Great newer novels often have fresh perspectives. They might deal with contemporary issues like social media's impact on relationships as seen in some novels. They also tend to have diverse characters representing different cultures, genders, and sexual orientations more inclusively than older works.
Sure. 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood is a great newer novel. It continues the story from 'The Handmaid's Tale' and explores the dystopian world further. Another one is 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney. It beautifully depicts the complex relationship between two young people. Also, 'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens is a great choice, with its vivid descriptions of nature and a compelling mystery.
Newer science fiction books often explore current technological trends. For example, they might deal with artificial intelligence and its implications on society, like how it changes the job market or human relationships.
One common theme is oppression. In many newer dystopian novels, there is a group or a regime that oppresses the general population. For example, in 'The Hunger Games', the Capitol oppresses the districts. Another theme is survival. Characters often have to fight for their lives in harsh environments, like in 'The Maze Runner'. Also, the exploration of a broken social order is common. Novels like 'Divergent' look at how a society's values and structure can go wrong.
Great novels typically display a high level of authenticity. They mirror the real - world in some way, whether it's the relationships between people, the social and political situations, or the psychological states of characters. The pacing is also important; it should be well - balanced so that the story unfolds at the right speed, not too rushed or too slow. And great novels usually have an element of universality, meaning that people from different cultures and backgrounds can relate to the story on some level.
They often have complex characters. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', Elizabeth Bennet is a multi - faceted character with her own pride and prejudices. They also usually have a well - developed plot that unfolds over time, engaging the reader from start to finish.
Great novels often have complex characters. These characters are multi - dimensional, with their own personalities, motives, and flaws. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', Elizabeth Bennet is intelligent, independent - minded, but also has her own prejudices at first. Another characteristic is a rich and detailed setting. It can be a specific historical period like the Victorian era in Dickens' novels, which helps to create an immersive atmosphere. Also, great novels usually deal with universal themes such as love, death, and the search for identity.
They are also known for their exploration of social issues. 'The Vegetarian' is a prime example where it challenges the traditional views on diet and the role of women in society. It uses the protagonist's choice to be a vegetarian as a starting point to dig deeper into how society reacts to those who deviate from the norm.
A characteristic is also the portrayal of the historical context. These novels are set against the backdrop of the ancient world, with its different cultures and political systems. They show how Alexander's conquests changed the face of this world, from the Greek city - states to the far - flung reaches of the Persian Empire. This gives readers a sense of the grandeur and complexity of the era in which he lived.
Many great Japanese novels are set in very specific cultural and historical contexts. 'Snow Country' by Yasunari Kawabata is set in a rural, snowy part of Japan. The description of the landscape and the traditional way of life there is an important part of the novel, showing the unique Japanese aesthetic.
A focus on moral and ethical issues was common. The characters were often faced with dilemmas that tested their values, like in 'The Forsyte Saga' where family loyalty and individual desires conflicted. These novels also had a certain elegance in their prose. The language was often refined, yet still accessible, which added to the overall charm of the works. Edwardian novels frequently reflected the changing times, with the emerging new ideas about society, gender roles, and technology starting to seep into the stories.