The Greatest Experimental Books Since 2010
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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 759 '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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The "Experimental" category of books is characterized by works that challenge traditional literary conventions and push the boundaries of form and content. These books often incorporate unconventional narrative structures, language, and themes, and may experiment with different mediums such as poetry, visual art, or multimedia. The goal of experimental literature is to create new and innovative ways of storytelling that challenge readers' expectations and expand the possibilities of what literature can be.
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1. Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
The novel is set in a graveyard over the course of a single night and is narrated by a dazzling chorus of voices. The story is centered around the death of President Lincoln's 11-year-old son Willie, who resides in the Bardo, a transitional state between life and rebirth in Tibetan tradition. As Willie interacts with the other spirits stuck in this realm, his father visits the crypt to mourn, causing a struggle among the ghosts over the boy's soul. The narrative explores themes of grief, the impermanence of life, and the unresolved issues that keep us from moving on.
The 1022nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. Outline by Rachel Cusk
"Outline" is a novel that follows the story of a woman who travels to Athens to teach a writing seminar and engages in a series of conversations with various people she encounters. These include fellow authors, students, and locals, each of whom share intimate details of their lives, allowing the protagonist to reflect on her own experiences and emotions. The book explores themes of identity, storytelling, and the complexities of human relationships.
The 1101st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson
"The Argonauts" is a genre-bending memoir that chronicles the author's romantic relationship with her fluidly gendered partner, their journey to become parents, and their experiences with queer family-making. The narrative intertwines personal anecdotes with critical theories on gender, sexuality, and identity, challenging traditional notions of family, motherhood, and love. It offers a powerful exploration of desire, limitations, and the possibilities of language, pushing the boundaries of what memoirs can do and be.
The 1703rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
4. Citizen by Claudia Rankine
An American Lyric
"Citizen: An American Lyric" is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of racial prejudice in contemporary America. The book, written in a blend of poetry, prose, and visual images, delves into the everyday experiences and microaggressions that people of color face. It also addresses larger events from the news that have impacted the Black community. The book is a powerful commentary on race, identity, and belonging, challenging readers to confront their own biases and perceptions.
The 1861st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
5. Solenoid by Mircea Cărtărescu
The novel follows a disillusioned Romanian schoolteacher who grapples with the mundanity of his existence and the haunting memories of his past. As he delves into his own writings and dreams, he uncovers a hidden, surreal world beneath the surface of everyday life, filled with bizarre occurrences and metaphysical mysteries. Through a labyrinth of introspection and fantastical elements, the protagonist seeks to understand the deeper truths of his reality, ultimately questioning the nature of existence and his place within it.
The 2311th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
6. How to be both by Ali Smith
This novel is a dual narrative that explores the interconnected stories of a 15th-century Italian Renaissance artist named Francesco del Cossa and a modern-day teenager named George. The book is divided into two parts, one set in the past and one in the present, and the order in which they are read can change the reader's interpretation of the story. The novel delves into themes of art, gender, sexuality, and the fluidity of identity, while also examining the ways in which we perceive and understand the world around us.
The 2334th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
7. James by Percival Everett
"James" by Percival Everett offers a fresh perspective on the classic tale of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." The story is narrated from the viewpoint of Jim, an enslaved man who learns he is about to be sold, threatening to separate him from his family. To avoid this fate, Jim hides on Jackson Island, where he encounters Huck Finn, who is also on the run. Together, they embark on a perilous journey down the Mississippi River, seeking freedom and new beginnings. Along the way, they face various challenges, including natural disasters, unexpected encounters, and deceitful characters. Through Jim's eyes, the narrative explores themes of agency, intelligence, and compassion, offering a unique and insightful retelling of a well-known adventure.
The 2805th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
8. 10:04 by Ben Lerner
In this introspective novel, the protagonist, a writer living in New York City, grapples with the concept of time and the potential of art amidst personal and global uncertainties. As he navigates a series of transformative experiences, including a potential medical diagnosis, the prospect of fatherhood through artificial insemination with a close friend, and the impact of Hurricane Sandy, he reflects on the intersections between his life, his work, and the socio-political climate. The narrative weaves between reality and fiction, exploring the fluidity of relationships, the anxiety of living in a world on the brink of climate catastrophe, and the role of literature in shaping human experience.
The 2842nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
9. Open City by Teju Cole
The novel follows a young Nigerian-German psychiatrist in New York City who embarks on solitary walks after a breakup. Through his meandering strolls, he encounters a diverse array of characters and reflects on his life, identity, and the complex layers of history embedded in the urban landscape. The protagonist's introspective journey intertwines his personal history with musings on culture, art, and the immigrant experience, revealing the multifaceted nature of his own consciousness and the city itself. As he delves into the depths of his memories and observations, the narrative becomes a poignant exploration of the intersections between the personal and the universal, the past and the present.
The 3097th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
10. Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill
"Dept. of Speculation" follows the story of a woman navigating her life as a writer, a wife, and a mother. The novel explores her journey through marriage, motherhood, and the struggles of maintaining her own identity amidst these roles. It also delves into the hardships of dealing with infidelity and the complexities of love and relationships. The narrative is presented in fragmented pieces, reflecting the protagonist's scattered thoughts and emotions.
The 3164th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
11. Solar Bones by Mike McCormack
The novel is a stream-of-consciousness narrative that unfolds from the perspective of a deceased middle-aged engineer as he reminisces about his life on All Souls' Day in County Mayo, Ireland. Through a single unbroken sentence, the protagonist reflects on his past experiences, including his family life, work, the complexities of modernity, and the political issues of contemporary Ireland. The narrative weaves together the personal and the political, exploring themes of time, memory, and the interconnectedness of individual lives with the broader societal and environmental forces at play.
The 3469th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
12. C by Tom McCarthy
The novel is a sweeping historical narrative that follows the life of Serge Carrefax, a young man born at the turn of the 20th century into a family of an eccentric inventor and a deaf mother. Serge's journey takes him from his childhood spent on an English estate where his father runs a school for the deaf, through the traumas of World War I, to the heart of the emerging radio technology and the cryptic world of espionage. His experiences are marked by a fascination with signals, codes, and the transmission of information, themes that resonate throughout the book as Serge grapples with communication, connection, and the dissonances of a rapidly changing world.
The 3539th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
13. A Girl Is A Half Formed Thing by Eimear McBride
"A Girl Is A Half Formed Thing" is a powerful and experimental novel that delves into the psyche of a young woman as she navigates through a tumultuous and abusive childhood, her complex relationship with her mentally and physically disabled brother, and her own journey towards self-discovery and identity. Written in a unique stream-of-consciousness style, the book explores themes of trauma, sexuality, religion, and resilience, offering a raw and unflinching portrayal of the human experience.
The 3603rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
14. Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
"Piranesi" by Susanna Clarke is a captivating and enigmatic novel that follows the life of the eponymous character, who inhabits a vast and mysterious house known as the House. With its labyrinthine halls and countless statues, Piranesi's existence is solitary and filled with wonder as he meticulously explores and documents the ever-shifting environment. However, his seemingly idyllic existence is disrupted when he encounters another person in the House, leading to a series of revelations that challenge his understanding of reality and his place within it. Through beautiful prose and a sense of profound mystery, "Piranesi" explores themes of identity, memory, and the power of perception.
The 3848th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
15. There But For The by Ali Smith
There But For The is a novel that explores the interconnectedness of people's lives through the story of a man who locks himself in a room of a house he was invited to for dinner, and refuses to come out. The man's actions cause a media frenzy and bring together four individuals who have links to him, each revealing their own stories and perspectives. The book is a commentary on contemporary life, exploring themes of identity, memory, time, and the nature of connection and disconnection in society.
The 3889th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
16. In The Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
A Memoir
The book is a memoir that delves into the complexities of an abusive same-sex relationship, exploring themes of trauma, identity, and the often-overlooked dynamics of domestic violence within queer relationships. Through a series of vignettes, the author employs a variety of literary styles and genres to recount her experiences, offering a fragmented yet deeply personal narrative that challenges conventional storytelling. The work is both a deeply intimate account of the author's own life and a broader commentary on the cultural and historical contexts of abuse.
The 3944th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
17. The Faraway Nearby by Rebecca Solnit
"The Faraway Nearby" is a reflective exploration of the interconnectedness of the world, seen through the lens of the author's personal experiences and relationships. The book delves into themes of empathy, storytelling, and the human capacity for both kindness and cruelty, using the author's relationship with her mother and her struggle with illness as a poignant backdrop. The narrative weaves in and out of different topics and locations, from the Arctic to fairy tales, drawing insightful connections and offering a unique perspective on the human condition.
The 4135th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
18. The Friend by Sigrid Nunez
This novel explores the profound bond between a woman and her deceased friend's Great Dane, which she unexpectedly inherits. Set against the backdrop of the literary world, the narrative delves into themes of grief, companionship, and the healing power of the human-animal connection. As the protagonist grapples with her loss and the challenges of caring for a massive, grieving pet in a small apartment, the story unfolds into a poignant meditation on love, loss, and the ways in which creatures, both human and animal, can help us cope with and transcend our sorrows. Through this unique relationship, the novel examines the complexities of friendship, memory, and the impact of death on the living.
The 4392nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
19. Here by Richard McGuire
The book is a unique and innovative graphic novel that explores the concept of time and space by focusing on a single room over the course of centuries. Through a series of overlapping panels, it depicts various events and moments that occur in the same physical location, ranging from the distant past to the far future. The narrative weaves together the lives of different characters, historical events, and natural changes, creating a tapestry that highlights the interconnectedness of all moments in time. The visual storytelling challenges traditional narrative structures, offering a profound meditation on the passage of time and the layers of history embedded in a single place.
The 4608th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
20. The Complete Stories by Clarice Lispector
"The Complete Stories" is a collection that brings together the short fiction works of a renowned writer, known for her innovative and introspective style. The stories span through various phases of her career, offering a comprehensive look at the broad spectrum of human emotions and existential themes. Through her distinctive narrative voice, the author explores the inner lives of her characters, often delving into their complex psychological landscapes. The collection showcases her unique ability to blend the mundane with the philosophical, revealing the profound within the subtleties of everyday life.
The 4660th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
21. Building Stories by Chris Ware
"Building Stories" is a unique graphic novel that explores the lives of the residents of a three-story Chicago apartment building, including a lonely single woman, a couple embroiled in a failing marriage, and the building's elderly landlady. The narrative is presented in a box containing 14 different printed works including books, newspapers, and pamphlets, each offering a different perspective on the characters' lives, struggles, and dreams. The innovative format allows readers to choose their own path through the interwoven stories, resulting in a deeply immersive and interactive reading experience.
The 4664th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
22. The Lesser Bohemians by Eimear McBride
This novel explores the passionate, tumultuous relationship between an 18-year-old Irish drama student and a successful actor twenty years her senior in 1990s London. Their intense connection is complicated by the actor's dark past, filled with addiction and abuse, which threatens to destroy the fragile love they share. As they navigate their relationship, they must confront their own insecurities, fears, and desires, ultimately leading to a profound transformation for both.
The 5012th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
23. Cursed Bunny by Bora Chung
The book is a collection of surreal and haunting short stories that blend elements of horror, fantasy, and folklore to explore themes of human suffering, societal norms, and the darker aspects of human nature. Each story delves into the bizarre and the macabre, often featuring characters who encounter strange and unsettling phenomena that challenge their perceptions of reality. Through its imaginative and often unsettling narratives, the book offers a poignant commentary on the complexities of life and the human condition.
The 5153rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
24. The Animals In That Country by Laura Jean McKay
"The Animals In That Country" by Laura Jean McKay is a gripping and thought-provoking novel set in a near-future Australia. The story follows Jean, a foul-mouthed and alcoholic grandmother, who discovers she has the ability to understand the language of animals after contracting a mysterious virus. As a deadly pandemic spreads across the country, Jean embarks on a journey with a dingo named Sue to find her pregnant daughter and escape the chaos. McKay skillfully explores themes of communication, human-animal relationships, and the fragile nature of society, creating a compelling narrative that challenges our perception of the world around us.
The 5462nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
25. This Is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El Mohtar, Max Gladstone
In this epistolary science fiction novel, two rival agents, Red and Blue, find themselves on opposite sides of a sprawling temporal conflict known as the Time War. As they carry out missions to manipulate the strands of history for their respective factions, their paths cross in unexpected ways. Through a series of secret letters left across time and space, what begins as taunting correspondence evolves into a deep, forbidden connection. The narrative weaves a complex tapestry of time-travel and intrigue, exploring themes of love, identity, and the consequences of actions within the ever-shifting sands of time. As their bond deepens, Red and Blue must ultimately decide where their loyalties lie and what sacrifices they are willing to make for a chance at a future together.
The 5581st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
Reading Statistics
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DownloadTo download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.
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