9 modern literary fiction books for curious readers (including TikTok faves Lapvona and Bunny)
As I write this I’m about two thirds through the booktok and bookstagram favourite ‘Lapvona’ by Ottessa Moshfegh. Another case of social media made me do it, which is especially surprising because ‘Lapvona’ is a little outside of my comfort zone as a reader.
I don’t tend to dabble in literary fiction, or “prize winning” fiction, that much because I’m generally disappointed by the experience. (See: my review of ‘The Paper Palace’ by Miranda Cowley Heller) But I think I’ve found the sweet spot.
My caveat is that is has to be a little bit weird. Throw me something avante garde, something a bit trippy or surreal, and I’m more likely to gel with it.
Lapvona easily falls into that category, but I’m saving my big thoughts about that book for my review later.
Instead, I’ve compiled a list of books that have a similar feel to them. I haven’t read them all, but they are each on my TBR and I would shelve them together. Each very unique, but vibing on the same wavelength, in my opinion.
So if you’re a bit ERRKK about literary or experimental fiction, I might suggest you pick one of these titles and give it a shot! You never know, I might have just found your new niche. You’re welcome.
‘Lapvona’ by Ottessa Moshfegh - a strange little tale. I’m really enjoying the audiobook. Both visceral and ethereal, this is the kind of story that haunts you for a while. People easily triggered by body horror, or graphic physical detail might be a little uncomfortable with it. Please check the content warnings!
“In a village in a medieval fiefdom buffeted by natural disasters, a motherless shepherd boy finds himself the unlikely pivot of a power struggle that puts all manner of faith to a savage test, in a spellbinding novel that represents Ottessa Moshfegh’s most exciting leap yet”
‘A Certain Hunger’ by Chelsea G Summers - I started this on audiobook actually, but I didn’t have my headphones in and there was something about the narration that made me instantly feel like headphones might be very much needed… (Again, check those content warnings!) This book has a stunning range of covers to choose from.
“A Certain Hunger is a debut novel by writer Chelsea G. Summers. It tells the story of serial killer Dorothy Daniels, a successful food writer who also eats men.”
‘Tender is the Flesh’ by Agustina Bazterrica - Let me tell you, I’ve had this book on my shelf for over a year (maybe even two now) and I keep meaning to read it. I really do! But I keep getting distracted… And yep, you guessed it, check those content warnings!
“Working at the local processing plant, Marcos is in the business of slaughtering humans —though no one calls them that anymore.”
‘Bunny’ by Mona Awad - We featured this on our podcast! You can check out the full episode right here. Very odd and very intriguing, you’ve probably seen this one on social media.
“Following a young woman a world apart from the rest of her exclusive creative writing programme peers, Bunny is a subversive, razor-sharp and darkly hilarious exploration of class, ambition and the shady side of female friendships.”
‘Nightbitch’ by Rachel Yoder - Another one I have had since 2021 but still haven’t read yet. I also love the array of covers for this book, too. Really really great design choices.
“The book is a magical realism style story of a stay-at-home mom who sometimes transforms into a dog.”
Say what you see, eh?
‘A Touch of Jen’ by Beth Morgan - This book is completely new to me. I just felt like it fit, and I’m very interested in picking it up after reading the synopsis. It seems lighter than other titles on the list for sure.
“Part millennial social comedy, part psychedelic horror, and all wildly entertaining, A Touch of Jen is a sly, unflinching examination of the hidden drives that lurk just outside the frame of our carefully curated selves.”
‘Life Ceremony’ by Sayaka Murata - Big fan of this author. This is her latest release, an easy auto-buy for me. Check those content tags though!
“Mixing taboo-breaking body horror with feminist revenge fables, old ladies who love each other and young women finding empathy and transformation in unlikely places, Life Ceremony is a wild ride to the outer edges of one of the most original minds in contemporary fiction.”
‘I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki’ by Baek Sehee - The title is a whole mood to be honest, and the so is the cover. I’m very much looking forward to reading this soon. (Content warnings apply)
“Part memoir, part self-help book, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki is a book to keep close and to reach for in times of darkness.”
‘The Pachinko Parlour’ by Elisa Shua Dusapin - I’m a massive fan of this author’s debut, ‘Winter in Sokcho’, which also could have made it onto this list, but I decided to give the new release a bit of love because it looks and sounds fab.
“The Pachinko Parlour is a nuanced and beguiling exploration of identity and otherness, unspoken histories, and the loneliness you can feel amongst family.”
Do you have any recs for this list? Drop ‘em in the comments!
Written by Sarah
