Another good one is 'Station Eleven'. This post - apocalyptic novel takes you on a journey through a world that has been decimated by a flu pandemic. It's not just about survival but also about art, memory, and the human spirit. It shows how different people cope with the end of the world as they knew it and the importance of the things we often take for granted.
I think 'All the Light We Cannot See' is also a remarkable 2014 fiction. It beautifully weaves together the stories of a blind French girl and a German boy during World War II. The writing is poetic and manages to create a very immersive atmosphere of the war - torn world, highlighting the power of human connection in the midst of chaos.
One of the great books from 2014 fiction could be 'The Goldfinch'. It's a story that delves deep into themes of loss, art, and the journey of a young boy. The characters are vividly drawn, and the narrative sweeps you along through different stages of the protagonist's life. It's a long but engaging read that has captured the hearts of many readers.
Some good obscure science fiction books include 'Rendezvous with Rama' by Arthur C. Clarke. It's about an encounter with an alien spacecraft that is both mysterious and huge. The exploration of this strange object is really captivating. 'The Drowned World' by J. G. Ballard is also a great find. It's set in a future where the Earth is being flooded due to climate change, and it has a very dreamy and surreal quality to it. And 'Gateway' by Frederik Pohl is worth checking out. It's about a group of people who go on space exploration missions through these mysterious alien - made gateways. The characters' hopes, fears, and the overall mystery of the gateways make it a great read.
'We Are Not Ourselves' by Matthew Thomas. It's a family - centered story that spans generations. It shows the hopes, dreams, and disappointments of an Irish - American family. It's a very relatable read for those interested in family dynamics and the passage of time.
The book 'Exit West' by Mohsin Hamid is also a great find. It tells the story of refugees in a very unique and almost magical - realist way. It shows how people can find new beginnings even in the most difficult of circumstances. And 'Sing, Unburied, Sing' by Jesmyn Ward is a powerful novel that combines family, race, and the supernatural. It gives voice to the experiences of African - American families in the South in a very moving way.
Among the 2020 best - selling fictions, 'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell is a hidden gem. It's a fictional account of the life of Shakespeare's son, Hamnet, who died at a young age. O'Farrell weaves a story that gives a vivid picture of family life in Elizabethan times, with a focus on the relationship between Hamnet's mother, Agnes, and Shakespeare himself.
Yes, 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern is a hidden gem from the 2010s. It has a really magical and dreamy setting. The story of the circus that only opens at night and the competition between the two magicians is beautifully told. It's a book that you can really get lost in.
I think 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous' is a bit of a hidden gem in the 'Best Summer Books 2019 Fiction' category. The prose is lyrical and it tells a very personal and moving story about identity, family, and love. It's not as well - known as some of the others but it's definitely worth reading.
One great example in best new Australian crime fiction is 'The Dry' by Jane Harper. It's a gripping tale set in a drought - stricken town with a complex mystery at its core. The character development is excellent, making readers truly care about the protagonist as he delves into the secrets of the small community.
One great piece of new Irish crime fiction is 'The Ruin' by Dervla McTiernan. It's a dark and atmospheric thriller set in Ireland. The characters are well - drawn and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat with its twists and turns.
A lesser - known but great piece of Argentine fiction is 'Krindles' by an emerging author. It tells a story of a small town's transformation in a very engaging way.
'The Invention of Wings' by Sue Monk Kidd was a great find in 2014. It tells the story of two women, one a slave and one her owner, in the antebellum South. It delved deep into the issues of slavery and women's rights, and the relationship between the two main characters was complex and engaging.