The Greatest "Marriage, Fiction" Books Since 1990

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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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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.

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  1. 26. The Lovers by Alice Ferney

    "The Lovers" explores the complexities of love and the intricate dynamics of family life through the lens of a passionate affair. The novel delves into the lives of a married man and his lover, examining the consequences of their illicit relationship not only on their own emotional well-being but also on their spouses and children. Set against a backdrop that spans several decades, the narrative poignantly addresses themes of fidelity, happiness, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught between duty and desire, ultimately questioning whether true love can justify the upheaval it often causes.

  2. 27. 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.

  3. 28. The Bridges Of Madison County by Robert James Waller

    This novel tells the poignant story of a brief, yet profound love affair that blossoms between a National Geographic photographer and an Italian-American housewife in the 1960s. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Madison County, Iowa, their unexpected romance challenges the constraints of societal norms and personal responsibilities. Over the course of four days, their lives are forever altered by the deep connection they form, leaving them to confront the choices they've made and the lives they must return to. A narrative of love, loss, and the roads not taken, this story explores the enduring impact of a fleeting encounter between two souls destined to meet.

  4. 29. Seven Years by Peter Stamm

    "Seven Years" is a novel about a complex love triangle. The protagonist is a man who's married to a woman he doesn't love, while he's obsessed with another woman who he doesn't understand. The novel explores the themes of love, desire, and the passage of time, as it jumps back and forth between different periods in the protagonist's life. Over the course of seven years, the protagonist grapples with his feelings and the consequences of his actions, leading to a series of dramatic and emotional revelations.

  5. 30. Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi

    Mr. Fox is a novel about a writer who is challenged by his imaginary muse to stop killing off his female characters. This leads to a series of stories within stories, where reality and fantasy blur. The writer, his wife, and the muse navigate through these narratives, exploring themes of love, identity, and the power of storytelling. The novel is a mix of fairy tale, romance, and mystery, with a metafictional twist.

  6. 31. The Wife by Meg Wolitzer

    The novel delves into the complex dynamics of a long marriage between a celebrated novelist and his wife, who has put aside her own literary talents to support her husband's career. As they travel to Helsinki for him to receive a prestigious award, the wife reflects on their shared history, her sacrifices, and the secrets they both keep. Her internal journey comes to a head as she grapples with her identity, the power imbalances in their relationship, and the decision of whether to continue in her role or step out of her husband's shadow to seek her own voice and independence.

  7. 32. The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

    This novel unfolds the heart-wrenching story of a family irrevocably changed one snowy night in 1964. When a doctor is forced to deliver his own twins, he makes a split-second decision to send his newborn daughter, born with Down syndrome, away with the nurse, instructing her to place the baby in an institution. Instead, the nurse moves to another city and raises the girl as her own. The secret of the daughter's existence creates a silent chasm in the doctor's marriage and profoundly affects their son, as the lie that was meant to protect them all slowly erodes their lives. Spanning a quarter of a century, the novel explores themes of love, loss, and the complex nature of family and identity.

  8. 33. Grown Ups by Marian Keyes

    The novel delves into the complexities of family dynamics, personal growth, and the challenges of adulthood through the lens of the Casey family, whose seemingly perfect lives begin to unravel during a family gathering. When one member of the family suffers a concussion and starts revealing all of their secrets, the facades carefully constructed by each family member start to crumble. The story explores themes of love, betrayal, and the facades people maintain, as the characters confront their personal demons and strive to find a sense of authenticity and happiness in their lives. Through humor and empathy, the narrative examines what it truly means to be a grown-up in a modern world filled with expectations and pressures.

  9. 34. Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

    This novel unfolds the glamorous yet tumultuous life of aging Hollywood icon, Evelyn Hugo, as she decides to finally reveal the truth about her scandalous life and her marriages to seven men. Through an exclusive interview with an unknown magazine reporter, Evelyn's story traverses decades of her career, uncovering the ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love that defined her. The narrative delves deep into themes of identity, love, and the price of fame, as Evelyn's complex character—her triumphs and her failures—is laid bare against the backdrop of the golden age of Hollywood.

  10. 35. Trust by Hernán Díaz

    "Trust" by Hernán Díaz is a novel that follows the journey of a young man named Rafael, who leaves his home in Mexico to pursue the American Dream in the 19th century. Rafael's journey takes him through the Wild West, where he encounters a diverse cast of characters and faces numerous challenges. Along the way, he learns about the complexities of trust and betrayal, and ultimately discovers the true meaning of home and belonging. The novel is a poignant exploration of identity, immigration, and the American experience.

  11. 36. A Novel About My Wife by Emily Perkins

    "A Novel About My Wife" is a captivating exploration of a marriage on the brink of collapse. Told from the perspective of the husband, the story delves into the complexities of love, desire, and the secrets that can unravel even the strongest of relationships. As the husband grapples with his own insecurities and suspicions, he becomes consumed by the mystery surrounding his wife's past, leading him down a path of self-discovery and ultimately forcing him to confront the truth about their marriage.

  12. 37. Worm Loves Worm by J.J Austrian

    In this heartwarming children's book, two worms fall in love and decide to get married. However, their friends and family can't seem to understand their unconventional wedding plans. With a message of acceptance and love, "Worm Loves Worm" teaches young readers the importance of embracing diversity and challenging traditional norms.

  13. 38. Larry's Party by Carol Shields

    Larry's Party is a thought-provoking novel that follows the life of Larry Weller, a man who finds his true passion in creating mazes. As Larry navigates through different stages of his life, the book explores themes of identity, relationships, and the search for meaning. Through Larry's experiences, readers are compelled to reflect on their own journeys and the choices they make along the way.

  14. 39. Lila by Marilynne Robinson

    "Lila" is a novel that explores the life of a homeless child during the Great Depression who eventually becomes the wife of an elderly minister. The narrative follows her journey from a life of hardship and neglect to one of stability and love, weaving in themes of grace, redemption, and the transformative power of faith. Through the protagonist's eyes, the reader is invited to grapple with complex questions about existence, suffering, and the nature of God.

  15. 40. The Maples Stories by John Updike

    "The Maples Stories" is a collection of short stories that intricately explores the complexities of marriage and relationships through the lives of Richard and Joan Maple. Over the course of several decades, the stories trace the nuances of their marriage, from the blossoming of their youthful love to the disintegration of their bond and eventual divorce. The narrative captures the shifting dynamics and emotional landscapes of the couple as they navigate the trials of raising children, infidelity, and the search for individual identity within the confines of a long-term, evolving relationship.

  16. 41. The Idea Of Perfection by Kate Grenville

    "The Idea of Perfection" is a charming and heartfelt novel that follows two unlikely individuals, Harley and Douglas, as they navigate their own personal struggles in the small town of Karakarook. Harley, a self-conscious engineer, finds solace in her love for heritage bridges, while Douglas, a divorced museum curator, battles his fear of change. As their paths intertwine, they embark on an unexpected journey of self-discovery, challenging societal expectations and embracing imperfections along the way. With wit and warmth, the author explores the complexities of human relationships and the pursuit of perfection in a quirky and endearing tale.

  17. 42. The Position by Meg Wolitzer

    "The Position" is a novel that explores the impact of a bestselling sex manual, written by a couple, on their four children. The book, published in the 1970s, includes explicit illustrations of the couple and becomes a cultural phenomenon. The narrative, spanning over three decades, delves into the lives of the children, their struggles with their parents' public sexual revelations, and how it affects their own relationships and identities as they grow into adulthood.

  18. 43. Swing Hammer Swing! by Jeff Torrington

    The narrative is set in the 1960s in Glasgow, Scotland, and follows the life of a young man named Thomas Clay. Clay is an aspiring writer who is struggling with writer's block while dealing with the impending birth of his first child, the destruction of his tenement building, and his wife's hospitalization. The novel provides a humorous and poignant look at the hardships of urban life, the complexities of personal relationships, and the struggle for artistic expression amid the chaos of everyday existence.

Reading Statistics

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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.

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