The year of 2020 was horrible for most businesses. The book business was no exception. Interestingly enough, reading books has become one of the best ways to deal with the psychological problems most of us have started to experience during the pandemic. Luckily, the book business managed to hurry back to its normal speed. Here are the most exciting books of 2021 you should definitely add to your reading list. 

“Klara and the Sun” by Kazuo Ishiguro

Every new book by Kazuo Ishiguro always creates a buzz in the literary world. “Klara and Sun” was highly anticipated by many, especially considering the fact that it’s been six years since the last Ishiguro novel. “Klara and the Sun” is a dystopian science fiction novel which seems weirdly appropriate for the times we live in. 

So Klara is an Artificial Friend (or “AF”) – a sensitive and partially self-aware humanoid robot. She spends quite some time in the shop until Klara is befriended and subsequently bought by a teenage girl named Josie. The plot is set in a slightly altered America.

More and more processes have become automated which has made a lot of people redundant in their workplaces. The questions Kazuo Ishiguro asks are reminiscent of those asked in “Never Let Me Go” and deal with technology and its control over our lives. What makes us human? How do we differ from robots? Why is self-awareness so important? These are the questions you’ll be asking yourself as well while reading this book. 

Surprisingly, Kazuo Ishiguro states that his writing becomes more cheerful as he ages. Well, that’s for you to decide as the way you perceive a book depends on how grim your outlook on today’s events is. One thing is sure –  “Klara and the Sun” will be a fascinating read. 

“Libertie” by Kaitlyn Greenidge

You might have heard about Kaitlyn Greenidge after her novel “We Love You, Charlie Freeman” about a Black family that takes part in a psychological study came out with a bang. “Libertie” is not as fierce in terms of the subject-matter, yet it does not make it any less interesting to read. 

Libertie is a dark-skinned and free-born girl who lives in Brooklyn during the Civil War era. The plot revolves around the girl and her transformation from a college student to a young wife who later finds herself feeling like a stranger in Haiti and trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs. This book can also be viewed as historical fiction, so it will definitely be your cup of tea if you enjoy reading such stories. 

“The Copenhagen Trilogy” by Tove Ditlevsen

Even though Ditlevsen’s memories appeared in Danish in the late 60’s, this publication is in English and it has everything you want to know gathered in one place. The plot revolves around Ditlevsen’s young life in pre- and post-World War II Denmark as she was trying to make ends meet, get secretarial jobs and succeed in the field she was most interested in – writing. Luckily, Tove Ditlevsen’s dream became a reality and she rose to prominence.

In these memoirs, she is open and direct about everything – from abortions to life under the Nazi regime. The book will prove to be a fascinating read. Perhaps, even a discomforting charmer, if you will. 

“The Fourth Child” by Jessica Winter

The book tells the story of a family living in America during the time when the majority of middle class families experienced the joys of capitalism. However, that’s only the tip of an iceberg. What is also common for that time is having a husband who enjoyed getting drunk in a country club and got home to abuse his wife while many organizations (including pro-life ones) refused to believe any of this ws actually happening.

Jane Brennan is one of the main characters in the book. The story begins with her accidental pregnancy in the late 1970’s, and continues to portray her relationship with her husband she was forced to marry because of her pregnancy. Later on, the plot focuses on Jane’s relationship with her daughter and thickens and Jane decides to bring home one of the abandoned Romanian children from an orphanage.

Apart from all that, this is also a novel about faith – an elegant and well-written piece that does not trick you into either praising religion or condemning it. Therefore, conclusions made will be different depending on the reader.