The best 36 Modernism books

Ulysses (1922) is a modernist novel that unfolds over the course of a single day in Dublin on June 16, 1904. The narrative follows two young men as they navigate the city and encounter a diverse array of characters and situations. Through its intricate narrative structures and literary styles, the novel explores themes of identity, consciousness, and the complexities of the human experience.

Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937) is a defining work in African-American and feminist literature. It explores love, independence, and identity through the eyes of a Black woman in the rural American South.

As I Lay Dying (1930) centers on the arduous journey of the Bundren family to bury their mother, Addie, in her hometown. The story’s uniqueness lies in its delivery through the perspectives of fifteen different characters, subtly unraveling the family’s complex dynamics and individual struggles. 

'Waiting for Godot' by Samuel Beckett is a timeless classic that delves into the themes of existentialism, the meaning of life, and the concept of waiting. Through the absurd and thought-provoking conversations between its main characters, Estragon and Vladimir, the play challenges our perceptions and invites us to reflect on the human condition.

Kehinde Wiley by Eugenie Tsai and Connie H. Choi is a comprehensive exploration of the renowned contemporary artist's work. Filled with stunning images of his vibrant, large-scale paintings, the book delves into Wiley's unique blend of art history, culture, and identity, offering readers a deeper understanding of his thought-provoking creations.

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison tells the story of a nameless African American man who navigates through a world where he feels unseen and unheard. The novel explores themes of identity, race, and societal expectations, offering a powerful commentary on the realities of life for black Americans in the early 20th century.

Lolita is a novel by Vladimir Nabokov that delves into the controversial and taboo topic of a middle-aged man's obsession with a twelve-year-old girl. Through beautiful prose and intricate storytelling, Nabokov challenges the reader to confront their own moral boundaries and raises questions about the nature of love, desire, and the power dynamics in relationships.

Brideshead Revisited is a captivating novel by Evelyn Waugh that delves into themes of love, faith, and the decline of the British aristocracy. Set in the interwar period, it follows the story of Charles Ryder and his complex relationships with the aristocratic Flyte family. Through rich prose and intricate character development, the book offers a poignant exploration of nostalgia and the passage of time.

The Waves (1931) by Virginia Woolf is a modernist novel that explores the interconnected lives of six characters through their inner thoughts and reflections. Through a series of soliloquies, the novel delves into themes of identity, time, and the passage of life, creating a unique and experimental narrative that challenges traditional storytelling.

Tender Is the Night is a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald that delves into the complexities of love, marriage, and mental illness. Set in the 1920s on the French Riviera, it follows the lives of a wealthy American couple and the impact of their deteriorating relationship on those around them. Through beautiful prose and intricate storytelling, Fitzgerald explores the dark side of the American Dream.

The Collected Stories of Katherine Mansfield brings together the complete works of one of the most influential short story writers of the 20th century. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human nature, Mansfield delves into the complexities of everyday life, relationships, and the inner thoughts of her characters. This collection offers a captivating exploration of the human experience and showcases Mansfield's unparalleled storytelling prowess.

The Book of Disquiet (1982) by Fernando Pessoa, translated by Richard Zenith, is a thought-provoking collection of fragmentary writings that delves into the inner musings and reflections of a solitary bookkeeper named Bernardo Soares. Throughout the book, Soares grapples with themes of existentialism, identity, and the complexities of the human experience, offering profound insights and challenging the reader to contemplate the nature of life itself.

Mrs. Dalloway (1925) is a novel by Virginia Woolf that takes place over the course of a single day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, a high-society woman in post-World War I England. Through a stream-of-consciousness narrative, the book delves into the inner thoughts and emotions of its characters, exploring themes of time, memory, and the complexities of human experience.

Jacob's Room is a novel by Virginia Woolf that delves into the life of Jacob Flanders, a young man whose existence is pieced together through the perspectives of those around him. Through its experimental narrative and stream-of-consciousness style, the book explores themes of identity, loss, and the passage of time. This annotated edition provides valuable insights and analysis to enhance the reader's understanding of Woolf's groundbreaking work.

Death in Venice and Other Stories by Thomas Mann is a collection of captivating short stories that delve into the complexities of human nature. The titular story follows a renowned writer who becomes infatuated with a young boy during a visit to Venice, exploring themes of obsession, beauty, and decay. The other stories in the book also offer profound insights into the human psyche, making it a thought-provoking read.

Maurice is a novel by E. M. Forster that tells the story of Maurice Hall, a young man who grapples with his homosexuality in the stifling social norms of early 20th century England. It explores themes of love, identity, and societal expectations, and offers a poignant portrayal of one man's journey towards self-acceptance and fulfillment.

The Old Man and the Sea, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Ernest Hemingway tells the story of an aging Cuban fisherman named Santiago, who struggles with a giant marlin in the Gulf Stream. Filled with themes of struggle, resilience, and the nature of mankind, it is a timeless classic that explores the relationship between man and the natural world.

Pale Fire is a novel by Vladimir Nabokov that takes the form of a 999-line poem written by a fictional poet, John Shade. The poem is accompanied by a foreword, commentary, and index written by Shade's eccentric neighbor, Charles Kinbote. As Kinbote delves into his own interpretations of the poem, the novel becomes a complex and intriguing exploration of identity, delusion, and the nature of art.

Absalom, Absalom! is a classic novel by William Faulkner that delves into the complexities of the American South. Through multiple narrators and a non-linear storyline, the book unravels the dark secrets and tragedies of the Sutpen family. It examines themes of race, identity, and the destructive nature of obsession, making it a thought-provoking and challenging read.

Collected Poems, 1909-1962 is a comprehensive collection of T.S. Eliot's poetic works. Spanning over five decades, this book showcases Eliot's mastery of language and form, as well as his exploration of complex themes such as love, spirituality, and the human condition. From his early groundbreaking poems to his later reflective pieces, this anthology offers a profound insight into one of the most influential poets of the 20th century.

The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas is actually a memoir written by Gertrude Stein, not Alice B. Toklas. Published in 1933, it offers a unique perspective on the lives of Stein and Toklas, as Stein recounts their time together in Paris and their interactions with famous artists and writers of the early 20th century.

Set in England on the eve of World War II, Between the Acts delves into the lives and thoughts of a group of characters gathered for a country house play. Through introspective musings and subtle observations, Virginia Woolf explores themes of time, change, and the human experience.

The Voyage Out by Virginia Woolf follows a group of English travelers on a sea voyage to South America. As they navigate the waters, they grapple with personal and societal expectations, finding themselves entangled in complex relationships and inner turmoil. This introspective novel delves into themes of freedom, self-discovery, and the constraints of gender and class in the early 20th century.

Zeno's Conscience is a novel by Italo Svevo that delves into the inner thoughts and reflections of the protagonist, Zeno Cosini. Through a series of journal entries, Zeno explores his life, his relationships, and his struggles with addiction. The book offers a unique and introspective look at human nature and the complexities of the human mind.

For Whom the Bell Tolls is a novel by Ernest Hemingway that takes place during the Spanish Civil War. It follows the story of an American protagonist, Robert Jordan, who is fighting for the Republican side. The book explores themes of love, honor, and the futility of war, and is known for its powerful and evocative writing style.

The Beautiful and Damned is a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald that delves into the lives of a wealthy couple, Anthony and Gloria Patch, as they navigate the glittering and destructive world of 1920s New York. It explores themes of love, ambition, and the corrupting influence of wealth, offering a poignant commentary on the American Dream.

Absalom, Absalom! is a novel by William Faulkner that delves into the complex history of the American South. Through multiple narrators and a non-linear narrative, the book explores the rise and fall of Thomas Sutpen, a wealthy plantation owner, and the impact of his actions on his family and the community. It delves into themes of race, class, and family legacy, offering a thought-provoking and challenging read.

Between the Acts is a thought-provoking novel by Virginia Woolf that delves into the themes of time, change, and the power of art. Set in a rural English village on the brink of World War II, the book explores the lives and inner thoughts of its characters as they prepare for a traditional summer pageant. Through Woolf's unique narrative style, the novel offers a profound reflection on the passage of time and the interconnectedness of human experiences.

Collected Poems, 1909-1962 by T. S. Eliot is a comprehensive collection of the renowned poet's work. From his early, groundbreaking poems such as "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" to his later, more reflective pieces like Four Quartets, this book offers a journey through the evolution of Eliot's poetic style and themes.

Death in Venice and Other Stories is a collection of captivating tales by Thomas Mann. The titular story follows Gustav von Aschenbach, a renowned writer who becomes infatuated with a young boy during a trip to Venice. Aschenbach's obsession leads to his own downfall, exploring themes of beauty, desire, and the fragility of life. The other stories in the collection delve into complex characters and thought-provoking themes, showcasing Mann's mastery of storytelling.

Jacob's Room is a novel by Virginia Woolf that delves into the life of Jacob Flanders, a young man whose existence is pieced together through the perspectives of those around him. Set in the early 20th century, the book explores themes of identity, loss, and the passage of time, all while showcasing Woolf's unique and innovative narrative style.

Kehinde Wiley by Connie H. Choi delves into the captivating work of the renowned artist. Through stunning visuals and insightful analysis, the book explores Wiley's unique approach to portraiture, his exploration of identity and power, and his reimagining of art history. It offers a comprehensive look at the career of this influential contemporary artist.

Pale Fire by Vladimir Nabokov is a unique and complex novel presented in the form of a 999-line poem written by a fictional poet, John Shade, and a commentary on the poem by an eccentric critic, Charles Kinbote. It delves into themes of obsession, delusion, and the subjective nature of reality, challenging the reader to question the reliability of the narrator and unravel the layers of the narrative.

The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas is a unique memoir written by Gertrude Stein in the voice of her life partner, Alice B. Toklas. Through Toklas's perspective, Stein provides an intimate and entertaining account of their life together in Paris, surrounded by influential artists and writers such as Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the avant-garde art scene of the early 20th century.

The Collected Stories of Katherine Mansfield brings together the works of one of the most influential short story writers of the 20th century. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human emotions, Mansfield delves into the complexities of everyday life, offering profound insights and captivating narratives. From tales of love and loss to explorations of class and societal norms, this collection showcases the brilliance of Mansfield's storytelling.

The Voyage Out is a novel by Virginia Woolf that follows a young woman named Rachel Vinrace as she embarks on a journey to South America. Through Rachel's experiences, the book explores themes of freedom, self-discovery, and the constraints of society. It is a thought-provoking and beautifully written work that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the search for meaning in life.