Another notable one is 'A Case of Exploding Mangoes' by Mohammed Hanif. This satirical take on Pakistani (but with strong Indian cultural context) politics and crime during a certain era is full of dark humor and mystery. It's a unique blend that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
One of the top military fiction books is 'The Red Badge of Courage' by Stephen Crane. It vividly depicts a young soldier's experiences in the Civil War, exploring themes of courage and self - discovery. Another great one is 'All Quiet on the Western Front' by Erich Maria Remarque. It gives a harrowing account of World War I from the perspective of German soldiers. And 'Gates of Fire' by Steven Pressfield is also highly recommended. It tells the story of the Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae in a very engaging way.
Then there's 'The Quantum Thief' by Hannu Rajaniemi. This book has a very complex and mind - bending plot that involves things like quantum cryptography. It's not for the faint - hearted but if you're into really deep and detailed science - fiction that touches on crypto concepts, it's a great choice.
One great Indian teenage novel is 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy. It beautifully portrays the complex relationships within a family in Kerala. Another is 'The White Tiger' by Aravind Adiga, which gives insights into the class divide in India through a gripping story. And 'An Equal Music' by Vikram Seth also stands out as it weaves a story of love and music in an engaging way.
One of the top French crime novels is 'The Chalet' by Catherine Cooper. It has a great plot filled with mystery and intrigue. The setting in the French Alps adds a touch of isolation and danger to the story.
One great 2014 fiction book is 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt. It's a coming - of - age story wrapped around a mystery involving a famous painting. The characters are richly drawn and the plot keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Some great picks in the best paperbacks 2020 fiction could be 'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett. It tells a story about twin sisters who choose very different paths in life. The exploration of race and identity in the book is really profound.
Another great one is 'Circe' by Madeline Miller. This book reimagines the story of the Greek mythological figure Circe. It delves deep into her life, from her early days on the island of Aiaia to her encounters with various mythical beings like Odysseus. Miller's writing is beautiful and she brings a fresh perspective to a well - known myth, making it a must - read for historical fiction lovers.
One of the best South African crime novels is 'Devil's Peak' by Deon Meyer. It has a great plot filled with mystery and well - developed characters. The setting in South Africa adds an authentic touch to the story.
Another notable one is 'Jazz Funeral' by Julie Smith. This novel weaves together the elements of crime and the vibrant New Orleans jazz scene. It has a female protagonist, Skip Langdon, who has to solve a murder mystery while dealing with the city's various personalities and the distinctiveness of New Orleans neighborhoods.
One of the best Indian horror novels is 'The Shining Girls' by Lauren Beukes. It has an Indian connection in its exploration of time - warping horror. Another great one is 'Ghachar Ghochar' which has a sense of creeping dread and family secrets that add to the horror element. Also, 'The Silent House' by Orhan Pamuk, which is set in India and has a very eerie atmosphere.