Depicting broad movements that emerged during the post-World War II condition, postmodern novels are known for their characteristic deviation from tradition, reflecting an era of unreliable narrators portraying fragmented narratives. Blurring the lines between fiction and reality, here are 10 gripping novels that encapsulate the signature postmodern paradoxes, dark humor, and nonsensical storytelling.
- The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
Written by Franz Kafka, whose writings are famous for being linked to existentialist theory, The Metamorphosis follows the story of a man who wakes up to find himself transformed into a beetle. Grappling with the crippling themes of isolation and loss of humanity, the novel—one of his most famous—is an exploration of identity and a profound examination of the human condition.
- The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera
Written in 1984, Kundera’s novel examines the intertwined lives of two women, two men, and a dog. Set against the backdrop of spring in Prague, the novel was initially written in Czech before being translated into English. A meditation on existence, the narrative is a beautiful exploration of the complex nature of human relationships, making it a worthy addition to any TBR (To-Be-Read) list.
- As I Lay Dying, by William Faulkner
Imparting the story of the death of Addie Bundren, this Southern Gothic novel is a harrowing tale of her family’s fulfillment of her last wish. With a total of fifteen different narrators spread across its 59 chapters, Faulkner impressively conveys the postmodern spirits of existentialism, death, and familial relationships, arguably making it one of the most significant works of the 20th century.
- Labyrinths by Jorge Luis Borges
A collection of short stories, essays, and parables, this book contains a unique writing style that pens down a blend of detective fiction, magic realism, and philosophy. Most often portraying its protagonists, who are trapped in metaphysical, surreal worlds, Borges presents an intricate portrayal of parallel universes and the rapidly blurring lines between what is real and what are illusions.
- A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
Set in a slightly futuristic society, A Clockwork Orange is a satirical black comedy novel about the violent nature of its youth subculture. The story revolves around Alex and his gang, who engage in assault and robbery before being arrested and subjected to a ‘cure’ of psychological experimentation. An exploration of free will and the nature of evil, this novel is a must-read for readers who are intrigued by dystopian fiction.
- Steppenwolf, by Hermann Hesse
Staying true to the postcolonial spirit of transformation, Steppenwolf is a battle faced by a middle-aged man who is torn between his humanistic self and primitive instincts. Exploiting themes such as transformation and self-discovery, Hesse’s masterpiece takes readers into the protagonist’s surreal hallucinations while exploring the subconscious and the meaning of life.
- The Counterfeiters by André Gide
This narrative follows a group of friends in Paris and focuses on a series of counterfeit coins. Renowned for its non-linear structure and its foray into metafiction, this intricate novel is an exploration of authenticity, personal struggles, and self-discovery.
- The Book of Disquiet by Fernando Pessoa
Diving into the thoughts of a discontent man who dreams of escaping mundane life, The Book of Disquiet was published posthumously and consists of the musings of a solitary bookkeeper in Lisbon. A profound reflection of humanity and solitude, this poetic, introspective novel is an intriguing pick for existentialist readers.
- If on a Winter’s Night a Traveller by Italo Calvino
Condensed with the beginnings of ten different novels, this narrative centers around a person attempting to read a novel through various obstacles, including interruptions caused by other characters, as well as the book’s own printing errors. An exploration of reading, writing, and the nature of narrative, Calvino’s work is a genius, chaotic, fourth-wall-breaking, preposterous read that will hurl unsuspecting readers into a labyrinth.
- Notes from the Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Dostoevsky’s novel, one of the most renowned works in postmodern and existential literature, is a series of contradictory monologues and ramblings by a bitter unnamed protagonist. An attack on determinism, Notes from the Underground is an unsettling confessional that delves deep into the darker aspects of human consciousness.
