What's the best novel of the last 25 years?

19 years ago

The Observer asked 150 literary people. It seems it's Disgrace by J M Coetzee.

So there you go.

Can't say I have any time for the one they placed second, though - Money by Martin Amis.

And I'm impressed that Ishiguro has two in the top ten, but I'm astonished that The Unconsoled is reckoned to be his best.

And "Best Novel" apparently means "Best non-US novel..."

Here is a link that might be useful: Best novels of the last 25 years.

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Comments (6)

woodnymph2_gw
19 years ago
I found this list very interesting. I was happy to see some of my favorites mentioned: McEwan, Coetzee, Byatt, Atwood, and others. I'm the only person I've ever met who did not like Fitzgerald's The Blue Flower. I could not understand what all the fanfare was about. Very sorry to see that W.G. Sebald did not garner much praise. The late author is way up at the top with me-- loved all 4 books by him I've read.
cindydavid4
19 years ago
>It seems it's Disgrace by J M Coetzee.

Definitely not in my book (sorry). Tried to read it twice for a book group. Didn't take.

I hate those contests anyway. The best novel of the last 25 years is in the eye of the reader. Silly, really.
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agnespuffin
19 years ago
hmmmmm, maybe it says something about me, but the only one that I have read is the Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. As much as I enjoyed it, I certainly hope that it isn't really considered one of the best. If so, then it doesn't say much for the mind set of these "judges."
cjoseph
19 years ago
The New York Times conducted a poll last May of about 200 literati for the best American novel of the last 25 years. Beloved by Toni Morrison was the top choice. Novels by Don DeLillo and John Updike were runners-up.
carolyn_ky
19 years ago
I haven't read the majority of the list, but I absolutely loved A Far Cry from Kensington; and I absolutely hated Beloved. Vive la difference!
cjoseph
19 years ago
Sorry, Martin, I posted that before clicking on your link. Teachs me about posting too fast.

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What's the best novel of the last 25 years?

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