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Best 20th Century Fiction Books

January 2025

The Last Letter from Your Lover

Ellie stumbles upon a hidden love letter from the 1960s, igniting her curiosity and setting her on a journey to uncover a passionate affair from decades past. As she delves deeper, she becomes entangled in the story of Jennifer and Anthony, whose forbidden romance defied societal norms. Moyes weaves a tale of lost love, missed opportunities, and the power of words to transcend time. With each revelation, Ellie finds herself questioning her own life choices and the true meaning of love. A poignant exploration of human connection that will leave you reaching for tissues.

The Night Watch

In the shadowy streets of wartime London, four lives intertwine in unexpected ways. Sarah Waters weaves a haunting tale of love, loss, and resilience as her characters navigate the perils of blackouts and air raids. With her signature attention to historical detail, Waters paints a vivid portrait of a city under siege, where passion blooms in unlikely places and secrets lurk behind every door. A masterful exploration of human connection amidst chaos, “The Night Watch” will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

Water for Elephants

As a veterinary student, Jacob Jankowski’s world crumbles when tragedy strikes. Fate leads him to join a traveling circus during the Great Depression, where he finds purpose caring for the menagerie. Amidst the gritty circus life, he falls for the enchanting Marlena, the star performer married to a volatile man. Their forbidden love blossoms against a backdrop of sawdust and sequins, while Jacob forms an unexpected bond with Rosie, an untrainable elephant. This captivating tale of love, loss, and redemption will transport you to a bygone era of big tops and railway cars.