Best Fiction Books April 2025

The Plague of Doves

Louise Erdrich’s “The Plague of Doves” is a haunting tale of intergenerational trauma and redemption. Set in a small North Dakota town, the novel weaves together the lives of Native American and white families, bound by a shocking act of violence. Erdrich’s lyrical prose and intricate storytelling draw you into a world where past and present collide, revealing the complex tapestry of human relationships. As I read, I found myself captivated by the characters’ struggles and the way their fates intertwined. It’s a powerful exploration of justice, identity, and the enduring impact of history on our lives.

LaRose

LaRose, Louise Erdrich’s haunting novel, weaves a tale of tragedy and redemption in North Dakota. When Landreaux Iron accidentally kills his neighbor’s son, he follows an ancient custom and gives his own son, LaRose, to the grieving family. As the two families grapple with loss and forgiveness, LaRose becomes a bridge between them. Erdrich’s lyrical prose and deep understanding of Native American culture create a powerful, unforgettable story of love, justice, and the enduring bonds of family.

The Round House

Thirteen-year-old Joe’s world shatters when his mother is brutally attacked on their North Dakota reservation. Struggling to cope, he seeks answers and justice, delving into the complex web of tribal and federal laws. Erdrich’s haunting prose weaves a coming-of-age tale with a gripping mystery, exploring themes of identity, family, and the lingering effects of historical trauma. As Joe grapples with adulthood’s harsh realities, his journey becomes a poignant reflection on the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community.

The Keeper of Lost Things

Anthony Peardew, a once-successful author, has spent decades collecting lost objects, hoping to atone for a promise broken long ago. As his life nears its end, he entrusts his assistant Laura with the task of reuniting these treasures with their rightful owners. Struggling with her own broken heart, Laura finds unexpected solace in this peculiar mission. Through a tapestry of interconnected stories, Hogan weaves a charming tale of love, loss, and the power of seemingly insignificant objects to bridge the gaps between people. It’s a gentle reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope can be found in the most unlikely places.

Britt-Marie Was Here

Britt-Marie’s life has always been defined by order and routine. But when her world suddenly crumbles, she finds herself in the small town of Borg, reluctantly taking a job at the local youth center. As she navigates this unfamiliar terrain, Britt-Marie discovers a community that challenges her rigid beliefs and awakens long-dormant passions. With Backman’s signature warmth and humor, we follow Britt-Marie’s journey of self-discovery, learning that it’s never too late to start over and find your place in the world. I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry

Elsa is seven, precocious, and utterly devoted to her eccentric grandmother. Their nightly adventures in a fantastical world of fairy tales are Elsa’s refuge from school bullies and her parents’ divorce. When her beloved granny dies, Elsa is left with a series of letters, each a quest to deliver an apology. As she embarks on this treasure hunt, Elsa uncovers the colorful, often painful stories of the quirky tenants in her apartment building, realizing that her grandmother’s imaginary world wasn’t so make-believe after all. A touching, whimsical tale of love, loss, and the power of storytelling.

Us Against You

In the small hockey town of Beartown, tensions simmer beneath the surface. Fredrik Backman’s “Us Against You” delves deeper into the community’s soul, exploring loyalty, rivalry, and redemption. As the local team faces extinction, old wounds reopen and new alliances form. Backman’s prose is both raw and tender, capturing the essence of human nature with startling clarity. I found myself completely absorbed, rooting for characters I’d grown to love. It’s a story that lingers long after the final page, reminding us of the power of unity in the face of adversity.

Anxious People

Backman’s “Anxious People” is a delightfully quirky tale that had me chuckling and tearing up in equal measure. It’s a story about a failed bank robbery that turns into an accidental hostage situation, but it’s so much more than that. The characters are beautifully flawed and relatable – I found myself in each of them. Backman’s wit shines through, making this a heartwarming exploration of human nature and the connections that bind us all. A must-read for anyone who’s ever felt a bit lost in life.

Eva Luna

Eva Luna’s life unfolds like a vibrant tapestry, woven with threads of magic and resilience. Allende’s enchanting prose transports us to a world where reality blurs with fantasy, as Eva navigates love, loss, and revolution. I found myself captivated by her journey, feeling as if I were right there beside her, experiencing the sights and sounds of Latin America. This novel is a testament to the power of storytelling and the indomitable human spirit.

The Book of Magic

In “The Book of Magic,” Alice Hoffman weaves a spellbinding tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of family. Set in the enchanting world of the Owens family, this novel follows three generations of witches as they grapple with an ancient curse. Hoffman’s lyrical prose brings to life a world where magic shimmers just beneath the surface, and where the bonds of sisterhood are tested by fate. As I turned each page, I found myself captivated by the rich characters and their struggles, feeling as if I were right there with them, experiencing their joys and heartaches. A truly magical read.