Kazuo Ishiguro is also a significant figure in new contemporary fiction. His novels, like 'Never Let Me Go', blend elements of science fiction with deep - seated human emotions and moral questions. His writing style is often understated yet powerful, drawing readers into his unique fictional worlds.
There's also Charlotte Grimshaw. She writes about modern - day New Zealand life, often exploring the darker aspects of human nature and family relationships. Her works are known for their psychological depth. And then there's Lloyd Jones, whose 'Mister Pip' is a widely - read novel that tells a story of a young girl in Papua New Guinea with connections to New Zealand, showing how New Zealand fiction can also have an international scope.
One well - known contemporary fiction author is Haruki Murakami. His works, like 'Norwegian Wood' and 'Kafka on the Shore', are known for their dreamy and surreal elements. Another is Margaret Atwood. Her novels such as 'The Handmaid's Tale' are very popular and often deal with feminist and dystopian themes. J.K. Rowling is also a significant figure, mainly known for the 'Harry Potter' series which has a huge global following.
Salman Rushdie is also a significant figure in new contemporary novels. His works are known for their rich, complex storytelling that often combines elements of magic realism with contemporary political and cultural commentary. For instance, his books might touch on post - colonial issues while also being engaging reads on a more general level.
Jonathan Safran Foer is also prominent. His works, such as 'Everything Is Illuminated', use unique narrative styles to explore his own Jewish identity as well as broader themes related to family, history, and the human condition in the context of the Jewish experience.
Toni Morrison is a very well - known author in contemporary black fiction. Her works like 'Beloved' are highly regarded. Another is Ta - Nehisi Coates, who has written powerful books exploring race and identity.
George Saunders is a popular figure in contemporary short fiction. His stories are known for their unique blend of humor and poignant social commentary. He often uses surreal elements to tell stories about modern - day America.
One well - known author is J.K. Rowling. Her 'Harry Potter' series, while having elements of fantasy, is also set in a contemporary Western - like world and has had a huge impact on modern literature. Another is Stephen King. He is famous for his horror and suspense novels that often deal with contemporary fears and issues in a Western context.
One well - known author is Lee Child. His Jack Reacher series has elements of pulp fiction with its action - packed plots and a tough, lone hero.
John Updike is a well - known one. His works often explore the lives of ordinary Americans, their relationships, and their place in society. Another is Ian McEwan. His novels like 'Atonement' are known for their detailed characterizations and exploration of complex emotions within a real - world setting.
Tim O'Brien is a well - known author of contemporary war fiction. His work 'The Things They Carried' is highly regarded. It gives a very personal and in - depth look at the experiences of soldiers in the Vietnam War. Another is Sebastian Junger, who has written about modern warfare. His books often focus on the experiences of soldiers in combat zones and the bonds that form between them.