In today’s literary landscape, it’s easy to get caught up in traditional notions of great writing. After all, many esteemed institutions have long-held beliefs about what constitutes excellent literature. However, as writers continue to defy genre conventions and push boundaries with their work, the lines between literary fiction and other genres are becoming increasingly blurred.
Authors like Colson Whitehead, Jesmyn Ward, and David Mitchell are just a few examples of those who’ve successfully merged elements of fantasy, science fiction, and horror into literary masterpieces that have won widespread acclaim. Similarly, innovative short story collections have been expanding readers’ horizons by incorporating fantastical and speculative elements.
Carmen Maria Machado, Ramona Ausubel, and Anjali Sachdeva are notable examples of writers who’ve seamlessly blended genres to create captivating narratives. At its core, great storytelling transcends genre boundaries. Whether set in a world of zombies, killer robots, or ghost hunters, literature that challenges readers’ perceptions and encourages introspection is what truly matters.
The most memorable stories often arise from authors’ willingness to experiment and take risks, resulting in works that not only captivate but also inspire. Here are some remarkable books that exemplify this spirit of innovation and boundary-pushing, inviting readers to rethink the possibilities of literary fiction and its role in shaping our understanding of the world.
LitFic Meets Science Fiction
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
In Kazuo Ishiguro’s critically acclaimed novel Never Let Me Go, readers are transported to an alternate United Kingdom where three friends form strong bonds at a mysterious school for children. As the narrative unfolds and the truth about the institution’s purpose is gradually revealed, the story takes on a profound sci-fi undertone that challenges our initial perceptions.
Without giving too much away, the book features a thought-provoking twist that will leave readers reevaluating their understanding of the characters and their world.
Zone One by Colson Whitehead
Colson Whitehead is renowned for challenging readers’ expectations of literary fiction. His novel, Zone One, presents a unique blend of genres by introducing us to a world ravaged by zombies. Mark Spitz, the protagonist, embarks on a perilous journey to eradicate the undead from Manhattan over the course of three fateful days. This thrilling narrative will have readers hooked as they anxiously await the fate of its characters in the midst of the zombie apocalypse.
Terra Nullius by Claire G. Coleman
As the colonizers set foot on Australian soil, the Indigenous populations retreat to the vast expanse of the outback in an attempt to survive. In a bid to assimilate these native peoples into European culture, the colonizers forcibly remove Indigenous children from their families and place them in educational institutions designed to instil Western values.
However, a pivotal moment in the narrative takes an unexpected turn as a young boy named Jacky makes a daring escape into the outback, driven by his determination to reunite with his family. This unexpected twist imbues Claire G. Coleman’s novel with elements of science fiction, adding depth and complexity to her already powerful storytelling.
The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber
As the protagonist of this thought-provoking literary science fiction novel, Peter embarks on an extraordinary journey by leaving behind his wife on Earth to take up missionary work among extraterrestrial beings on a distant planet.
As he delves deeper into his new role, Peter is confronted with the unraveling of life on Earth and forced to confront the ultimate question: which holds greater significance for him – the love and commitment he shares with his family or the sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from serving as a missionary.
LitFic Meets Fantasy
Awayland by Ramona Ausubel
Ramona Ausubel’s inventive storytelling consistently blurs genre lines, seamlessly weaving together mythic and fabulist elements. Her tales often feature unexpected twists on traditional narratives, such as a cyclops navigating online dating in search of connection or a woman literally becoming one with the mist. This unique blend of realism and fantasy is expertly woven throughout Awayland, drawing readers in from the opening pages.
All the Names They Used for God by Anjali Sachdeva
In All the Names They Used for God, the author weaves together elements of fairy tales and the fantastical to create unique and captivating stories. The narrative takes place on the frontier during the 1800s, where an albino woman stumbles upon a cave that holds mysterious voices beckoning her from within.
Elsewhere, two young girls who have been abducted and forced into arranged marriages discover they possess the extraordinary ability to control their captors simply by uttering a specific command. Furthermore, a man whose life is forever altered after a factory accident finds his lungs transformed into glass-like structures. These remarkable plot twists transport readers to a world where the ordinary and extraordinary coexist.
The Bird King by G. Willow Wilson
In G. Willow Wilson’s captivating novel, historical fiction, fantasy, and myth expertly converge to tell the enchanting tale of Fatima, a concubine within the esteemed court of the last Muslim emirate in Spain. As the Catholic Spanish leaders approach, Fatima and her close friend Hassan devise an audacious escape plan, seeking refuge on the fabled island ruled by the enigmatic Bird King.
What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky by Lesley Nneka Arimah
This captivating literary prize winner seamlessly merges realism with elements of fantasy. The collection boasts an array of distinctive tales, each one a treasured gem. Expect to find an eclectic mix of themes, including the paranormal, alternate realities, and contemporary fables, all contained within this singular volume. Notably, Lesley Nneka Arimah shines in her short story mastery, as exemplified by What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky.
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
Jesmyn Ward’s Sing, Unburied, Sing, the triumphant winner of the National Book Award, masterfully weaves together elements of Southern literature and haunting ghost stories to bring forth a deeply affecting tale. The novel marks the culmination of Ward’s trilogy of Mississippi-set novels, offering a poignant exploration of identity, family, and redemption through the eyes of its protagonist, Jojo, a 13-year-old boy navigating his complex world with his grandparents.
However, when his mother reappears to whisk him away on a life-altering road trip to reunite with his father upon his release from prison, the trajectory of Jojo’s life is forever shifted, setting in motion a journey that will leave readers enthralled and emotionally invested.
Bestiary by K-Ming Chang
In K-Ming Chang’s captivating Bestiary, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. The protagonist’s life is marked by the surreal – a girl with a tail, for instance, or a mysterious hole that spews out letters from the past. This novel is a testament to the power of storytelling, as generations of Taiwanese American women share their tales of wonder and unease.
Blending myth, magic, and realism, Chang crafts a narrative that is both harrowing and wondrous, defying readers to put down this unforgettable tale.
The Vegetarian by Han Kang, Translated by Deborah Smith
Drawing inspiration from ancient mythology, The Vegetarian weaves a captivating narrative around a Korean woman’s journey towards a plant-based lifestyle. As she makes the bold decision to forsake meat, her family is left stunned, desperately attempting to sway her back to her carnivorous ways. Kang masterfully blends the gritty realism of everyday life with mythological and fantastical elements, crafting a story that defies conventions and challenges the reader’s perceptions.
LitFic Meets Historical Fiction and the Fantastic
She Would Be King by Wayétu Moore
In the early years of Liberia’s establishment, the lives of three young individuals with enigmatic magical abilities become inextricably linked. As they navigate this unfamiliar land, they must work together to find a place where they belong. Moore masterfully weaves together historical fiction and fantasy elements to craft a captivating narrative that sheds light on the tumultuous founding of Liberia and the diverse groups of people who ultimately made it their home.
The Old Drift by Namwali Serpell
Namwali Serpell’s novel is a masterclass in genre-bending storytelling. The book unfolds like a tapestry, with each section written in a distinct style that mirrors the changing times and the experiences of three Zambian families as they navigate their lives along the Zambezi River. As we journey through time, the genres begin to blur and merge, creating a richly layered narrative that is both expansive and intimate.
The novel’s scope is impressive, spanning multiple generations and weaving together disparate threads into a cohesive whole that will leave you eager to find out what happens next.
Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
In the realms of literary excellence, Washington Black has made a significant mark by being shortlisted for the prestigious Man Booker Prize. This remarkable novel skillfully weaves together three genres: fabulism, historical fiction, and travel narratives.
The narrative follows Wash, an enslaved child who evolves into a scientist’s assistant and eventually becomes a world adventurer, navigating through life’s unexpected twists and turns as he strives to find his place in a society heavily influenced by colonialism.
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
On the 1920s Alaskan frontier, a couple devoid of children faces the arduous task of establishing a life for themselves amidst the harsh wilderness. However, in a moment of whimsy, they craft a child out of snow, only to awaken the next morning and find a young girl standing in its place. With The Snow Child, Ivey masterfully subverts traditional frontier narratives by infusing them with a touch of enchantment.
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
In Cloud Cuckoo Land, the narrative seamlessly weaves together threads of science fiction and fantasy across timelines in the past, present, and future. This intricate storytelling sees a young girl in the 15th century stumbling upon a coveted manuscript that has scribes from far and wide searching for it. Meanwhile, on the brink of catastrophe in a distant future, a lone individual emerges as humanity’s last hope against extinction.
Back in the present, a seasoned protagonist, Zeno, finds himself at the center of a harrowing scenario, desperately attempting to safeguard schoolchildren from harm in a library beset by chaos.
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Susanna Clarke’s novel, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, masterfully combines historical fiction with fantastical elements. The story unfolds in 1806, a pivotal year marked by the Napoleonic Wars’ tumultuous presence on the world stage. At its core, the narrative revolves around two formidable academic magicians who engage in a high-stakes battle for dominance, ultimately influencing the political landscape of Britain in profound ways.
LitFic Meets Mystery/Thriller
Shelter by Jung Yun
Jung Yun’s debut novel, Shelter, is a testament to her remarkable skill as an author. The story unfolds with Kyung Cho struggling financially but resisting the urge to reach out to his estranged parents for assistance. However, when his mother appears in his backyard, stark naked and injured, everything takes a dramatic turn. This gripping literary thriller grabs readers from its opening pages and holds them captive until the very end.
LitFic Meets Historical Fiction, Science Fiction, and Horror
The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
In Mitchell’s characteristic blend of genres, fantasy, horror, and science fiction converge to craft a complex narrative spanning multiple novels. The novel’s intricate web of characters, linked across time and space, slowly reveals the larger cosmic forces at play. As we journey with these characters through the decades, their individual perspectives gradually coalesce into a unified understanding of the interconnected world they inhabit.
Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado
In Carmen Maria Machado’s captivating short story collection, genre lines are blurred as she weaves together elements of fairy tales, fantasy, comedy, horror, and psychological realism. A woman recounts her survival of an apocalyptic plague through a series of intimate encounters, while another resists the removal of a mysterious green ribbon tied around her neck. This masterful blend of storytelling results in a collection that is both intellectually stimulating and utterly captivating.
Whether you opt for one of these books or explore other recommendations on this site, you’re guaranteed to find a story that will leave you thinking long after the final page is turned.