The 2024 National Book Award for Fiction shortlist has generated significant buzz, highlighting the diverse voices and unique narratives within contemporary literature. The award celebrates the literary community that contributes to the richness of American storytelling. Since 1987, the awards have been administered and presented by the National Book Foundation, but they are awards "by writers to writers.”
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
In Kaveh Akbar’s Martyr!, Cyrus Shams, a newly sober orphan of Iranian immigrants, embarks on a journey to uncover a family secret. Guided by the voices of artists, poets, and kings, he discovers a terminally ill painter in the Brooklyn Museum, unraveling the mysteries of his past. With a mother lost to a tragic accident and a father confined to a factory job, Cyrus grapples with his inheritance of violence and loss. His obsession with martyrs leads him to explore his uncle’s haunting legacy and a painting that suggests his mother may not have been who she appeared. Electrifying and original, Martyr! celebrates our quest for meaning in faith, art, and human connection.
Grassroots by Pemi Aguda
In her debut collection, Pemi Aguda reimagines Lagos as a spectral city where characters struggle to break free from ancestral ties. The twelve stories begin with a chilling tale of a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to her deceased grandmother, raising the question of whether evil is hereditary. Aguda’s narratives explore the everyday against a backdrop of supernatural menace. In “Breastmilk,” a new mother’s lactation issues take on eerie significance, while “24, Alhaji Williams Street” depicts a mysterious disease wreaking havoc. “The Hollow” follows an architect who encounters a vengeful house. Evocative and strange, these stories blend speculative elements with rich human emotions, capturing the complexities of longing, fear, and delight in the human experience.
All Fours by Miranda July
All Fours is an irreverently sexy and surprisingly tender novel about a woman reinventing her life. A semi-famous artist sets out on a cross-country drive from LA to New York. Just twenty minutes after leaving her husband and child, she impulsively exits the freeway, checks into a motel, and begins a temporary transformation that leads to an unexpected journey. Miranda July's second novel showcases her unique storytelling style, blending humor, curiosity about intimacy, and a boldness that pushes boundaries. The story follows one woman's quest for freedom, exploring the complexities of her sexual, romantic, and domestic life as a 45-year-old artist. With her characteristic wit and fresh perspective, July transforms the familiar into something new and vibrantly alive.
My Friends by Hisham Mater
My Friends is a poignant exploration of how time tests the bonds of friendship and family, showcasing an author at the peak of his powers.In Benghazi, young Khaled is transformed by a bizarre radio story about a man eaten by a cat, written by the enigmatic Hosam Zowa. This obsession leads him to the University of Edinburgh, where he experiences a new world. After witnessing a protest against the Qaddafi regime turn tragic, Khaled is injured and unable to return home, fearing for his family’s safety. A chance meeting with Hosam Zowa sparks a deep friendship that sustains him. As the Arab Spring erupts, Khaled confronts the tensions between revolution and safety, family and exile.
James by Percival Everett
This brilliant, action-packed reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn offers a harrowing yet fiercely funny perspective from the enslaved Jim. When Jim learns he’s about to be sold and separated from his family, he hides on Jackson Island to devise a plan. Meanwhile, Huck Finn, having faked his death to escape his abusive father, embarks on a dangerous journey down the Mississippi River. While retaining key elements from the original, including floods, unexpected treasures, and encounters with con artists, this retelling highlights Jim's agency, intelligence, and compassion in a fresh light.
Words Platform Desk
Date 03.10.2024