Best Literary Fiction Books May 2025

The Remains of theDay

In this poignant masterpiece, Ishiguro delves into the mind of Stevens, a devoted English butler reflecting on his life of service. Through his meticulous recollections, we glimpse a world of rigid class structures and unspoken emotions. Stevens’ journey of self-discovery is both heartbreaking and illuminating, as he grapples with missed opportunities and the true meaning of dignity. Ishiguro’s prose is exquisite, capturing the essence of a bygone era with subtle brilliance.

The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy

Sterne’s masterpiece is a delightful romp through the chaotic mind of its titular character. Tristram’s attempt to narrate his life story is constantly derailed by tangents, anecdotes, and philosophical musings. The result is a wickedly funny, surprisingly modern novel that defies convention at every turn. I found myself chuckling at Tristram’s digressions and marveling at Sterne’s wit. It’s a challenging but rewarding read that feels as fresh and inventive today as it must have when it was first published in the 1760s.

Kenilworth

Step into the tumultuous world of 16th-century England with Sir Walter Scott’s “Kenilworth.” This gripping tale weaves together romance, intrigue, and historical drama, centering on the ill-fated love between Amy Robsart and Robert Dudley. Scott’s vivid prose brings to life the opulent court of Queen Elizabeth I, where ambition and jealousy threaten to tear apart lives. A masterful blend of fact and fiction, this novel will transport you to a time of chivalry, betrayal, and forbidden passion.

The Death of Ivan Ilych

Tolstoy’s haunting novella delves into the life and death of a high-court judge in 19th-century Russia. As Ivan Ilych faces his mortality, he grapples with the emptiness of his existence and the fear of oblivion. Through Ivan’s journey, Tolstoy masterfully explores themes of authenticity, mortality, and the human condition. The story’s raw emotional power and philosophical depth left me pondering my own life choices long after I turned the final page.

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter

In a moment of crisis, Dr. David Henry makes a decision that will haunt his family for decades. Delivering his own twins during a snowstorm, he discovers his daughter has Down syndrome. Fearing the impact on his wife, he hands the baby to his nurse, telling her to take the child to an institution. But the nurse, unable to abandon the infant, disappears into another city to raise the girl as her own. As the years unfold, the consequences of this fateful choice ripple through the lives of both families, exploring the power of secrets, the nature of love, and the intricate bonds of family.

The Things they Carried

O’Brien’s haunting masterpiece plunges readers into the heart of the Vietnam War, blurring the lines between fact and fiction. Through a series of interconnected stories, he explores the physical and emotional burdens soldiers carry, from tangible items to crushing memories. With raw honesty and lyrical prose, O’Brien captures the complexities of war, love, and the human spirit. This book left me pondering the nature of truth and the power of storytelling long after I turned the final page.

Orlando

Virginia Woolf’s “Orlando” is a whimsical journey through time and gender. This enchanting tale follows the titular character’s transformation from a young nobleman in Elizabethan England to a modern woman in the 1920s. Woolf’s prose dances with wit and insight, exploring identity, art, and love across centuries. I was captivated by Orlando’s adventures and Woolf’s clever commentary on societal norms. A truly unique reading experience that still feels fresh and relevant today.

The Razor’s Edge

Maugham’s masterpiece follows Larry Darrell, a young American seeking meaning in a world shattered by war. Rejecting conventional society, Larry embarks on a spiritual odyssey that takes him from Paris to India. Meanwhile, his friends pursue wealth and status, only to find emptiness. With keen insight and dry wit, Maugham explores the tension between materialism and enlightenment, weaving a tale that’s both philosophical and deeply human. It’s a book that lingers, challenging readers to examine their own values long after the final page.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Capote’s novella whisks you into the glittering world of 1940s New York, where the enigmatic Holly Golightly captivates everyone she meets. As our unnamed narrator becomes entangled in Holly’s chaotic life, we’re treated to a bittersweet tale of friendship, identity, and the pursuit of dreams. Capote’s prose sparkles like the diamonds in Tiffany’s window, painting a vivid portrait of a young woman determined to reinvent herself, no matter the cost. It’s a story that’s stayed with me long after the last page, leaving me pondering the nature of belonging and the price of freedom.

Looking for Alaska

Miles “Pudge” Halter’s mundane life takes an exhilarating turn when he enrolls at Culver Creek Preparatory School. There, he meets the enigmatic Alaska Young, whose wild spirit and unpredictable nature captivate him instantly. As Pudge navigates friendship, first love, and the complexities of adolescence, he’s drawn into Alaska’s world of mischief and deep philosophical musings. But when tragedy strikes, Pudge must confront the fragility of life and the power of memory. Green’s poignant storytelling left me pondering the meaning of it all long after I turned the final page.