From the Nobel Prize in Literature to the Pulitzer Prize, books and authors that win awards are given so for a reason. Excellent prose, important themes, and more are jam-packed into these novels and are sure to make an impact on their readers. Here are a few books to be on the lookout for that received awards in 2024.
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
Han Kang received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2024, and while it wasn’t awarded to a specific book, her novel The Vegetarian is the first of her books to be translated into English and has received many other awards and accolades as well.
“The feeling that she had never really lived in this world caught her by surprise. It was a fact. She had never lived. Even as a child, as far back as she could remember, she had done nothing but endure.”
The Vegetarian, Han Kang
Following the story of Yeong-Hye, who, after having a dream about animals being slaughtered, refuses to eat meat. Considered a bizarre and Kafka-esque story told in three parts by three different narrators, themes include desire, shame, and empathy between characters.
Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, Night Watch is historical fiction that focuses on the life of ConaLee, a 12-year-old girl with a mute mother, in 1874. Riddled with beautiful prose and mystery, Night Watch follows the Civil War, during which time ConLee and her mother live in an asylum and meet a cast of strange and exciting characters.
“Miss Janet, not her surname, I think, may never remember who she was, but perhaps she can accept who she is.”
Night Watch, Jayne Anne Phillips
Orbital by Samantha Harvey
Winner of the 2024 Booker Prize, Orbital centers around six astronauts and cosmonauts from different parts of the world. Told at one point from the perspective of an alien, the book Orbital touches on humanity, the nature of God, and the existence of life. This prize is a win for women, as the Booker Prize has not been awarded to a woman since 2019, when it was shared by Margaret Atwood and Bernadine Evaristo.
“We matter greatly and not at all.”
Orbital, Samantha Harvey
Countries of Origin by Javier Fuentes
Taking the prize of the Pen/Hemingway Award in 2024, Fuentes’ debut novel focuses on Demetrio, an illegal immigrant in France. Demetrio meets Jacobo on his plane home to Madrid, where the two fall in love despite fear of intimacy and Jacobo’s fascist aristocratic family. The prose is kept alive with the spice, tastes, and sounds of Madrid, as well as the igniting romance between the two men.
“I grew up in a country that didn’t love me back.”
Countries of Origin A Novel, Javier Fuentes
Flags on the Bayou by James Lee Burke
If you’re a reader looking for a mystery, James Lee Burke’s Edgar Award-winning novel Flags on the Bayou touches on the Civil War, slavery, and more. Hannah is a slave accused of murder who goes on the run with an abolitionist school teacher. Filled with action and excitement, Burke’s novel deserves the Edgar Award.
“The dark energies within the society I serve are unpredictable and can be so cruel you question the existence of God. I hope I haven’t opened a door I can’t close.”
Flags on the Bayou, James Lee Burke
Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh
Taking the Hugo Award in 2024, Some Desperate Glory follows Kyr after the destruction of planet Earth. Kyr swears revenge, and despite being delegated to birthing sons until she dies, she works with her brother’s friend and an alien to find the vengeance she seeks. With exciting prose and a surprising plot, Tesh grows the novel’s characters slowly. It’s a science fiction read sure to stay with you long after you finish it.
“Proving you were capable of saving the world didn’t mean you could, or that anyone would let you.”
Some Desperate Glory, Emily Tesh
The Saint of Bright Doors by Vajra Chandrasekera
Winner of the Nebula Award, The Saint of Bright Doors follows Fetter, a man raised to be a weapon to kill his father. In a world full of demons and anti-gods, Fetter must decide what is right and wrong for himself and navigate the world carefully. Chandrasekera’s novel is riveting, with touches of magical realism to keep the imagery lush instead of static. With themes of childhood and law justifying itself, the book is sure to be a divine read for whoever picks it up.
“There is no such thing as devils. They are the people of lost histories. We see them only in translation.”
The Saint of Bright Doors, Vajra Chandrasekera
There were many awards given out to amazing books in the year 2024; this is just a taste. Certainly worth any reader’s time, these prizes and awards are given to prestigious and talented authors who work hard to achieve them. Taking a peek is the least that we, the reader, can do to support these amazing authors.
For more award-winning recommendations, check out this article.
Looking For Recommendations from 2023? Try Here.
