See the world differently with the best fiction books of 2020
Stories offer a chance to understand the world, and the Monitor鈥檚 picks for the best fiction books of 2020 offer clarity and insight. From cozy mysteries to studies on the immigrant experience, there鈥檚 something for everyone on this list.
鈥淎尘苍别蝉迟测鈥澛�by Aravind Adiga
A Sri Lankan man living as an unauthorized immigrant in Australia discovers that he holds key information in a murder case. But if he goes to the authorities to reveal the killer, he will also reveal himself. Aravind Adiga unfolds a compelling story that pits self-interest against conscience.
鈥淗补尘苍别迟鈥澛�by Maggie O鈥橣arrell
Irish-born writer Maggie O鈥橣arrell vividly renders the home life of William Shakespeare in a historical novel named for the playwright鈥檚 son, whose death at age 11 may have prompted his father to write 鈥淗amlet.鈥� O鈥橣arrell extrapolates a very thin historical record into an imaginative, sensitive, and believable story.听
鈥淭he Midnight Library鈥澛�by Matt Haig
Nora鈥檚 life is burdened by regrets. Then she stumbles on a library with books that enable her to test out the lives she could have led. Her discoveries prove life-affirming in Matt Haig鈥檚 dazzling fantasy.听
鈥淪imon the Fiddler鈥澛�by Paulette Jiles
A fiddler conscripted into the Confederate Army crosses paths with an Irish woman, the indentured servant of a Union officer. When the South surrenders and Simon immerses himself in his music, he still longs for her. Beautifully told with lyrical descriptions, the novel illuminates the everyday struggles of the era.
鈥淭he Index of Self-Destructive Acts鈥澛�by Christopher Beha
New York City after the 2008 financial collapse provides the setting for Christopher Beha鈥檚 modern-day morality tale in which algorithmic thinking clashes with impulsiveness. Cleverly written with poetic overtones, the narrative provides engaging twists and turns.
鈥淎ll the Devils Are Here鈥澛�by Louise Penny
Inspector Gamache endeavors to uncover a sinister web of crime in the City of Light, ignited by the attempted hit-and-run of his beloved godfather. Sparkling with psychological suspense, secrets, danger, and levity, this masterful addition to Louise Penny鈥檚 鈥淭hree Pines鈥� crime mystery series also celebrates the enduring gift of love and family.
鈥淭he Other Bennet Sister鈥澛�by Janice Hadlow
Readers needn鈥檛 be fans of 鈥淧ride and Prejudice鈥� to enjoy this novel in which Mary, the middle sister in the Jane Austen classic, steps out of the shadows. It鈥檚 a historical novel for contemporary times.
鈥淗omeland Elegies鈥澛�by Ayad Akhtar
Ayad Akhtar鈥檚 novel is a tour de force that mixes personal narrative, political history, and social commentary. Tracing the corrosive effects of scorched-earth political rhetoric and late capitalism, Akhtar explores subjects as far-ranging as the leveraging of debt, the corporatization of health care, and the state of higher education today, through his family鈥檚 fierce debates and experiences.
鈥淭he Thursday聽Murder Club鈥澛�by Richard Osman
The backdrop for this charming and cleverly written 鈥渃ozy mystery鈥� is an upscale British retirement community. At first, the septuagenarians tackle cold cases, but when one of the developers of their community is murdered, the little club looks for answers.
鈥淭he Vanishing Half鈥澛�by Brit Bennett
Twin sisters take very different paths in this gripping exploration of race, identity, and the meaning of home. A poignant combination of mystery and history, the novel moves briskly while addressing issues of great weight. While the plot occasionally hinges on unlikely coincidences and surprises, the same could be said for the nation and the times that are chronicled in this book.
鈥淭ranscendent Kingdom鈥澛�by Yaa Gyasi
Ghana-born American writer Yaa Gyasi follows her award-winning debut, 鈥淗omegoing,鈥� with the affecting story of Ghanaian immigrants struggling to realize the American dream in the face of racism and the opioid crisis. Told by the daughter, Gifty, it is also the story of a young woman鈥檚 spiritual journey to reconcile her calling as a neuroscientist with her evangelical 海角大神 faith.
