The settings are a big part. The southern landscapes, from the plantations to the small towns, add a unique charm and context. They create an atmosphere that is distinctively southern.
The complex characters. The characters in these novels are often deeply flawed and yet very human. They are products of their southern upbringing, and their struggles, whether it's with poverty, race, or family, are what make the stories so engaging. They are not just simple heroes or villains but complex individuals with a range of emotions and motives.
The exploration of southern values and traditions. These novels often deal with concepts like family honor, racial relations specific to the South, and the impact of the Civil War on southern society. For example, many novels show how the old southern ways were both cherished and slowly eroded over time.
Sure. One of the well - known novels from it might be 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. It's a classic that delves deep into themes of racial injustice and moral growth in the southern United States. The story, told through the eyes of a young girl, Scout, shows the harsh realities of a racially divided society in the South.
They can also be more experimental in their writing styles. Since they are not as widely known, the authors may have had more freedom to deviate from the traditional narrative structures. Take 'Infinite Jest' by David Foster Wallace, for instance. It's a long and complex work that plays with form and content in ways that many well - known novels don't. The less - known American novels in this category can be a treasure trove for those who want to explore different literary frontiers.
They provide unique perspectives. Asian - American writers bring their own experiences and viewpoints. They can write about things like the immigrant experience, the feeling of being between two cultures, and the struggle for acceptance in a new land. Take 'Americanah' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (though Nigerian - American, it has similar themes of being an immigrant in the US). The characters in these Asian - American novels often face challenges related to race and identity that are specific to their situation.
The novels in 'best american novels' are special because they often capture the essence of different periods in American history. For example, some novels reflect the social upheavals, like the Civil Rights Movement or the Great Depression.
Well, many of them blend different cultures. Latin America has a rich mix of indigenous, European, and African cultures, and these novels often reflect that. For example, in 'One Hundred Years of Solitude', you can see the influence of Colombian and broader Latin American folklore and history.
The characters in these novels are very well - crafted. Take Holden Caulfield in 'The Catcher in the Rye' for instance. His voice is so unique and his struggle with growing up and the phoniness of the adult world is relatable. These novels have a way of capturing the essence of the American experience, whether it's about immigration, race relations, or the pursuit of happiness. That's what makes them special.
Well, they often have unique concepts. For example, they can imagine different forms of society, like in 'Brave New World' - type scenarios where the social structure is vastly different from our own. This makes readers think about our own world and how it could change.
I think 'Gaudy Night' by Dorothy L. Sayers is also a great Oxford novel. It features Harriet Vane, an Oxford - educated detective. The novel is set in Oxford and deals with academic rivalries, mystery, and the relationship between the sexes, all within the context of the university environment.
The characters are a big part. In great southern humor novels, you often find larger - than - life characters. They might be eccentrics with strange habits or beliefs. For example, in 'A Confederacy of Dunces', Ignatius is so full of himself and his own strange ideas that his actions and reactions are hilarious. These characters are complex and their flaws are often what make them so humorous.
They often represent the essence of different periods in American history. For example, 'The Grapes of Wrath' reflects the Great Depression era. They also deal with important social issues like 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' which was crucial in the fight against slavery.