I suppose when I say ‘modern’ I mean anything from the mid 20th century to the present day.
At some point in years to come, certain books will stand the test of time and continue to be commonly read, held above other novels as the best this century had to offer. What makes a book a classic? My guess would be the impact it has had and the overall quality of its writing. But it’s probably quite subjective!
One book that springs to mind is Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy. It’s just unlike anything else I’ve read, with some beautiful visions of the American landscape contrasted with brutal depictions of the worst humanity has to offer.
If America could ever get it’s head out of it’s ass about race, James Baldwin will sit in the pantheon of great American writers next to Twain, Steinbeck, and Hemingway.
Is there a particular book you’d recommend by him? I’ve come across Giovanni’s Room before but never got round to reading it.