Jayne Anne Phillips’ novel “Lark and Termite” entrances readers with its distinct, sensual descriptions and unfamiliar characters.
Archive | Books 100 > Novels
The Books 100 list was written in 2009 and 2010. It is not currently being updated.
3“Await Your Reply”
The construction and embodiment of identity is assiduously scrutinized by Dan Chaon in his new novel “Await Your Reply.”
5“Wolf Hall”
In “Wolf Hall,” Hilary Mantel tackles a larger-than-life character that has been exonerated, bashed, recast, and recycled for centuries: Henry VIII.
11“The Imperfectionists”
Tom Rachman’s debut novel, about a bunch of foreign correspondents in Rome, makes a splash in the literary scene.
12“The Help”
In her debut novel, Kathryn Stockett portrays controversy, heartbreak, and love in the lives of black women who live and work in Jackson, Mississippi.
13“The Ask”
With a brand of satire rarely found in American literature, Sam Lipsyte serves his audience “The Ask,” a bundle of rank truths, no cherry.
16“Brooklyn”
Colm Toibin creates an unforgettable heroine who braves the Atlantic and an entirely new life for the sake of her family in Ireland.
17“A Mercy”
With “A Mercy” (Knopf, 2008), Toni Morrison has created another memorable work of fiction.
19“Tinkers”
Only 192 pages, “Tinkers” overflows with electric language that captures the state of mind of George Washington Crosby, a dying man who is haunted by memories of his father.
20“The Girl Who Played With Fire”
In his 600-page novel, Stieg Larsson covers the corruption of big business and the depravity of what really goes on in sex trafficking.
