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Best Modernist Fiction Books

December 2024

An Artist of the Floating World

In this poignant tale, Ishiguro masterfully weaves the story of Masuji Ono, an aging artist grappling with his past in post-World War II Japan. As Ono reflects on his life, we’re drawn into a world of shifting loyalties and fading traditions. The novel’s gentle prose belies its powerful exploration of guilt, honor, and the price of artistic integrity. I found myself captivated by Ono’s journey, feeling both sympathy and frustration as he navigates his memories and relationships. A truly thought-provoking read.

Child of God

Lester Ballard, a violent outcast in 1960s Appalachia, descends into madness and depravity. McCarthy’s haunting prose paints a stark portrait of human nature’s darkest corners. Through Ballard’s twisted journey, we confront uncomfortable truths about isolation and moral decay. This isn’t an easy read, but it’s one that lingers, challenging our notions of humanity. I found myself both repulsed and captivated, unable to look away from McCarthy’s unflinching exploration of a broken soul.

Tinkers

In this haunting debut, Paul Harding weaves a tapestry of memory and time, exploring the lives of three generations of New England clock repairmen. As George Washington Crosby lies dying, his mind wanders through a landscape of recollections, blurring the lines between past and present. Harding’s lyrical prose captures the essence of human experience, from the mundane to the profound, inviting readers to ponder the fleeting nature of existence. A meditation on family, legacy, and the intricate mechanisms that govern our lives, “Tinkers” is a small masterpiece that lingers long after the final page.