Maybe the submissions that year didn't meet the high standards set by the Pulitzer committee. Or it could be that the competition was just too tough and no one stood out enough.
There could be various reasons. Maybe the quality of the fiction entries wasn't up to the high standards expected, or there might have been some internal issues or changes in the judging process.
Andrew Sean Greer was the recipient of the 2018 Pulitzer Fiction award. His winning novel was 'Less'. This book might have been selected because it had a unique voice. It could have been that the story was told in a way that was both charming and profound. Maybe it had characters that were vividly drawn and relatable. Also, the writing style might have been something that the judges really liked, with a flow and rhythm that made it a pleasure to read while also delivering a meaningful story.
As of July 2023, we don't know the nominees for the 2024 Pulitzer Fiction yet. The Pulitzer Prizes are typically announced in the spring of each year for works published in the previous year. So we have to wait until the relevant time in 2024 to find out.
The novel 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt won the 2014 Pulitzer Fiction award. It's a coming - of - age story that follows the life of Theo Decker after he survives a terrorist bombing at an art museum. The book is known for its complex characters and exploration of themes like art, loss, and the power of memory.
Some other notable works that might have been considered (although not all) include a wide range of novels published in 2020 - 2021. However, the Pulitzer winner stands out for its unique exploration of Native American identity and history. 'The Night Watchman' tells the story of a Chippewa councilman who tries to prevent the termination of his tribe. It's a story that combines historical events with deeply personal and cultural elements, making it a remarkable piece of fiction.
The award has also increased the visibility of certain literary works. For example, many Pulitzer - winning novels become bestsellers, which encourages more people to read complex and thought - provoking literature. This, in turn, can inspire new generations of writers to explore similar themes and styles. For instance, the success of 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker, which won the Pulitzer, has influenced many contemporary African - American female writers to write about issues of race, gender, and abuse.