The characters. Take 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt. The characters are multi - dimensional. Theo, the main character, is full of contradictions. His journey through life after a tragic event is so engaging. The author's ability to create such believable and complex characters is what makes the book stand out among the best fictions of the year.
The writing style. Some of the best fiction books this year have unique writing styles. 'Lincoln in the Bardo' by George Saunders is a prime example. Its use of multiple voices and the way it weaves a historical event (the death of Abraham Lincoln's son) into a kind of ghost story is truly innovative. The writing style grabs your attention and holds it throughout the book.
One aspect that makes the best 2020 fiction books shine is their originality. Take 'Interior Chinatown' for instance. It breaks the traditional narrative structure and presents a fresh perspective on the Asian - American experience. Also, the best books of 2020 fiction usually have strong emotional cores. Whether it's the love and loss in 'Hamnet' or the self - discovery in 'Transcendent Kingdom', these emotional elements make the books memorable and impactful.
Well, many of them have strong social and cultural commentary. They can provide deep insights into different historical periods or current social issues. Like books that deal with race relations in America, they not only tell a story but also make you think about the bigger picture. Also, the character development in these books is usually top - notch. Complex, relatable characters draw the readers in and make them care about the story on a deeper level.
The best South African crime fiction often stands out because of their unique settings. They incorporate the diverse landscapes, from the urban jungles of Johannesburg to the coastal areas. For example, in many works, the crime scenes are set in townships which gives a different flavor compared to Western crime fiction.
One key factor is their ability to create unique and relatable characters. For instance, Douglas Adams' characters in 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' are so distinct and their reactions to the crazy situations are what make it humorous. Another is their use of unexpected twists. Terry Pratchett often throws in a curveball in his Discworld stories that catches the reader off - guard and makes them laugh. Also, their use of language. Mark Twain had a way with words that was both simple and yet deeply humorous. His descriptions and dialogues were full of wit.
In the case of 'Where the Crawdads Sing', the mystery aspect really stood out. Readers were intrigued by the death in the marsh and Kya's connection to it. Plus, the historical details of life in the marshlands were fascinating. It painted a picture that was both beautiful and haunting.
Innovation in magic systems is a big factor. In Brandon Sanderson's works like 'Stormlight Archive', the magic is based on complex rules that feel both fantastical and logical. Also, the exploration of complex themes such as identity in novels like 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern, where the circus is a backdrop for a story about love and self - discovery, makes these novels special.
Well, for one, unique storytelling. In books like 'Circe', the way it retells a classic myth in a fresh and engaging way makes it stand out. The characters are also a big factor. In 'An American Marriage', the complex and nuanced portrayal of the couple's relationship really grabs the reader. And then there's the exploration of important themes. For example, 'The Great Alone' explores survival and family in the harsh Alaskan setting, which is both interesting and relevant.
The stories themselves are unique and relevant. 'Demon Copperhead' takes a classic tale and gives it a contemporary and regional spin. It tackles real - world problems that people can relate to, which makes it more engaging in audiobook form. Also, the use of language and the pacing of the story are important factors.
The books in the top 10 of 2020 fiction are unique in their own ways. 'The Vanishing Half' is remarkable for its exploration of identity and race through the story of twin sisters. 'Leave the World Behind' stands out as it creates a sense of unease and makes readers think about how fragile our modern world is. 'A Burning' is notable for its strong social commentary on class differences and the corrupt systems in India.
The best Indian author novels often stand out because of their rich cultural tapestry. For example, in 'The God of Small Things', Arundhati Roy weaves in the unique culture of Kerala, with its traditions, language, and social hierarchies. Salman Rushdie in 'Midnight's Children' uses magical realism to tell a story that is uniquely Indian in its scope of history and the impact on its people. Indian novels also explore complex family dynamics and social issues in a way that is both relatable and eye - opening.