Singular voices and introspective narrators
Ask FictionMatters Vol. 2 - September 26, 2023
Hi, readers!
I always appreciate a strong narrative voice in my reading, so I was thrilled to see these reader questions looking for very specific types of narrators. A good narrator can bring even the most subtle story come alive and offer insight into the minor and major ways we all perceive the world differently. The narrators these two readers mentioned in the books they love range from the quietly introspective to the wildly outlandish. Today I’m offering some suggestions for books with memorable narrators for readers who can’t resist a voicey novel.
As a reminder, I’ll be answering reader questions in Tuesday newsletters, alternating with my Reading in Public series. You can submit a question or recommendation request here or by email me at fictionmattersbooks@gmail.com.
Narrative voices that will stick with you
Jess asked: “I love a distinct and singular, first-person narrative voice… recent faves that I think fit this are Middlesex, Vladimir, Telephone, and Demon Copperhead. I would love some recs for books with this kind of narrator!”
What a fantastic question! The first book that comes to mind is Nevada by Imogen Binnie. I cannot forget this voice!! If you ever do books on audio, the author narrates it and it really brings the voice to life. Piranesi by Susanna Clarke is a bit different from your examples, but the narrator is so original—playful, melancholy, and poignant. Madeleine Ryan’s A Room Called Earth is a favorite from a few years back and still something of an underrated gem. Some distinctive young narrators I enjoyed appear in Margaret Verble’s Stealing, Chetna Maroo’s Western Lane, and James McBride’s The Good Lord Bird (actually this voice reminds me a lot of Demon Copperhead). Since you aren’t afraid of somewhat unhinged narrators (see: Vladimir) I’ll also recommend Yellowface by R.F. Kuang. Finally a few other really voicey novels: You Exist Too Much by Zaina Arafat and Members Only by Sameer Pandya.
Bookish commitment issues
Lindsay asked: I would love to know your recommended readalikes for books like Elizabeth Strout's Lucy Barton series, Ann Patchett's Dutch House & Tom Lake, and Wallace Stegner's Crossing to Safety. To me, these books are quiet, introspective snapshot looks at the interactions/workings of a family without a lot of drama or high stakes, and I'd love to read more like this. Thank you!
I also enjoy an introspective narrator and the books you cited as examples are some of my favorites. Some of these books may have higher stakes than others, but they’re all focused on the interior lives of their characters rather than on any external drama. First, I want to strongly suggest you check out Marilynne Robinson if you haven’t yet. If you like this kind of slow, introspective story, you will love her! Gilead would be my suggested place to start—it’s technically the beginning of a quartet, but each book fully stands on its own and you won’t feel like you have to continue reading to understand the story.
A few other suggestions:
Clock Dance by Anne Tyler
The Dearly Beloved by Cara Walls
History of the Rain by Niall Williams
Little Gods by Meng Jin
Swimming Lessons by Claire Fuller
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
Readers, if you’d like reading advice for a particular reading conundrum or are in need of some book recommendations, please fill out this form or write to me at fictionmattersbooks@gmail.com with the subject “Ask FictionMatters.” I can’t wait to hear from you!
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Happy reading!
Sara
I have another author to add to the list of narrative voices that stick with you: Etaf Rum. Her books “A Woman is No Man” and “Evil Eye” are both amazing impactful reads, her voice & words are so strong and memorable.
After finally having a moment to sit and really read this, I wanted to add Annie Ernaux as a rec for Lindsay’. I read A Woman’s Story earlier this year and it reminded me so much of the tone of Lucy Barton.