The Greatest Fiction Books of All Time Set in Mississippi
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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 465 '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.
Genres
The category of "Mississippi" books encompasses literature that is set in or inspired by the state of Mississippi. These books may explore the unique culture, history, and landscape of the region, as well as the social and political issues that have shaped its identity. From classic works by William Faulkner and Eudora Welty to contemporary novels by Jesmyn Ward and Michael Farris Smith, Mississippi literature offers a rich and diverse perspective on the American South.
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1. The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
The novel is a complex exploration of the tragic Compson family from the American South. Told from four distinct perspectives, the story unfolds through stream of consciousness narratives, each revealing their own understanding of the family's decline. The characters grapple with post-Civil War societal changes, personal loss, and their own mental instability. The narrative is marked by themes of time, innocence, and the burdens of the past.
The 16th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner
This novel is a complex narrative about Thomas Sutpen, a poor white man who rises to power in the South, aiming to create a dynasty that would rival the old aristocratic families. However, his ambitions are thwarted by his own flawed decisions and the overarching racial and societal tensions of the era. The story is not told in a linear fashion but rather through a series of interconnected flashbacks and narratives, offering different perspectives on the same events. The book explores themes of family, class, race, and the destructive power of obsession.
The 47th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
The narrative unfolds through the eyes of 15 different characters over 59 chapters. It is the story of the death of Addie Bundren and her poor, rural family's quest and motivations—noble or selfish—to honor her wish to be buried in her hometown of Jefferson, Mississippi. As the Bundren family undertakes a journey to fulfill Addie's last wish, they face many hardships and personal revelations. The novel explores themes of existentialism, death, and the nature of family relationships.
The 85th Greatest Book of All Time -
4. Light in August by William Faulkner
Set in the American South during the 1930s, this novel explores complex social and personal issues through the intertwining stories of its characters. The narrative primarily follows a man of ambiguous racial identity on a quest to find his father, a pregnant woman searching for the father of her unborn child, and a disgraced minister attempting to navigate his own moral compass. The book delves into themes of identity, race, and the human struggle for understanding and redemption, all set against the backdrop of the deep-rooted prejudices and social norms of the time.
The 176th Greatest Book of All Time -
5. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
Tom Sawyer's Comrade
The book chronicles the mischievous adventures of a young boy living on the Mississippi River in the mid-19th century. The protagonist, a clever and imaginative boy, often finds himself in trouble for his pranks and daydreams. His escapades range from his romance with a young girl, his search for buried treasure, his attendance at his own funeral, and his witnessing of a murder. The narrative captures the essence of childhood and the societal rules of the time.
The 409th Greatest Book of All Time -
6. Sanctuary by William Faulkner
"Sanctuary" is a gripping tale set in the American South during the Prohibition era. The story follows a young woman from a well-to-do family who is kidnapped by a gang of bootleggers, leading to her descent into debauchery and criminality. As she navigates the seedy underworld, the novel explores themes of social decay, moral ambiguity, and the inherent violence of humanity. The narrative is marked by the author's characteristic complex storytelling and vivid descriptions of the Southern landscape.
The 501st Greatest Book of All Time -
7. If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem by William Faulkner
The Wild Palms
The novel is a collection of four related stories, each focusing on a different protagonist. The stories are set in the Southern United States and explore themes of love, loss, and the struggle to survive in harsh circumstances. The characters are often isolated and alienated, struggling with their own personal demons and the harsh realities of their environment. The narrative style is complex and challenging, with frequent shifts in time and perspective, reflecting the fragmented and chaotic nature of the characters' lives.
The 612th Greatest Book of All Time -
8. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Set in Mississippi during the Great Depression, this novel follows the life of a young African American girl and her family who are struggling to maintain their integrity, pride, and independence in the face of racism and social injustice. The family owns a piece of land which provides them some protection from the harsh realities of racial discrimination. The story is a poignant exploration of how they navigate through a prejudiced society, face social and economic challenges, and fight to keep their land.
The 651st Greatest Book of All Time -
9. Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
The novel explores the journey of a 13-year-old boy, his drug-addicted mother, and his baby sister as they travel through Mississippi to pick up their white father from the state penitentiary. The story is steeped in the harsh realities of poverty, racism, and struggle, and is further complicated by the presence of a ghost from the family's past. It's a haunting tale about the legacy of trauma and the power of family ties.
The 1163rd Greatest Book of All Time -
10. The Collected Stories of William Faulkner by William Faulkner
This collection of short stories encompasses a wide range of themes and settings, all penned by a celebrated American author. The stories, set primarily in the American South, explore complex human relationships, societal norms, and the human condition through a variety of characters and narratives. The author's distinctive narrative style, marked by intricate storytelling and deep psychological insights, is evident throughout the collection, which includes some of his most famous and critically acclaimed short works.
The 1154th Greatest Book of All Time -
11. Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward
Set in a poor rural community in Mississippi, this novel follows the story of a pregnant teenage girl named Esch and her three brothers as they navigate their lives in the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina. Their mother is dead and their father is a neglectful alcoholic, leaving the siblings to fend for themselves. The book explores themes of poverty, racism, and survival, showcasing the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The 1170th Greatest Book of All Time -
12. The Collected Stories of Eudora Welty by Eudora Welty
This collection of short stories provides an insightful look into the human condition through the lens of Southern American life. The narratives, rich in detail and character development, explore a wide range of themes such as love, loss, race, poverty, and the complexities of human relationships. The stories are deeply rooted in the setting of the Southern United States, bringing to life the unique culture, customs, and dialect of the region. The author's masterful storytelling and evocative prose make each story a vivid and memorable exploration of human nature.
The 1201st Greatest Book of All Time -
13. The Hamlet by William Faulkner
A Novel of the Snopes Family
"The Hamlet" is a complex narrative that explores the lives of the Snopes family, their rise to power, and their struggle with morality in a small southern town. The story is filled with themes of greed, manipulation, and the quest for power, as the Snopes family uses cunning and deceit to gain control over the town and its inhabitants. The novel is a vivid portrayal of the dark side of human nature and the destructive power of ambition.
The 1346th Greatest Book of All Time -
14. The Optimist's Daughter by Eudora Welty
The story revolves around a woman who returns to her southern hometown to care for her ailing father. After his death, she is confronted by the harsh realities of her past and the complexities of her present. She navigates through the difficult dynamics of her family, her father's young second wife, and the superficial social circle of her community, all while grappling with her own grief. The novel explores themes of memory, loss, and the often complicated relationships within families.
The 1460th Greatest Book of All Time -
15. The Confidence Man by Herman Melville
His Masquerade
"The Confidence Man" by Herman Melville is a satirical novel that takes place on a Mississippi steamboat, where a mysterious man known as the Confidence Man interacts with various passengers, exploiting their weaknesses and manipulating their trust. Through a series of encounters and conversations, Melville explores themes of deception, human gullibility, and the complexities of identity, ultimately challenging the reader's perception of truth and the nature of confidence.
The 1735th Greatest Book of All Time -
16. Go Down, Moses by William Faulkner
This novel is a collection of interconnected stories that explore the complex relationship between race, heritage, and land in the American South. The narrative primarily focuses on the McCaslin family, a family of white landowners, and their relationships with the African American individuals who were formerly enslaved by them. The book explores themes of racial exploitation, inheritance, and the destructive power of obsession, particularly through the character of Ike McCaslin, who renounces his inheritance due to its roots in slavery.
The 2566th Greatest Book of All Time -
17. The Portable Faulkner by William Faulkner
This collection showcases the work of a celebrated American author, featuring selections from his novels, novellas, short stories, poetry, and essays. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the author's distinctive narrative style and his exploration of complex themes such as identity, race, and the human condition, set against the backdrop of the fictional Yoknapatawpha County in the American South. It serves as an excellent introduction to the author's oeuvre, demonstrating his profound influence on 20th-century literature.
The 2702nd Greatest Book of All Time -
18. Jubilee by Margaret Walker
The novel is a historical epic that follows the life of Vyry, the daughter of a white plantation owner and his black mistress, through her journey from slavery to freedom during and after the Civil War. Set in the American South, it paints a vivid picture of the brutal realities of slavery and the struggle for liberation. The protagonist's resilience and determination to overcome the oppressive systems of her time are central to the narrative, which is rich with themes of family, love, and the enduring human spirit in the face of injustice. The story is a testament to the strength and endurance of African American culture and heritage, as Vyry's life reflects the broader African American experience during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history.
The 2745th Greatest Book of All Time -
19. Why Did I Ever? by Mary Robison
The book is a fragmented and darkly humorous narrative that follows the life of a screenwriter in crisis, as she navigates the complexities of her professional and personal life. Through a series of short, diary-like entries, the protagonist grapples with her work on a script, her relationships with her children, and her own mental health. The novel's disjointed structure mirrors the chaos of her thoughts, painting a portrait of a woman trying to piece together her fragmented existence amidst the absurdities and tragedies of everyday life.
The 3941st Greatest Book of All Time -
20. A Time To Kill by John Grisham
In a racially charged courtroom drama set in the Deep South, a young, white attorney takes on a controversial case defending a black father who takes the law into his own hands after his ten-year-old daughter is brutally assaulted by two white men. As the lawyer struggles against personal threats, social outrage, and political pressure, the town is torn apart by violence and prejudice, forcing its inhabitants to confront their own beliefs about justice, equality, and retribution. The narrative weaves through themes of racial tension, legal ethics, and the quest for vengeance, culminating in a tense and morally complex trial that puts the entire community's values on trial.
The 3012th Greatest Book of All Time -
21. Sartoris by William Faulkner
This novel delves into the complex dynamics of the Sartoris family, set in the post-Civil War South. It explores themes of honor, decay, and the struggle between the old and new South through the lens of the Sartoris family, who are emblematic of the aristocratic Southern families facing decline. The narrative weaves through the lives of its characters, revealing the impacts of war, the weight of legacy, and the challenge of adapting to a changing world. Through vivid storytelling and deep psychological insight, the novel portrays the internal and external conflicts that shape its characters, offering a poignant look at the remnants of Southern aristocracy trying to find their place in a reconstructed society.
The 3033rd Greatest Book of All Time -
22. A Curtain Of Green by Eudora Welty
The book is a collection of short stories that explore the complexities of human nature and the intricacies of Southern life. Through vivid and often poignant narratives, the stories delve into themes of isolation, love, and the passage of time, capturing the rich tapestry of emotions and experiences that define the human condition. The characters, often marked by their eccentricities and depth, navigate personal and societal challenges, revealing the beauty and tragedy inherent in everyday life. The prose is marked by its lyrical quality and keen observation, offering a profound reflection on the interplay between individuals and their environments.
The 3854th Greatest Book of All Time -
23. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Set in the early 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi, the story revolves around three main characters: two black maids and a young white woman. The maids, who have spent their lives taking care of white families and raising their children, agree to share their experiences with the young woman, who is an aspiring writer. The book offers a poignant and humorous look at the complex relationships between these women, while also exploring the racial tensions and social changes of the era.
The 3983rd Greatest Book of All Time -
24. The Keepers of the House by Shirley Ann Grau
The novel tells the story of a wealthy, prominent Southern family, the Howlands, who have lived on the same plot of land in Alabama for over a century. The narrative is marked by the scandalous interracial relationship between the patriarch, William Howland, and his African-American housekeeper, Margaret Carmichael. Their secret relationship and the children it produces are kept hidden until William's death, when his granddaughter, Abigail, uncovers the truth, leading to a dramatic confrontation with the racially prejudiced townspeople. The book explores themes of race, family legacy, and the destructive power of bigotry.
The 4060th Greatest Book of All Time -
25. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
The novel follows the story of a teenage girl who witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend at the hands of a police officer. Living in a poor neighborhood but attending a predominantly white, wealthy private school, she must navigate the dichotomy of these two very different worlds while grappling with the trauma of her friend's death. As she becomes more involved in activism and advocacy, she must confront the reality of racism, police brutality, and societal injustice.
The 4602nd Greatest Book of All Time
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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