7 Fiction Books I Enjoyed (2024)
Sci-fi, romance, thrillers and more
Hi there,
I wrote a non-fiction book recommendations article last week. A record-breaking 2 people told me they’d buy one of the books I’d recommended, which is a major high.
So building on that success, I also decided to do a fiction list.
Fiction is easier to read, adds so many new perspectives, and is an easier on-ramp into the miraculous world of reading. That’s why, I’d urge you to share this with a friend with the hope that they become a reader.
Here are 7 books I enjoyed this year:
The Financier: This is a book that I read about in some economics/finance books- perhaps mentioned to touch upon the perils of reckless capitalism and the ruthless pursuit of business interests. This is what I like to call “finance fiction” (or business fiction), and it’s based in 1870s America. It’s the story of the rise and fall of an intelligent and ambitious businessman who’ll stop at nothing to build his empire. The character development in this one is off the charts. Touching upon themes of greed, capitalist excesses, and moral ambiguity, this book is as relevant today as it was at the time of writing. Another fun parallel is that it was set in an era that experienced the railway boom- which is very similar to the AI boom (and the attendant financial madness) we’re seeing today. But this is a long one and isn’t very fast-paced- you’ve been warned.
Homegoing: Written by a Ghanaian author, this is a beautiful piece of historical fiction that starts with 2 separated sisters—one marries a British officer and lives in a castle, while the other is enslaved and sent to America. Through the generations, their descendants tell a harrowing story of slavery, colonialism, and resilience. The novel’s unusual structure keeps you hooked, weaving personal and historical threads into an unforgettable tapestry. I felt a deep sense of compassion for Blacks, to know what they’ve been through. You can read a bunch of history books on Ghana- or you can pick up this masterpiece by Yaa Gyasi to learn about people’s real-life experiences.
A Rising Man: I’m a sucker for thrillers, and this is the best one I’ve read in 2024. It’s a deeply atmospheric read set in the 1920s Calcutta. A Brit detective investigates a murder, and his pursuit of the truth exposes the deep, dark underbelly of the British Raj. What I loved about this book is the vivid picture it painted- it almost feels like you’re transported to the Calcutta of 100 years ago. Another thing is the philosophical themes explored- the pretensions of British moral superiority (that upholds the foundations of the Raj), and the debate surrounding the use of violent methods to achieve freedom. The writing was so terrific that, for a change, I didn’t even care about the twist at the end (which, btw, was quite amazing).
Strangers On A Train: A mystery written by the famed Patricia Highsmith, this is a particularly sinister book that explores what folie a deux (shared psychosis) looks like, and how the 2 lead characters plot a murder. It’s a particularly disturbing piece of noir fiction that’s hard to put down as you watch the main character’s mental life descend into utter chaos (much against the reader’s desires). Unusual and a classic for a reason.
Second Foundation: Isaac Asimov’s Foundation is one of the best sci-fi series of all time (I mentioned Part 2 in another list- check that one out too). I read the 3rd part of this famous trilogy and it was an absolute banger, exploring philosophical themes about the future of civilization while couching it in a fast-paced, geopolitical subterfuge and spycraft-driven narrative. Just read the 1st book if you haven’t tried this series and enter the wonderful world of Asimov.
Ghachar Ghochar: Written by an author who’s been dubbed the Indian Chekhov, this was a short and gripping book that follows the internal issues of an Indian family as they negotiate with a sudden increase in their riches. This book is about what wealth does, the moral corruption that often follows, and the clashes in a family when the values of new members differ from what’s considered the norm. The best part is that the book’s ending is ambiguous- and leaves the reader with more questions than answers.
The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo: I like to throw in a few romance reads into my list every year, and this one didn’t disappoint. Why did the famous, voluptuous actress Evelny Hugo go through so many divorces? And why did she appoint an obscure writer to do her biography? The reader gets some very satisfying answers by the end (and it almost feels like a mystery book), but not without enjoying some intense Hollywood gossip and a peek into the wild, and often unsavory existence of mega-celebrities.
That’s it, friends. What are your favorite fiction books from 2024? Respond to the email, I’d love to know! And if you liked this list, please pass it on to a friend because the world certainly needs more readers.
I absolutely loved Ghachar Ghochar when I read it, so simple yet impactful.