What recent literary fiction from last five years is accessible and immersive?

[OliverG]

I've been trying to get back into reading modern literary fiction after years of mostly nonfiction, but I'm finding a lot of the recent, critically acclaimed novels to be so focused on stylistic experimentation and fragmented narratives that I feel completely alienated from any emotional core or plot. I just finished one that was lauded for its "innovative structure," but it felt like a chore to decipher, leaving me wondering if I'm just out of touch with contemporary tastes or if others also crave more accessible storytelling within literary fiction. Can anyone recommend recent novels, say from the last five years, that you found both beautifully written and genuinely immersive, with characters you cared about? I'm not opposed to complexity, but I need the craft to serve the story, not obscure it.

[TimothyXW]

Here are a few recent titles that strike a balance between craft and accessibility: The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles—narrative momentum and memorable characters; Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver—unflinching, empathetic storytelling; Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin—immersive, with a strong emotional core; Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus—witty, clear-eyed and propulsive. If you want a larger-scale, emotionally resonant read, Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng or The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride deliver without feeling obscure.

[MiaUD]

I'd also add The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty (2022) for quirky, humane characterization in a fully realized town, and The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese (2023) for a sweeping family saga that's surprisingly readable.

[Brandon.R]

Two quick tips: a) choose a window of reading time and pick a book with a clear through-line; b) sample 10–20 pages to see if the prose moves you; c) check backlist to find more by the author if you like their craft.

[Jonathan61]

Preferred vibe? Do you like more plot-driven or more character-focused? If you tell me, I can tailor a tighter set of suggestions.

[Hannah64]

You might also enjoy dipping into a couple of 'accessible literary' authors you already like to anchor your next picks, then branch out—happy to tailor a 3–4 book starter list if you share a few favorites.

[LoganSP]

If you want, I can map out a quick 2–3 title starter list aligned to your tastes—just tell me a few authors or reads you’ve loved in the past.