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December 17, 2021
Favorite Novels of 2021
Though I read fewer novels this year than in years past, I was impressed by the quality and innovation in 2021's longform fiction.
Another of my favorite works of 2021 fiction was the new edition of Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway, brilliantly annotated throughout by Merve Emre.
These are the 11 novels I have most recommended to friends, family, and anyone else who has crossed my path this year (my personal metric for "favorite").
What was your favorite novel of 2019? Let me know on Twitter or Facebook.
The Actual Star by Monica Byrne
Monica Byrne's ambitious novel The Actual Star is truly an epic, covering 2,000 years with a rare degree of compassion and humanity.
Mona Awad's innovative and exhilarating All's Well is one of my favorite novels of the year. Propulsive, dark, funny, and very smart, this is a book not to miss.
Matt Bell's novel Appleseed is as ambitious as it is rewarding, an outstanding book from one of our most talented storytellers.
Carry the Dog by Stephanie Gangi
Stephanie Gangi's novel Carry the Dog features one of my favorite protagonists of the year, an indefatigable older woman facing crises with great doses of wit, determination, and vulnerability.
Forsyth Harmon's Justine is one of the strongest debut novels I have read in years, a propulsive examination of girlhood in the late '90s.
Margaret and the Mystery of the Missing Body by Megan Milks
Megan Milks' novel Margaret and the Mystery of the Missing Body, inspired by The Babysitters Club books, is one of the most moving and insightful books of the year.
Anna North's novel Outlawed is a brilliant alternative history of the American West, an unforgettable and compelling read.
The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr.
Robert Jones Jr.'s novel The Prophets is a startling debut, a love story filled with exceptionally drawn characters both tender and cruel.
Something New Under the Sun by Alexandra Kleeman
Alexandra Kleeman contrasts the banal to the catastrophic powerfully in her wonderfully upsetting novel Something New Under the Sun.
We Are Watching Eliza Bright by A.E. Osworth
A.E. Osworth's novel We Are Watching Eliza Bright is an inventive, compelling, and incredibly timely debut.
What Storm, What Thunder by Myriam J. A. Chancy
Myriam J. A. Chancy's novel What Storm, What Thunder is powerful and compelling.
also at Largehearted Boy:
Largehearted Boy's favorite nonfiction books of 2021
Largehearted Boy's favorite poetry collections of 2021
Largehearted Boy's favorite story collections of 2021
Largehearted Boy favorite novels of 2019
Largehearted Boy favorite novels of 2018
Largehearted Boy favorite novels of 2017
Largehearted Boy favorite novels of 2016
Largehearted Boy favorite novels of 2015
Largehearted Boy favorite novels of 2014
Largehearted Boy favorite novels of 2013
Largehearted Boy favorite novels of 2012
Largehearted Boy favorite novels of 2011
Largehearted Boy favorite novels of 2010
Largehearted Boy favorite novels of 2009
Largehearted Boy favorite novels of 2008
Largehearted Boy favorite novels of 2007
