'Pachinko' by Min Jin Lee is also considered among the best new historical fiction. It follows a Korean family over four generations, exploring their experiences in Japan from the early 1900s. It shows themes of identity, discrimination, and the struggle for a better life against the backdrop of historical events.
One of the best historical fictions is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It vividly depicts the court of Henry VIII. Another is 'Gone with the Wind', which gives a detailed portrayal of the American South during the Civil War. And 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also great, taking readers to a medieval monastery full of mystery.
A notable one is 'Girl in Hyacinth Blue' by Susan Vreeland. This book tells the story of a Vermeer painting as it passes through different hands over the centuries. It's a beautiful exploration of how art endures and the lives it touches. The descriptions of the artworks in these fictions make you feel as if you are standing in front of the actual paintings.
One great example is 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It reimagines the Underground Railroad as an actual railroad system underground, offering a unique and powerful take on the era of American slavery. Another is 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. It tells a beautiful and heart - wrenching story set during World War II, with its vivid descriptions of the characters' lives in different war - torn locations.
One great example is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. Although it seems like a simple small - town story at first, it has deep historical and cultural undertones related to human nature and society. Another is 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' by Ambrose Bierce, which vividly portrays the American Civil War era with its intense and unexpected plot twists.
Some of the best new zombie fiction includes 'Patient Zero' by Jonathan Maberry. This book sets up an interesting origin story for the zombie outbreak. It has complex characters who are trying to figure out what's going on and how to stop the spread. Also, 'The Reapers Are the Angels' by Alden Bell is a great addition. It's a more literary take on the zombie genre, with beautiful prose and a deep exploration of the main character's journey through a world overrun by zombies.
Well, 'Where the Crawdads Sing' is a popular choice in the best new contemporary fiction. It combines a mystery with a coming - of - age story set in the marshlands. Also, 'The Overstory' by Richard Powers is notable. It tells the story of trees and the people whose lives are intertwined with them in a very unique and thought - provoking way.
There's 'Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit' which is semi - autobiographical. It tells the story of a young girl growing up in a religious household while realizing her lesbian identity. It's beautifully written and gives deep insights into the struggles of being different in a conformist environment. Well, 'Tipping the Velvet' is also a notable work. It vividly portrays the life of a lesbian in the Victorian era, showing the difficulties and joys in relationships and self - discovery.
Some of the best new vampire fiction includes books like 'A Dowry of Blood'. It's a really interesting take on vampire relationships, told from the perspective of a vampire's consort. Then there's 'Vampires, Hearts, & Other Dead Things' which delves into themes of love and death within the vampire genre. Also, 'The Gilda Stories' is a great example as it follows a black lesbian vampire through different time periods, exploring various aspects of identity and survival.
One great example of best new fantasy fiction is 'The City We Became' by N.K. Jemisin. It combines elements of urban fantasy and magical realism, with a unique take on cities having a sentient existence. Another is 'The Poppy War' by R.F. Kuang, which has a richly developed world based on Chinese history and mythology, and features a complex and strong - willed protagonist. And 'Mistborn' by Brandon Sanderson is also popular. It has an intricate magic system and a fascinating post - apocalyptic world setting.
Some works in the 'best new tech fiction' category are quite thought - provoking. For instance, 'Blindsight' by Peter Watts. It delves deep into the idea of alien intelligence and how our understanding of technology might be limited compared to other beings. 'Leviathan Wakes' from 'The Expanse' series is great too. It shows how different planets and cultures in a far - flung future deal with technology, like the use of Epstein drives for space travel. And 'The Windup Girl' by Paolo Bacigalupi presents a post - apocalyptic world where genetic engineering technology has both saved and doomed humanity in different ways.