The Greatest Postmodern Books of 2017
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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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Postmodernism is a literary movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by a rejection of traditional narrative structures and a focus on self-reflexivity and intertextuality. Postmodern literature often features fragmented narratives, unreliable narrators, and a blurring of the lines between reality and fiction. It is a genre that challenges the notion of a single, objective truth and instead embraces the idea of multiple perspectives and interpretations. Postmodern literature is often seen as a response to the modernist movement that preceded it, and it continues to be a popular and influential category for contemporary writers.
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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. Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado
Stories
"Her Body and Other Parties: Stories" is a collection of short stories that weave elements of psychological realism and science fiction to explore the realities of women's lives and the violence inflicted upon their bodies. The narratives range from a woman refusing to let her husband remove a green ribbon from around her neck, to a salesclerk in a mall making a horrifying discovery within the seams of the store's prom dresses. The book centers on women's experiences in their bodies, touching on themes of sexuality, gender, and the dynamics of power.
The 3542nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. In Memory Of Memory by Maria Stepanova
A Family Memoir
The book is a reflective exploration of memory, history, and identity, as the narrator delves into her family's past through letters, photographs, and personal artifacts. It weaves together personal anecdotes with broader historical events, creating a tapestry that examines the nature of memory and how it shapes our understanding of the past. The narrative is both intimate and expansive, blending memoir, essay, and cultural criticism to explore themes of loss, nostalgia, and the passage of time. Through this journey, the narrator seeks to understand her place within the continuum of her family's history and the larger world.
The 5385th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
4. O by Miki Liukkonen
In this intricate narrative, readers are drawn into a labyrinthine exploration of contemporary life, where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur. The story unfolds through a tapestry of interconnected characters, each grappling with their own existential dilemmas and societal pressures. As the plot weaves through themes of identity, technology, and the human condition, it challenges conventional storytelling with its fragmented structure and rich, poetic language. The novel invites introspection, urging readers to ponder the complexities of modern existence and the elusive nature of truth.
The 8104th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
5. Philosophy of the Tourist by Hiroki Azuma
The book delves into the concept of tourism as a metaphor for contemporary human experience, exploring how modern individuals navigate a world saturated with information and cultural exchanges. It examines the philosophical implications of being a "tourist" in both literal and metaphorical senses, highlighting how this perspective influences identity, perception, and interaction with the world. Through a blend of philosophical inquiry and cultural analysis, the text offers insights into the transient and fragmented nature of modern life, suggesting that the tourist mindset reflects broader existential and societal shifts.
The 8844th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
6. The Opposite Of A Person by Lieke Marsman
Set against the backdrop of the Italian Alps, this introspective novel delves into the complexities of identity, belonging, and the human connection to nature. The protagonist, grappling with personal and existential dilemmas, embarks on a journey that intertwines scientific exploration with emotional discovery. As she navigates the challenges of her work and relationships, the story unfolds with poetic reflections on the environment and the intricate dance between isolation and community. Through vivid imagery and philosophical musings, the narrative invites readers to ponder the essence of what it means to be human in an ever-changing world.
The 9824th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
7. Le Pietre by Claudio Morandini
Romanzo
Set in a remote Alpine village, the narrative unfolds around the mysterious and unsettling phenomenon of stones that inexplicably move and multiply, causing chaos and fear among the inhabitants. As the villagers grapple with the bizarre occurrences, the story delves into themes of superstition, the clash between tradition and modernity, and the human tendency to seek explanations for the inexplicable. The atmospheric setting and the tension between the natural world and human intervention create a haunting backdrop for this exploration of the unknown.
The 11288th Greatest Book of All Time -
8. Homesick for Another World by Ottessa Moshfegh
"Homesick for Another World" is a collection of short stories that explore the lives of various flawed and eccentric characters, each struggling with their own personal demons and insecurities. The narratives delve into the dark, often uncomfortable aspects of humanity, with themes of loneliness, self-loathing, and the desperate search for connection and meaning. The stories are set in a variety of locations, from small towns to big cities, and each presents a unique perspective on the human condition.
The 11612th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
9. This Young Monster by Charlie Fox
None
This book is a vibrant and thought-provoking exploration of the monstrous and the grotesque in art and culture. It delves into the lives and works of various artists, filmmakers, and writers who have embraced the unconventional and the bizarre, celebrating their ability to challenge societal norms and provoke new ways of thinking. Through a series of essays, the narrative weaves together personal reflections, historical insights, and cultural critiques, offering a fresh perspective on the allure of the monstrous and its role in shaping contemporary creativity.
The 11932nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
10. The New Animals by Pip Adam
"The New Animals" by Pip Adam is a thought-provoking and unsettling novel that explores the lives of a group of young adults navigating the complexities of modern society. Set in a futuristic world where societal norms and expectations have drastically changed, the story follows Carla, a young woman trying to find her place amidst the chaos. As she encounters various characters and situations, the book delves into themes of identity, relationships, and the blurred boundaries between humans and animals. With its raw and evocative prose, "The New Animals" challenges readers to question the constructs of society and the essence of humanity itself.
The 17117th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
11. Hppy by Nicola Barker
The book is a unique exploration of a utopian future where society is governed by advanced technology and strict regulations to ensure happiness and harmony. It delves into the life of a protagonist who begins to question the seemingly perfect world around them, uncovering the complexities and hidden truths beneath the surface. Through a blend of narrative and experimental typography, the story challenges conventional ideas of contentment and individuality, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of happiness and the cost of maintaining a flawless society.
The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time -
12. Animals by Eva Menasse
Animals by Eva Menasse is a captivating collection of short stories that draw parallels between the quirks of the animal kingdom and human behavior. Each tale uses an animal's unique trait to explore the complexities of human emotions and relationships. From caterpillars to sharks, these stories delve into themes of memory, identity, and morality. Readers will encounter characters grappling with personal challenges, such as an aging man facing his wife's dementia, a mother navigating cultural tensions, and a woman uncovering the impact of her father's past on her life. With a blend of humor, mystery, and poignancy, Menasse crafts a series of thought-provoking narratives.
The 17117th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
13. White Tears by Hari Kunzru
In this gripping tale, two young white men, Seth and Carter, obsessed with collecting and producing authentic blues music, inadvertently unleash a malevolent force after discovering a rare recording. Their journey into the depths of cultural appropriation and exploitation spirals into a haunting exploration of race, privilege, and the ghosts of America's past. As the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur, they are forced to confront the consequences of their actions, leading to a chilling climax that challenges their understanding of identity and morality.
The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time -
14. Universal Harvester by John Darnielle
Set in the late 1990s in a small Iowa town, the story follows Jeremy, a young video store clerk, who discovers unsettling footage spliced into the tapes returned by customers. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a web of secrets and hidden connections that intertwine the lives of the townspeople. The narrative weaves between past and present, exploring themes of loss, grief, and the haunting nature of memory, ultimately revealing how the past continues to shape the present in unexpected ways.
The 17117th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
15. Lincoln In The Bardo By George Saunders by Instaread Summaries
A Novel by George Saunders
Set during the Civil War, this novel explores the poignant and surreal journey of Abraham Lincoln's deceased son, Willie, who finds himself in a transitional realm known as the "bardo." As Lincoln grapples with his profound grief, the narrative unfolds through a chorus of voices from the spirits inhabiting this liminal space, each sharing their own stories and struggles. Through a blend of historical fact and imaginative fiction, the story delves into themes of loss, love, and the human condition, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of life and death.
The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time -
16. Fox by Dubravka Ugrešić
In this intricate tapestry of stories, the narrative weaves through the lives of various characters, exploring themes of identity, exile, and the power of storytelling. The book delves into the complexities of cultural displacement and the search for meaning in a fragmented world, using a blend of fiction and reality to blur the boundaries between the two. With a keen eye for detail and a sharp wit, the narrative invites readers to ponder the nature of truth and the stories we tell ourselves and others, ultimately crafting a rich and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience.
The 17117th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
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.
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.
Login to Download