The Greatest "Friendship, Marriage, Fiction" Books Since 1900

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Friendship

The "Friendship" category of books focuses on the relationships between individuals who share a deep bond of mutual affection, trust, and support. These books explore the complexities of friendship, including the challenges and rewards of maintaining close connections over time. They often depict the joys and struggles of navigating the ups and downs of life with the help of loyal companions, and may touch on themes such as loyalty, forgiveness, and the power of human connection. Whether exploring the dynamics of childhood friendships or the complexities of adult relationships, books in this category offer readers a heartwarming and insightful look into the power of friendship.

Marriage

The category of "Marriage" in books encompasses a wide range of literature that explores the institution of marriage, including its joys, challenges, and complexities. These books may delve into the history and cultural significance of marriage, examine the psychological and emotional dynamics of relationships, or offer practical advice and guidance for couples navigating the ups and downs of married life. Whether exploring the intricacies of communication, intimacy, or conflict resolution, books in this category aim to provide insight and support for individuals seeking to build and maintain strong, healthy, and fulfilling marriages.

Fiction

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  1. 1. The Sportswriter by Richard Ford

    This novel explores the life of a suburban New Jersey man who makes his living as a sportswriter. After experiencing the death of his son and subsequent divorce, he attempts to maintain a positive outlook on life and keep his personal despair at bay. The book delves into his relationships, encounters, and introspections during a transformative Easter weekend, providing a deep analysis of his character and his struggle to find meaning and purpose in the face of tragedy.

  2. 2. Blaming by Elizabeth Taylor

    "Blaming" is a poignant story about a woman named Amy who, after the sudden death of her husband during a holiday, finds herself befriended by an American woman named Martha. Despite their differences, Martha provides Amy with comfort and support, but Amy finds it difficult to accept this kindness due to her reserved and private nature. The novel explores themes of grief, friendship, and the complexities of human relationships, as well as the guilt and blame individuals often place on themselves in times of hardship.

  3. 3. The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante

    "The Neapolitan Novels" is a four-part series that explores the intricate and lifelong friendship between two women from Naples, Italy. The series spans several decades, beginning in the 1950s, and provides a detailed examination of the women's lives, struggles, and the societal pressures they face. The narrative delves into themes of identity, friendship, love, violence, and socio-political changes in post-war Italy. The series is known for its rich character development and vivid portrayal of female friendship.

  4. 4. The Dangerous Age by Karin Michaelis

    "The Dangerous Age" is a reflective epistolary novel that delves into the emotional and psychological journey of a middle-aged woman who, upon reaching her forties, confronts the societal pressures and personal disillusionments that come with aging. Through a series of candid letters, she shares her experiences of estrangement from her husband, the challenges of maintaining her identity and desires, and her struggle to navigate the expectations placed upon women of her age. The protagonist's introspective correspondence reveals the inner turmoil and liberation that accompany her quest for self-discovery and authenticity in a world that often marginalizes women as they grow older.

  5. 5. Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage by Alice Munro

    "Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage" is a collection of nine short stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Each story delves into the intricate web of emotions and experiences that define the human condition, including love, hate, friendship, courtship, and marriage. The characters are rendered with depth and nuance, their lives marked by moments of profound change and subtle transformation. The stories are set against the backdrop of rural and urban landscapes, offering a rich, evocative portrayal of life in all its complexities and contradictions.

  6. 6. Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff

    "Fates and Furies" is a novel split into two parts, providing two perspectives on a single marriage. The first half of the book, "Fates," is told from the point of view of the husband, Lotto, a charismatic but failed actor turned successful playwright, who views his marriage as happy and his wife as supportive. The second half, "Furies," is told from the perspective of his wife, Mathilde, revealing her hidden past and the sacrifices and manipulations she has performed to maintain their life together. The novel explores themes of love, secrets, and the different narratives created within a relationship.

  7. 7. Charming Billy by Alice McDermott

    "Charming Billy" is a poignant exploration of love, loss, faith, and the power of stories. The narrative unfolds through the memories of friends and family gathered at a Bronx bar after the funeral of Billy Lynch, a charismatic but troubled man who died of alcoholism. As the mourners share their recollections, the reader learns about Billy's lifelong love for his Irish sweetheart who he believed died young, his subsequent marriage to a woman he didn't love, and his descent into alcoholism. The truth about his sweetheart's fate and the impact of deception on his life form the crux of the story.

  8. 8. The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides

    This novel follows the intertwined lives of three college graduates in the 1980s. The story focuses on the romantic entanglements of Madeleine Hanna, an English major who is writing her senior thesis on Jane Austen and George Eliot, and her relationships with two men: Leonard Bankhead, a charismatic but troubled biology student, and Mitchell Grammaticus, a religious studies student who is in love with Madeleine. The narrative explores the complexities of love, mental illness, faith, and the relevance of the traditional marriage plot in a modern world.

  9. 9. Three Junes by Julia Glass

    "Three Junes" is a novel that explores the complexities of family relationships, love, and loss across three generations over the course of three Junes spanning a decade. The narrative primarily focuses on the life of a Scottish man and his two sons, one gay and living in New York, the other in a failing marriage. The novel is divided into three parts, each set in a different June and each from a different character's perspective, providing a rich and nuanced portrait of the characters' interconnected lives.

  10. 10. The Emperor's Children by Claire Messud

    This novel follows the lives of three friends in their thirties living in New York City in the months leading up to and following the September 11 attacks. All children of privilege, they struggle with their careers, love lives, and identities against the backdrop of a changing world. The narrative explores themes of entitlement, disillusionment, and the often complicated nature of adult friendships.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download