The 5 Best Literary Fiction Novels of 2024
...so far
I love literary fiction but 2024 has been a dismal year for this genre. Not only are there fewer titles being released in this category this year than last year (295 in 2024 vs 365 in 2023, according to Edelweiss) but the ones being released are lukewarm at best. However, I have found a few winners:
Thirst by Marina Yuszczuk; translated by Heather Cleary (released 3.5 from Dutton) If you liked Carmilla, you’ll love this.
Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp (released 3.19 from Little, Brown and Company) Unfortunately, the summary and marketing for this release were both terrible and caused this book to fly under the radar. I was lucky enough to receive a cleverly packaged ARC to draw me in and was immediately hooked into this family saga from the first page— Rapp’s writing just flows.
Dear Edna Sloane by Amy Shearn (released 4.30 from Red Hen Press) The dual timelines of current/1980s NYC literary scenes were enough to make me love this but the layers and insight into what it really takes to be a writer/creative person are what made this story soar. Plus, I love an epistolary novel.
Liquid, Fragile, Perishable by Carolyn Kuebler (released 5.14 from Melville House) Another great family saga, this one set in Vermont. There are A LOT of characters to keep straight so I advise reading slowly in order to make all the community connections. This is a debut and I will be quick to grab Kuebler’s next release.
Perfume & Pain by Anna Dorn (released 5.21 from Simon & Schuster) Another book about being a writer. This one is set in LA, with a young lesbian author navigating through the drama of friendships, relationships, and obsessions while attempting to revive her career. Heavy on satire and celebrity worship, the storyline and main character of this novel are both messy and brilliant.
Have you read any GREAT 2024 releases? I’d love to know!