What is a modern classic?
A 'Modern Classic' refers to a piece of literature that, although relatively recent in its publication (typically from the 20th century onward), has achieved lasting significance and recognition in the literary world. They stand out due to their depth, cultural impact, and ability to resonate with readers across time and culture. They often explore universal themes while challenging or reshaping literary traditions. 'Modern classics' may be notable for their artistic merit but mostly for their continued relevance, often prompting contemplation and discussion long after they are read.
These much-loved stories draw readers in with beautiful prose and thought-provoking themes that will continue to stand the test of time. The stories connect with diverse audiences and speak of universal truths and experiences; while rooted in a specific period or place, they transcend it.
After much deliberation, here are 15 of my most beloved ‘Modern Classic’ recommendations. This list is not exhaustive, but all of these books are (in my humble opinion) both timeless and timely and I will continue to recommend them forever.
1. 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt (2013)
‘The Goldfinch’ is an expansive narrative about Theo Decker, who survives a terrorist attack and ‘steals’ the famous eponymous painting by Carel Fabritius. Donna Tartt’s exquisite prose and the novel’s thoughtful exploration of grief, art, and survival make this story a profound meditation on loss, identity, morality and art's power to shape our lives. It’s also a poignant commentary on the wheels of fate and the consequences of our personal choices.
2. 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' by Khaled Hosseini (2007)
‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ explores the lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, who are brought together by subjugation, war and tragedy. The novel’s poignant depiction of friendship, sacrifice, and survival under oppressive fundamentalist regimes offers a powerful narrative on the strength of women, particularly in the context of the recent history of Afghanistan.
3. 'Flowers for Algernon' by Daniel Keyes (1966)
‘Flowers for Algernon’ is a modern classic that has continued to resonate with readers almost 50 years after publication. The novel follows Charlie Gordon, a man with severe learning difficulties who undergoes an experimental procedure to increase his intelligence. As his intellect grows, so does his awareness of the emotional and social complexities around him. It’s a powerful exploration of the nature of intelligence, human dignity, neurodiversity and the ethics of scientific experimentation.
4. 'The Bluest Eye' by Toni Morrison (1970)
One of Morrison’s seminal works, ‘The Bluest Eye’ is a heart-wrenching and unforgettable novel that addresses issues of race, beauty, and identity through the life of Pecola Breedlove. The novel is a searing commentary on poverty, violence, colourism (the effects of internalised racism) and racially oppressive societal beauty standards, making it a critical text for understanding the intersections of race and identity, not only in America.
5. 'Kindred' by Octavia Butler (1979)
A modern classic of science fiction, ‘Kindred’ follows Dana, an African-American writer from 1970s California, who is mysteriously transported back in Time to the Antebellum South. Through its disturbingly bleak time-travelling narrative, Butler explores the legacy of slavery, racial identity and survival, alongside gender politics and moral ambiguity with an effective depth and urgency. ‘Kindred is a heavy but essential text on the discourse of black American history that highlights our humanity (or lack of) on a much larger scale.
6. 'My Brilliant Friend' by Elena Ferrante (2011)
Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan Quartet, starting with ‘My Brilliant Friend’ follows the intense and complicated friendship between Elena and Lila, two women growing up in a poor neighbourhood near Naples. The novel is an emotional astute exploration of female friendship, ambition, and the challenges of breaking free from societal and familial expectations. Ferrante’s observation of women’s lives and the events and relationships that shape our identity makes it a modern literary touchstone.
7. 'Americanah' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2013)
Adichie’s novel explores themes of race, immigration, and identity. The novel follows the lives of Ifemelu and Obinze, two young Nigerian immigrants, as they navigate complex questions of belonging, cultural assimilation, and self-discovery. Adichie's sharp, nuanced prose examines the intricacies of race in America, the tension between African and African-American identities, and the impact of immigration on personal and social relationships. The exploration of race, class, and gender along with a rich character development and global perspective make it an enduring tale that will be important for years to come.
8. 'Home Fire' by Kamila Shamsie (2017)
‘Home Fire’ is a sensitive reimagining of Sophocles ‘Antigone’ in the context of the modern-day British Muslim experience. Shamsie’s novel deals with themes of family loyalty, political ideology, and the complexities of identity and belonging in a post-9/11 world. It’s a gripping, contemporary tragedy that addresses the human costs of global political conflicts and questions of radicalisation, systemic racism, familial loyalty, and justice. Disturbing and climactic with lasting relevance.
9. 'The Handmaid’s Tale' by Margaret Atwood (1985)
A poignant dystopian vision of a totalitarian future where women’s rights are severely restricted, ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ has gained renewed relevance in the 21st century due to the rise of conversations about women’s rights, populism, authoritarianism, and religious extremism. Atwood’s chilling novel is a desolate but essential commentary on the fragility of our rights and freedoms, and the current mechanisms of control and resistance, such as media and language.
10. 'The Remains of the Day' by Kazuo Ishiguro (1989)
‘The Remains of the Day’ explores the inner life of Stevens, the quintessential English butler, reflecting on his decades of service to Lord Darlington (a now-disgraced Nazi-sympathising aristocrat). It is a subtle and emotionally resonant examination of class, duty, regret, and the personal cost of unquestioning loyalty. Ishiguro’s mastery lies in his depiction of Stevens’ delusional emotional repression and his exploration of historical and political blindness. The novel’s themes of British values, memory, loss, self-awareness and the search for personal fulfilment offer a satirical, humourous and profound meditation on the consequences of one's choices and beliefs.
11. 'The Girl with the Louding Voice' by Abi Daré (2020)
Abi Daré unique writing style screams contemporary classic, despite its recent publication. It highlights the deeply personal journey of Adunni, a 14-year-old girl in rural Nigeria who fights the losing battle, against gender inequality and societal oppression, to find her voice and pursue education. The novel addresses crucial current global themes of child marriage, gender-based violence, and the transformative power of education. Admirably, her resilience and determination to break free from restrictive cultural norms expose the outdated attitudes towards women and girls in many parts of the world. Daré's skilful and heartfelt portrayal of Adunni’s struggle for empowerment and self-worth within a system racked against her makes it a significant, inspirational and crucial novel that will speak to many generations to come.
12. 'Close To Home' by Michael Magee (2020)
Michael Magee’s ‘Close to Home’ is a striking and brilliant debut novel. It is a haunting exploration of the emotional and psychological difficulties of needing to return to one's home after becoming independent and spreading your wings. The novel delves into the complexities of family loyalty, poverty, generational trauma, working-class masculinity, self-awareness, and the gap between expectations and reality; particularly in the context of Northern Ireland. It touches on themes of loss and the attempt to understand one’s place within both a personal and political history. ‘Close To Home’ is a deeply resonant text about the trappings of poverty and class systems and the intersection of the individual experience with socio-political change, marking Magee as a powerful voice in modern literature that is here to stay.
13. '10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World' by Elif Shafak (2019)
In ‘10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World’, Elif Shafak tells the story of Tequila Leila, a woman who, after her death, relives the final moments of her life through vivid sensory memories. Set in Istanbul, the novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the marginalisation of women and the LGBTQ+ community. Through a beautifully woven tapestry of memories, Shafak paints a powerful portrait of friendship and survival, alongside life and death. With its profound concept, distinct storytelling, poetic structure, skilful characterisation and emotional depth, the novel gives us a poignant exploration of the human experience in a polarised world.
14. 'The Hunger Games' Trilogy by Suzanne Collins (2008-2010)
‘The Hunger Games’ Trilogy earns its standing as a modern classic, due to its gripping narrative, powerful social commentary, and emotional extremity. Set in a disturbingly dystopian world, it critiques the issues of political oppression, media manipulation, and economic inequality while exploring themes of love as a form of resistance, trauma bonding, and autonomy. The series is notable for its strong, relatable protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, and its exploration of moral dilemmas in a violent disparate society. Its fast-paced plot, complex characters, and timely relevance make it a significant and lasting work in contemporary young adult literature.
15. 'Exit West' by Mohsin Hamid (2017)
'Exit West' tells the story of two young people, Nadia and Saeed, who fall in love and escape from a country plagued by war with the use of ‘magic portals’. The novel's magical realism serves as a powerful metaphor, the characters are forced to flee from violence with an uncertainty of finding peace, acceptance or belonging. The story explores themes of migration, displacement, and the global refugee crisis with lyrical beauty and emotional depth. Hamid deftly blends the personal with the political with his poignant storytelling and exploration of love, identity, and the search for safety. This resonates deeply in our interconnected, tumultuous world of border controls and xenophobia.
Why should I read them?
For the challenge. These novels are not easy to read and some will weigh heavy on the heart. However, they cover an important and wide range of ideas, that make them essential for understanding the complexities of the human experience and the world we inhabit. I feel that they speak of the human condition in a way that both questions and resonates and will continue to do so, across generations. Reading 'Modern Classics' rewards us with valuable insights into political, personal, and social debate and possibly, more importantly, it teaches us about ourselves; if we're willing to learn.
Click here to access the full list and purchase from your local independent bookseller.
Love Laura x
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