Well, 'The Factotum' by Edgardo Rodríguez Juliá is among the top Puerto Rican novels. It's a complex work that explores Puerto Rican society and politics. Then there's 'Our House in the Last World' by Oscar Hijuelos. Although he's of Cuban - American heritage, the novel also has strong connections to Puerto Rican culture as it portrays the immigrant experience in the United States which is relevant to many Puerto Ricans. 'In the Time of the Butterflies' by Julia Alvarez, while it focuses on the Dominican Republic, has elements that are relatable to Puerto Rican experiences of dictatorship and struggle for freedom.
Some of the best Puerto Rican novels include 'Sirena Selena vestida de pena' by Mayra Santos - Febres. This novel is known for its exploration of female identity and sexuality in the Puerto Rican context. 'The Disappearance of María Moreno' by María Luisa Bombal is also a great read. It tells a story that reflects on the social and cultural aspects of Puerto Rico. And 'The Tempest' by Roberto Fernández Retamar is a significant work that uses Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' as a starting point to discuss Puerto Rican colonialism and identity.
One of the best Puerto Rican novels is 'The House on the Lagoon' by Rosario Ferré. It delves into themes of family, race, and Puerto Rican identity through the story of a couple. Another great one is 'When I Was Puerto Rican' by Esmeralda Santiago. It's an autobiographical novel that gives a vivid picture of growing up Puerto Rican in the United States and on the island. Also, 'Down These Mean Streets' by Piri Thomas is often considered a classic. It's a semi - autobiographical account of a Puerto Rican - African American man's experiences in Harlem.