The 10 Best Books of the 21st Century According to The New York Times

The literature that has changed the world in this century

I have to admit that I am not a big fan of lists like this. «The 100 best books of the 21st century». In general I'm not a big fan of any list that I can include books of all genres at my discretion. I don't believe that all books are for all people at all times...

But if the New York Times makes a list of the best, the least you can do is pay attention to it. That's for sure. The New York newspaper made a list of the 100 best books. I wanted to bring you at least the first 10 on the list so you can measure them out a bit…

These works have left an indelible mark on contemporary literature and cultureFrom personal introspection to epic narratives, these books have been acclaimed by critics and readers alike. You're spoiled for choice.

These titles stand out not only for their literary quality—which is assumed to be the case given where they are—but also for their impact on global thought and culture. Some have changed the way we understand history, others have opened debates about identity and memory, and some have even given a new twist to literary genres.

So I won't keep you any longer. I'll leave you with this tour of The 10 best books of the 21st century so that you can discover those you didn't know about and tell me if those you know and are here really deserve it.

By the way. I leave you the links to Amazon in case you want to buy themIt doesn't cost you anything and it helps me to continue with this project. Thanks in advance!

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10. Gilead – Marilynne Robinson (2004)

A novel that is both a farewell letter and a profound meditation on faith and the meaning of life. Through the Reverend John Ames, Robinson immerses us in an introspection on fatherhood, religion and memory, with delicate and powerful prose.

Gilead has been praised for its ability to transform contemplation into an immersive literary experience, combining philosophy, theology and human emotions with a serene and poetic narration.

9. Never leave me – Kazuo Ishiguro (2005)

At a British boarding school, Kathy, Ruth and Tommy slowly discover the truth about their destiny. Ishiguro delivers a disturbing story about identity, love and the fragility of life, with a serene tone that contrasts with its heartbreaking undertones.

Never leave me It is situated between dystopia and psychological drama, exploring the ethical implications of cloning and the human being's awareness of his own end. Its restrained prose and melancholic atmosphere make it one of the most striking novels of this century.

8. Austerlitz – W.G. Sebald (2001)

A work that mixes history and memory through the journey of Jacques Austerlitz, a man who reconstructs his past after being rescued from the Holocaust in his childhood. Sebald immerses us in an evocative story about loss and identity.

With his particular narrative style, which fuses visual elements with an immersive prose, Austerlitz is a unique exploration of trauma historical and the persistence of memory. The novel feels like a journey through the psyche of its protagonist, with time jumps and a masterful use of photography as a narrative complement.

7. The Underground Railroad – Colson Whitehead (2016)

A reinterpretation of history that turns the legendary “Underground Railroad” into a real system of hidden underground trains. The story of Cora, a slave in search of freedom, is a brutal and hopeful testimony about struggle and resilience.

Whitehead combines historical realism with elements of speculative fiction, achieving an electrifying and deeply moving narrative. The novel stands out not only for its originality, but also for the way it revitalizes the genre of historical novel with a fresh and powerful vision.

6. 2666 – Roberto Bolaño (2008)

I've had this one on my to-read list for a while. One of the most ambitious novels of the century, with more than 900 pages that intertwine stories of violence, art and obsession in the fictional Santa Teresa. Bolaño offers a hypnotic and fragmented narrative that challenges the limits of literature.

2666 It is a monumental work that encompasses multiple perspectives, from literary critics even detectives and crime victims, creating a fascinating and disturbing narrative tapestry. Its social criticism, formal experimentation and the intensity of its prose make it one of the most influential novels of our time.

5. The corrections – Jonathan Franzen (2001)

Halfway up the list of the 10 best books of the 21st century is a fierce satire on the contemporary American family. The Lambert story exposes generational tensions, personal failures, and the yearning for redemption with razor-sharp prose and unforgettable characters.

Franzen achieves a surgical dissection of consumer society, exploring the role of the family in an era marked by individualism and disillusionment. Its blend of black humour and existential drama make it a masterpiece of modern literature.

4. The known world – Edward P. Jones (2003)

Set in pre-Civil War Virginia, this novel addresses the complex history of African-American slaveholders. Jones weaves a rich and nuanced narrative that challenges our understanding of morality and identity.

With a slow and evocative style, The known world becomes a story about the struggle for human dignity in a world where slavery is seen as a normalized fact. Its impact lies in its exploration of human contradictions and historical memory.

3. In the Wolf's Court – Hilary Mantel (2009)

A brilliant recreation of the life of Thomas Cromwell and the court of Henry VIII. With an engaging narrative and sharp style, Mantel immerses us in the political intrigue and struggle for power in 16th-century England.

The richness of historical details and the complexity of the characters make this novel a benchmark of the historical fiction contemporary. Her innovative approach and masterful handling of language have made her In the Wolf's Court a fundamental work of the 21st century.

2. The warmth of other suns – Isabel Wilkerson (2010)

A monumental account of the Great African-American Migration to the United States, told through the true stories of those who left the South in search of a better life. With moving prose, Wilkerson transforms history into an intimate and powerful experience.

His meticulous research and ability to bring the protagonists to life make this work one of the most relevant chronicles of our time.

1. The great friend – Elena Ferrante (2012)

The first installment of the Neapolitan saga that has captivated the world. Through the intense friendship between Elena and Lila, Ferrante explores identity, ambition and the fight for a better future in a poor neighborhood of Naples.

With visceral prose and raw realism, the author immerses us in a universe full of emotions and contradictions. The great friend It is much more than a novel about friendship: it is a reflection on the passage of time and the impact of the environment on our lives.

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And now for the obligatory question… How many of the 10 best books of the 21st century have you read? Is there one you're still waiting to read? Do you think they deserve the position they occupy? I'll read you in the comments. Tell us which one is your favorite!