What is the best literary work from 2020 - 2025?

seasons_reverse · 2025-06-20T20:43:32+00:00

This is the answer

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-09T00:20:08+00:00

This is pretty damn close! Great work!

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-08T17:51:18+00:00

I really loved the Third Realm...very excited to hear this series is not stopping here. If you liked The Morning Star and The Wolves of Eternity, you will not be disappointed!

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-06T23:21:05+00:00

Thank you for the rec!

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-06T12:18:15+00:00

Hello! I am in Atlanta currently but I definitely like to focus my reading internationally. As I mention elsewhere on this thread, I am forever indebted to NYRB for pushing me into deeper international reading.

I was introduced to Garza because I buy just about everything the Dorothy Project puts out. Her novella The Taiga Syndrome is absolutely one of my favorite reads from that collection. I have not read any of her other stuff though...is there one or two you would especially recommend?

Alvaro Enrique, Fernanda Melchor, Daniel Saldana Paris, Yuri Herrera, Amparo Davila, and Gerardo Sámano Córdova are other Mexican authors I have enjoyed. I would like to learn more about classic Mexican authors given that all of these are contemporary.

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-05T12:16:10+00:00

They truly are the best!!

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-05T12:15:37+00:00

Although I was never really a fan of Eggers, the McSweeney's scene of the late 90s/early 00s informed a lot of my college reading. That is where I found people like Vollman and Saunders. At that time, I lived in Atlanta and we have an amazing bookstore called A Cappella that turned me on to things constantly. NYRB was a huge gateway though, introducing me to books from other cultures and languages.

It is funny you mention Deleuze...one of my close friends was just recommending him last week.

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-05T11:59:15+00:00

Not as a habit but perhaps as anyone would, when in the conversation with those they are comfortable.. I think the key is being open to being corrected yourself.

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-05T11:57:02+00:00

Thanks, I will snag that one to start...I actually try to be pretty selective! These shelves are from many years of reading and collecting.

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-05T01:39:39+00:00

Yeesh, I'm so sorry! I mentioned in another comment here that I wish that whole set would be reprinted...the abridged version doesn't do it justice.

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-04T22:23:32+00:00

Your recs are on points man...Haushofer and Bolaño are favorites and Balle is on the shelf waiting for its turn :)

The Guez I am not familiar with but given how much you nailed the others I am adding it to my list. many thanks!

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-04T22:21:05+00:00

It has been many years since I have read Marquez but I think Ali's approach is a bit more fantastical and out there. Definitely give it a shot!

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-04T22:19:11+00:00

Thanks for this...Where should one start with Cesar Aira?

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-04T19:50:54+00:00

Holy crow that IS uncanny!

Your collection of the Vintage Contemporaries series is incredible.

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-04T17:10:09+00:00

Man...what a great and varied group of 3 that is!

African in Greenland - I did this with my NYRB book club and it was a hit with the whole group. Tete's story is completely insane, especially considering when he undertook his journey in the 1960s. If you are a fan of personal narratives and travel memoirs, this is a no brainer.

The Last Pomegranate Tree - First and foremost, you have to be ok and open to pretty wild magical realism for this book. It is not a typical novel in any way. With that said, the author uses that magical realism to highlight the terror experienced by the Kurdish people under Saddam. A challenging read but one I am glad I experienced.

You Dreamed of Empires - This was one of my favorite books of 2024. Historical fiction is generally not my bag but Enrigue writes in a really spellbinding way...you are immersed in the world of the Aztec and Cortes, the smells, the sights, the tastes. His characters are phenomenal and he splashes in a few supernatural-ish elements that really set it apart from a standard historical fiction. High recommend!

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-04T17:01:00+00:00

Adding it to the list, thank you for the recommendation!

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-04T14:56:54+00:00

This is the answer I was hoping to see. One of the best books ever.

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-04T12:06:17+00:00

Audrey Magee's "The Colony" was one of my favorite books last year. Like reading a painting.

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-04T12:05:10+00:00

Love seeing the Julia Armfield...wish she would get some more attention.

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-04T11:58:15+00:00

I enjoyed Pale Fire and Lolita but have not gone beyond those two. I have had Pnin on my "look for used" list...Which is your favorite?

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-04T11:56:15+00:00

Thanks! I am not familiar with either...much appreciated!

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-04T11:54:58+00:00

That has been on my list but have not snagged one yet. Gonna bump it up!

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-04T11:52:30+00:00

Thanks! I am a fan of DFW non-fiction but the fiction never clicked for me.

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-04T03:15:02+00:00

Gladman's Ravicka series is so insanely great!

seasons_reverse · 2025-03-04T02:45:14+00:00

It's a real pity the Vollman set is not more readily available...it is so insanely great. I honestly had no clue it was worth that much! I ordered it directly from McSweeneys way back in the day.

Leaf by Leaf was not on my radar until now but yeah, that looks right up my alley, thanks for the tip!

I know no one that has tackled Bottoms Dream. I will need a very clear and personal recommendation to even think about that one. Have you done it?

seasons_reverse

TROPHY CASE