It’s always too hard to choose best of-s because there are many too many magnificent books read within a year. I just had to single out 15 out of 120 books I have read this year. So here they are chronologically as I have read them:
1 Amor Towles, A Gentleman in Moscow
A thing of true beauty, it has a nostalgic 19th century vibe, like a classic work of realism but with a modern flair. Wonderful storytelling, just leaves you breathless and in love with the main character. If you haven’t read it, don’t wait any longer.
2 Madeline Miller, Circe
Greek mythology and history is always irresistible to me, but a good mythological contemporary novel is hard to find. Circe is absolutely it, obviously written by a knowledgeable professor who not only understands Ancient Greek mythology completely, but has captured the Ancient Greek way of thinking perfectly putting it all into a modern novel about a powerful strong woman. A true ancient and modern time heroine. The characters are realistic, deep and the writing style is breathtaking.
3 Donna Tartt, The Secret History
Just pure perfection of a novel. Enough has been said about this work of art already, it has completely captured me, my taste, my feelings, my ancient Greek love. Perfect.
4 Daisy Johnson, Everything Under
Again a Greek mythology retelling fascinated me, but what a novel it is! The language, the way of thinking in language, through language and memory is exquisite! A masterpiece! I Can’t wait for another book by Daisy Johnson!
5 Sally Rooney, Normal People
This one is without a doubt in my top of the tops of all time. Breaks my heart, makes me happy when I think of it, a wonder. Take a look at my full review some posts back.
6 Margaret Atwood, Hag Seed
An amazing work of metafiction, recommended for any and every Shakespeare lover! Full review on my blog, some posts back.
7 Rosella Postorino, At the Wolf’s Table
If you are, like me, interested in World War II themed novels, I would highly recommend this one!
Full review on the blog, take a look back.
8 Anna Burns, Milkman
Tough, difficult, amazing! Full review some posts back, take a look.
9 Lyudmila Ulitskaya, Jacob’s Ladder
Ulitskaya is a true revelation to me, she has an amazing style and writes, without a doubt, true literature. My Nobel prize winner for 2020! Review on the blog, some posts back.
10 Elif Shafak, 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World
A thing of true beauty, sad but wonderful. Full review some posts back!
11 Susan Choi, Trust Exercise
Innovative, different, smart. Completely unexpected and exciting! I won’t say too much because this one deserves a long post!
12 Elena Ferrante, The Lost Daughter
Dark and beautiful! Read my complete review, some posts back.
13 Salman Rushdie, Quichotte
This is not a novel for everyone, a very complicated, dense metafictional delight. It will astonish Cervantes fans and literary critics. A very long review soon…
14 Sarah Perry, Melmoth
Dark, imaginative, creative. A mix of fairy tales, scary stories, history, monsters of this and the other world.
15 Lucy Ellmann, Ducks, Newburyport
Something completely new and utterly impressive! A massive review soon…
A Literary Snob 