What is literary fiction, you may ask? Often described as "serious" literature (think the Great American Novel), literary fiction often doesn't fit neatly into the parameters of other genres, and is usually more character-driven than plot-driven. But don't let that lofty definition put you off—plenty of literary fiction is accessible, fascinating, and all the more interesting for its fully fleshed-out characters. In fact, some of the most popular books of all time are literary fiction.
At the same time, a literary fiction label doesn’t mean a novel can’t have elements of other genres—there’s plenty of books shelved as literary suspense, literary romance, or even literary fabulism. You can expect these kinds of novels to still have those genre traits, but with elevated writing styles and more character development.
Another hallmark of literary fiction is the prizes. From Booker Prize winners to National Book Award winners to Pulitzer Prize winners, literary fiction features the kind of writing that deserves all the accolades.
Intrigued? Dive in to our lists of recommended literary fiction books below.
It's time to revisit the great literature we skimmed through in English class.
Love the oldies, but looking for something new? You’ve come to the right place.
Before the If Beale Street Could Talk author became a symbol of today's Black Lives Matter movement, he was a high-priority target of FBI surveillance during the 1950s, '60s, and '70s.
By Olivia Mason
The acclaimed novelist has passed away, leaving behind a rich body of work on Israeli identity and politics.
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By Olivia Mason
The iconic author's fourth (and favorite) novel is getting a limited series adaptation.
The Guadeloupean writer took home the The New Academy Prize, which is replacing the Nobel Prize in Literature this year.
These aren't your average mystery novels.
By Olivia Mason
Find yourself in these absorbing reads.
The legendary author's sci-fi works were political and realistic, sometimes prescient—and always entertaining.
Julianne Moore and Ken Watanabe star in the adaptation of Ann Patchett's novel based on the Lima hostage crisis.
By Olivia Mason
A full list of recommendations from the people who know our books best.
On May 22, 2018, author Philip Roth died at age 85. Read an enlightening conversation between Roth and writer Milan Kundera in Roth's collection of essays and interviews, Shop Talk.
For cinephiles and bookworms alike.
Overlooked? Yes. Forgotten? Not on our watch!
The author of The Color Purple reads three of her poems and answers reader questions about her work, life, and views on society.
Rhiannon Navin’s powerful debut novel, “Only Child,” tells the story of a fictional school shooting, and the lasting impact it has on 6-year-old Zach.
On the centennial of her birth, we’re looking back at the writer's exceptional life and work.
Paramount TV has acquired the rights to the MaddAddam Trilogy, a dystopian series by "The Handmaid's Tale" author.
By Olivia Mason