One notable author is Elena Ferrante. Her Neapolitan Novels offer a deep exploration of female friendship and the complex social structures in Italy. Jhumpa Lahiri is also significant. Her stories, often centered around the Indian - American experience, such as in 'Interpreter of Maladies', bring to light the cultural clashes and connections. Salman Rushdie is another, with his works being a blend of magical realism and political commentary, like in 'Midnight's Children'.
There's Margaret Atwood, who has made a huge impact with her dystopian works like 'The Handmaid's Tale', which also comments on current social and gender issues. Colson Whitehead is notable for his exploration of African - American history and experience in works like 'The Underground Railroad'. Also, Arundhati Roy, with her novel 'The God of Small Things', offers a vivid portrayal of Indian society and family dynamics.
Well, authors like Stephen King, with his horror and suspense-filled novels, and Haruki Murakami, known for his unique and magical-realism style, are significant in contemporary fiction. Besides, Zadie Smith has made a mark with her contemporary social commentaries in her writings.
Colm Tóibín is a well - known author in contemporary Irish fiction. His works often deal with themes of family, sexuality, and Irish identity.
Well, there's Barbara Kingsolver. She has written books that touch on southern life and environmental and social issues. And don't forget about Pat Conroy. His novels often deal with family, the South's military heritage, and the complex relationships within southern families. There are also many emerging voices in contemporary southern fiction that are starting to gain recognition for their unique takes on southern life and culture.
Tatyana Tolstaya. Her science fiction writing often delves into the human psyche in the face of technological and social change. She uses unique narrative styles to tell stories that are both thought - provoking and engaging.
Octavia Butler. Her works often deal with race, gender, and power. For instance, in 'Kindred', she uses time - travel to explore the experiences of a black woman in different historical periods, touching on themes of slavery and gender roles within that context.
Guillermo del Toro is quite notable. His works often blend gothic elements with horror and the fantastical. For instance, his movie 'Crimson Peak' has a strong gothic undercurrent with its spooky mansion and family secrets.
Casey McQuiston is a notable author of 2019 contemporary romance novels with 'Red, White & Royal Blue'. Beth O'Leary is also notable for 'The Flatshare'.
Well, one of the prominent authors is Alice Munro. Although she's Canadian, her influence on the contemporary American short story is significant. Her stories are deeply character - driven and often explore the female experience. Joyce Carol Oates is also well - known. She has a vast body of work that covers a wide range of themes and styles. And don't forget Tobias Wolff. His short stories are often lauded for their masterful use of voice and the exploration of themes like family and self - discovery.
Neil Gaiman is a very notable author in this genre. He has written works like 'The Graveyard Book' and 'American Gods'. V.E. Schwab is also well - known for her books such as 'A Darker Shade of Magic'. Erin Morgenstern, with her 'The Night Circus', has made a mark in contemporary dark fantasy.
Ursula K. Le Guin. Her works, such as 'The Left Hand of Darkness', are known for exploring different cultures and genders in a science - fiction context. She has made significant contributions to shaping the way we think about alien societies and human relationships in science fiction.