Award-Winning Literary Fiction Books You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Award-Winning Literary Fiction Books You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

The world of literature is a vast and ever-expanding universe, brimming with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. While some literary fiction books gain widespread recognition and accolades, others, equally deserving, remain largely unknown to the general public. In this blog post, we will delve into fifteen award-winning literary fiction books that may have slipped under your radar. From captivating narratives to thought-provoking themes, these books promise to leave a lasting impression on readers and ignite a passion for lesser-known literary works.

The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma

Set in Nigeria, The Fishermen is a haunting and lyrical debut novel that revolves around four brothers who embark on a life-changing adventure. Driven by a tragic prophecy foretold by a madman, the brothers abandon their daily routines of fishing in the Omi-Ala river to seek their fortune elsewhere. As their bond is tested and superstitions take hold, the novel delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of ancient beliefs on modern life. Chigozie Obioma’s evocative prose paints a vivid picture of Nigeria’s landscape and culture, earning him a spot on the Man Booker Prize shortlist in 2015.

Moonrise Over New Jessup by Jamila Minnicks

Recepient of 2021 PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction, this books is set in 1957 during the Civil Rights Movement, this thought-provoking debut follows Alice Young as she starts a new life in New Jessup, an all-Black town in Alabama. Amidst complications and activism, Alice’s journey explores love, identity, and the fight for liberation. Moonrise Over New Jessup is a beautifully written and powerful novel that captures the spirit of an era and the resilience of those who sought change.

The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2016, The Sympathizer follows the life of an unnamed Vietnamese communist spy living undercover in America after the fall of Saigon. The novel is a masterful blend of espionage, historical fiction, and cultural critique, exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and the blurred lines between good and evil. As the protagonist navigates the complexity of his double life, Viet Thanh Nguyen’s prose offers deep insights into the human psyche and the enduring impact of war on individuals and societies.

A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki

Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2013, A Tale for the Time Being is a mesmerizing tale that spans across time and continents. The novel follows the intertwined lives of two women: Nao, a teenage girl in Japan who documents her life in a diary, and Ruth, a writer who discovers the diary washed ashore in Canada after the 2011 tsunami. Ruth becomes captivated by Nao’s story, and as she reads, she finds herself drawn into a world of history, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all beings. Ruth Ozeki’s skillful storytelling blends history, culture, and quantum physics to create a captivating and thought-provoking narrative.

The Sellout by Paul Beatty

In a daring and satirical work that won the Man Booker Prize in 2016, Paul Beatty takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through race relations and cultural identity in contemporary America. The novel’s protagonist, a young African-American man, decides to reinstate slavery and segregate a neighborhood in Los Angeles in an attempt to reclaim his community’s identity. With biting wit and sharp social commentary, The Sellout challenges societal norms, exposes the absurdities of racism, and forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths while laughing along the way.

Delhi: A Soliloquy by M. Mukundan

In this must-read novel, Delhi becomes a character itself as it shapes the lives of its inhabitants, including the young protagonist, Sahadevan. Set from the 1960s to the 1980s, the story follows Sahadevan through personal and global crises while introducing us to a diverse cast of characters caught up in the city’s shifting political currents. Delhi: A Soliloquy is a captivating exploration of urban life, resilience, and the human experience in a dynamic and complicated city. This book is the winner of the 2021 JCB Prize for Indian Literature.

The Vegetarian by Han Kang

Recipient of the Man Booker International Prize in 2016, The Vegetarian is a haunting and deeply psychological exploration of one woman’s transformation into a vegetarian and the ripple effects it has on her life and relationships. Set in South Korea, the novel examines the pressures of societal expectations and the consequences of deviating from the norm. Han Kang’s elegant prose delves into the human mind’s complexities, leaving readers pondering the true nature of individuality and the choices we make.

All the Birds, Singing by Evie Wyld

Winner of the Miles Franklin Literary Award in 2014, All the Birds, Singing is a haunting and atmospheric novel that weaves together past and present, unveiling the dark secrets of its protagonist, Jake. As she struggles to escape her past on an isolated British sheep farm, the novel alternates between Jake’s present-day life and the harrowing events that led her to seek refuge in a foreign land. Evie Wyld’s haunting prose and meticulous storytelling paint a vivid portrait of loss, survival, and the indomitable human spirit.

The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson

Recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2013, The Orphan Master’s Son offers a gripping portrayal of life in North Korea under an oppressive regime. The novel follows the journey of Jun Do, an orphan turned government spy, as he navigates a world where truth and identity are fluid concepts. Adam Johnson’s narrative brilliance exposes the layers of deceit and propaganda, revealing the resilience and longing for freedom in the face of adversity.

The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa

Winner of the International Booker Prize in 2020, The Memory Police presents a dystopian world where objects mysteriously disappear, and the Memory Police ensure that memories of those objects vanish from people’s minds as well. The novel follows an unnamed writer as she resists the oppressive regime and protects her memories in defiance of the Memory Police. Yoko Ogawa’s exquisite prose weaves a haunting tale of loss, identity, and the power of human memory in the face of totalitarian control.

The Tsar of Love and Techno by Anthony Marra

Longlisted for the National Book Award in 2015, The Tsar of Love and Techno is a collection of interconnected stories set in war-torn Chechnya and Russia. The narratives span across time and characters, exploring themes of love, art, and survival amidst the chaos of war and oppression. Anthony Marra’s poignant and evocative prose captures the beauty and tragedy of human existence, leaving readers emotionally moved by the characters’ resilience and interconnected destinies.

Flights by Olga Tokarczuk

Winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature and the Man Booker International Prize in 2018, Flights is a genre-defying novel that meanders through time and space. Olga Tokarczuk weaves together a series of vignettes that explore themes of travel, nomadism, and the human desire for connection and meaning. The novel’s profound philosophical musings and intricate structure challenge conventional notions of storytelling, offering readers a truly unique and immersive literary experience.

What Willow Says by Lynn Buckle

Winner of the 2021 Barbellion Prize, What Willow Says is a touching novel about the bond between a deaf child, Willow, and her grandmother. Together, they create their own language using sign language, home signs, and facial expressions. The story is a beautiful coming-of-age tale, celebrating nature and the essence of belonging. Lynn Buckle’s poignant narrative explores the power of human connection and the significance of understanding and love in unconventional ways.

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

Shortlisted for the National Book Award in 2017, Pachinko is a sweeping family saga that spans four generations of a Korean family living in Japan. The novel delves into themes of identity, sacrifice, and the struggle for belonging, as the characters navigate the complexities of their cultural heritage and the challenges of being immigrants in a foreign land. Min Jin Lee’s epic narrative explores the enduring power of family bonds and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

You might also be interested in checking our blog post Cinematic Books That Feel Like Movies.

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

Recipient of the National Book Critics Circle’s John Leonard Prize in 2016, Homegoing is a powerful and emotionally charged debut novel. The story traces the paths of two half-sisters born in Ghana during the 18th century and follows the legacy of slavery through seven generations of their descendants. Yaa Gyasi’s brilliant storytelling captures the profound impact of historical events on individual lives, offering a poignant examination of identity, belonging, and the complexities of the African diaspora.

In a world inundated with literature, it’s easy for some remarkable works to remain overlooked. Thefifteen award-winning literary fiction books highlighted in this blog post offer diverse perspectives, thought-provoking themes, and brilliant storytelling. If you’re searching for a captivating read that goes beyond the mainstream, these hidden gems promise to transport you to new worlds and leave a lasting impression on your literary journey. Embrace the allure of the unknown and dive into the rich tapestry of lesser-known literary masterpieces.