved by Ove’s journey, recognizing bits of themselves in his struggle to find purpose after loss.
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
“Olive Kitteridge” isn’t just one story, but a tapestry of interconnected tales centered around a retired schoolteacher in Maine. Strout’s depiction of Olive is both fierce and vulnerable, showing her complexities as she navigates the ups and downs of life in a small town. The novel’s episodic structure allows readers to see Olive through the eyes of neighbors, friends, and family, creating a multi-dimensional portrait. Themes of love, resentment, aging, and forgiveness are explored with raw honesty, earning the novel a Pulitzer Prize in 2009. The emotional impact of Olive’s story is amplified by Strout’s spare, precise prose, which makes even the quietest moments feel monumental. The book’s popularity led to a critically acclaimed HBO miniseries, proving its resonance beyond the page. Through Olive, Strout illustrates how one person’s life can ripple through an entire community.
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
Stevens, a lifelong butler, looks back on his years of devoted service in a grand English house, questioning the choices that have defined him. Ishiguro’s masterpiece is a meditation on dignity, loss, and the power of memory. The story’s quiet surface belies the emotional storms underneath, as Stevens comes to terms with regrets both personal and professional. The novel’s subtlety and restraint are its greatest strengths, drawing readers into the inner turmoil of a man who has sacrificed much for duty. “The Remains of the Day” won the Booker Prize in 1989 and was later adapted into a celebrated film starring Anthony Hopkins. Readers and critics alike have praised the novel for its exploration of identity and the costs of a life lived in service to others. Stevens’s journey, though quiet, feels truly epic in its emotional reach.
My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout
Lucy Barton’s story takes place almost entirely in a hospital room, yet it unfolds with tremendous emotional breadth. During her recovery, Lucy reconnects with her estranged mother, and their conversations spark memories of a difficult childhood. Strout’s spare, honest prose lets the reader feel the weight of every word spoken—and unspoken—between mother and daughter. The novel delves into themes of family, forgiveness, and the struggle to claim one’s own identity. It has been widely praised for its emotional resonance, with many critics highlighting Strout’s ability to make the ordinary feel profound. “My Name Is Lucy Barton” has become a favorite among book clubs, who often find themselves debating the nuances of Lucy’s relationships and the quiet, powerful shifts in her life. The story proves that epic journeys can take place within the smallest spaces.
Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” is a novel that unfolds in the course of a single day but manages to capture a lifetime’s worth of emotions, memories, and dreams. Clarissa Dalloway’s preparations for a party serve as a framework for exploring her inner world and the lives of those around her. Woolf’s stream-of-consciousness style immerses the reader in the shifting tides of thought and feeling, blurring the line between past and present. The novel is celebrated for its experimental narrative technique and psychological depth, making it a cornerstone of modernist literature. Many readers are surprised by how much tension and drama Woolf wrings from the everyday. “Mrs. Dalloway” continues to inspire writers and scholars with its bold approach to storytelling and its deep empathy for the struggles of ordinary people. The book is a vivid reminder that life’s epic moments often happen quietly, in the privacy of the mind.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Count Alexander Rostov is sentenced to house arrest in Moscow’s grand Metropol Hotel, where he spends decades witnessing the upheavals of Russian history from a single, gilded cage. Towles masterfully turns this confined setting into a stage for adventure, friendship, and transformation. Rostov’s life, though limited in space, expands in unexpected ways as he forms bonds with hotel staff and guests, and finds purpose in small acts of kindness. The novel is celebrated for its wit, elegance, and the way it makes the reader care deeply about its cast of characters. Since its publication, “A Gentleman in Moscow” has spent over a year on bestseller lists and is currently being adapted for television. The story captures the resilience of the human spirit, proving that even the most restricted lives can be epic in their own way. Towles’s novel reminds us that adventure can be found even within four walls.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
Harold Fry is an unassuming retiree whose life changes the day he receives a letter from an old friend who is dying. On a whim, Harold decides to walk across England to see her, turning his simple journey into something extraordinary. Along the way, Harold reflects on his past mistakes, lost opportunities, and the people he has loved and let go. Joyce’s novel is filled with humor, heartbreak, and hope, making it a favorite among readers who love stories of personal transformation. The book has won several awards and was adapted into a feature film, further increasing its widespread appeal. Many readers find themselves inspired by Harold’s determination and vulnerability, relating to his search for redemption and meaning. His quiet pilgrimage becomes an epic quest of the heart, showing that it’s never too late to change.
Tinkers by Paul Harding
Paul Harding’s “Tinkers” centers around George Washington Crosby, a dying clock repairman, as he revisits memories of his childhood and his father’s itinerant life. The narrative moves back and forth in time, creating a layered portrait of family, memory, and the passage of generations. Harding’s poetic, fragmented style invites readers to savor the beauty of small details—the crunch of snow, the ticking of a clock, the tender awkwardness between father and son. “Tinkers” was a surprise winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2010, praised for its lyrical prose and emotional intensity. The novel challenges readers to find meaning in the fleeting moments that make up a life. By focusing on the quiet rituals and everyday struggles of his characters, Harding turns their stories into something epic and unforgettable. The book is a meditation on how memory shapes who we are.
Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee
“Disgrace” follows David Lurie, a disgraced professor, as he retreats to rural South Africa to live with his daughter after a scandal. The story is unflinching in its examination of personal and political turmoil, set against the backdrop of post-apartheid change. Coetzee’s spare prose draws readers into Lurie’s internal conflict as he confronts his own failures and the shifting power dynamics around him. The novel won the Booker Prize in 1999, highlighting its impact and critical acclaim. Many readers are struck by the novel’s intense emotional honesty and its willingness to address uncomfortable truths about guilt, redemption, and forgiveness. Through Lurie’s journey, Coetzee reveals how epic change can stem from moments of disgrace and quiet reckoning. The story lingers with readers, prompting reflection on personal and societal responsibility.
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
In “Norwegian Wood,” Toru Watanabe navigates the complexities of love, loss, and growing up in 1960s Tokyo. Murakami’s evocative writing style immerses readers in a world of melancholy beauty, where even the smallest moments feel charged with significance. The quietness of Toru’s life belies the emotional intensity of his relationships, as he tries to make sense of grief and desire. The novel became an instant bestseller in Japan and remains one of Murakami’s most beloved works worldwide. Many fans appreciate its honest exploration of mental health and the loneliness that can linger beneath the surface of everyday life. Murakami’s use of music, memory, and longing gives the novel a haunting, timeless quality. “Norwegian Wood” proves that epic drama can unfold in the spaces between words and within the silence of the heart.
The Slow Waltz of Turtles by Katherine Pancol
“The Slow Waltz of Turtles” tells the story of Joséphine Cortès, a woman who starts over in Paris after a life-altering divorce. Pancol weaves together mystery, humor, and romance, turning Joséphine’s seemingly uneventful life into a tapestry of surprises and emotions. The novel is part of a bestselling series in Europe, beloved for its quirky characters and relatable themes of self-discovery. Pancol’s writing is colorful and energetic, offering readers a window into the everyday challenges and joys of starting anew. Many readers find themselves cheering for Joséphine as she finds the courage to embrace change and pursue happiness on her own terms. The story is a celebration of resilience and the hidden epic in the lives of ordinary women. Pancol’s blend of drama and whimsy makes the novel both entertaining and deeply moving.
Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill
Jenny Offill’s “Dept. of Speculation” is a marriage story told in fragments, capturing the chaos, beauty, and heartbreak of domestic life. The narrator, a writer and mother, reflects on love, infidelity, and the small moments that make up a relationship. Offill’s style is sharp and poetic, with each short section packing an emotional punch. The novel has been widely praised for its honesty and wit, earning spots on numerous best-of-the-year lists since its publication. Many readers are surprised by how much epic drama Offill wrings from the minutiae of daily life—the spilled milk, the sleepless nights, the longing for something more. The story resonates with anyone who has ever struggled to hold things together when life feels overwhelming. Offill turns the quiet unraveling of a marriage into something cosmic and unforgettable.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant lives by strict routines and keeps to herself, convinced that she is completely fine as long as she avoids emotional entanglements. But when she develops an unlikely friendship with a coworker, her carefully constructed world begins to crack open. Honeyman’s novel is celebrated for its blend of humor, heartbreak, and hope, shining a light on issues of loneliness and trauma. Since its release, the book has sold millions of copies and inspired discussions about mental health and social isolation. Many readers find themselves rooting for Eleanor as she learns to heal and connect with others, transforming her quiet existence into something deeply meaningful. The story’s warmth and wit have made it a favorite with book clubs and casual readers alike. Eleanor’s journey is proof that even the most unremarkable lives can become epic with the right spark.
The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry
Roseanne McNulty, an elderly woman confined to a mental hospital, recounts the story of her life in “The Secret Scripture.” Barry’s novel is a moving meditation on history, memory, and the ways personal stories can be lost or rewritten. The narrative alternates between Roseanne’s recollections and the notes of her psychiatrist, gradually revealing the epic drama behind her quiet suffering. The book was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and won the Costa Book of the Year award, reflecting its critical acclaim. Many readers are haunted by the injustices Roseanne endures and the resilience she shows in the face of adversity. Barry’s lyrical prose and empathy for his characters elevate the novel to something unforgettable. The story is a powerful reminder that every life, no matter how hidden, has epic dimensions worth discovering.
The Friend by Sigrid Nunez
After losing her closest friend, a writer inherits his massive Great Dane, setting off a quiet but profound journey through grief and companionship. Nunez’s novel is understated yet deeply moving, exploring how animals can help us heal and how literature can be both a solace and a burden. “The Friend” won the National Book Award for Fiction in 2018, praised for its wit and emotional intelligence. Readers often cite the novel’s candid exploration of loss and its surprising humor as reasons for its enduring appeal. The story’s mix of literary reflection and personal mourning feels both intimate and universal. Nunez invites us to consider how friendships shape us, even after they end, and how life’s quiet moments can be epic in their own way. The novel lingers in the mind long after the last page.
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
Set in 1980s Ireland, “Small Things Like These” follows Bill Furlong, a coal merchant who stumbles upon a dark secret while making deliveries during the holiday season. Keegan’s novella is quietly devastating, showing how small acts of courage can have epic consequences. The story is rooted in historical fact, echoing real scandals involving the Magdalene Laundries. Keegan’s spare, beautiful prose captures the weight of conscience and the power of compassion. The book has received numerous accolades, including being shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2022, and is noted for its timely relevance and emotional impact. Readers are often struck by how much drama and hope can be packed into such a short, simple story. Furlong’s moral dilemma becomes an epic test of character, proving that ordinary people can make extraordinary choices.
Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson
Trond Sander, a man in his sixties, retreats to rural Norway to live a quiet life after personal tragedy. As he settles into solitude, memories of a formative summer in his youth come flooding back. Petterson’s writing is atmospheric and contemplative, drawing readers into the rhythms of the Norwegian countryside. The novel won the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and has been translated into over 50 languages, reflecting its global appeal. Many readers are moved by the novel’s exploration of memory, loss, and how the past shapes the present. Petterson’s quiet, introspective style turns Trond’s recollections into an epic journey through time. The story reveals that even in the most remote places, life can be filled with drama and transformation.
Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
Thomas Hardy’s classic tells the tragic story of Tess, a peasant girl whose quiet life is upended by fate, class, and injustice. Tess’s journey from innocence to experience is marked by hardship and heartbreak, yet her resilience and dignity make her story epic. Hardy’s lush descriptions of the English countryside stand in stark contrast to the cruelty Tess endures, heightening the emotional impact. The novel has been the subject of countless adaptations, including films and stage plays, demonstrating its lasting influence. Many readers and scholars consider Tess one of Hardy’s most powerful creations, admired for her strength in the face of overwhelming odds. The themes of injustice, fate, and the struggle for agency continue to resonate with new generations. Tess’s life, though simple, becomes a sweeping tragedy that feels timeless and universal.
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.
