The top 10 books of the 21st century according to the New York Times

Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend was chosen by 503 writers as the best book of the 21st century thanks to its ability to intertwine complex themes with a compelling and engaging narrative

The New York Times recently asked literary luminaries, including Stephen King and James Patterson, to identify the best book published from January 1, 2000, to the present. At the top of the list is an Italian masterpiece: My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante.

This novel, the first in a four-part series that explores the intense friendship between two girls, Lila and Lenù, in a poor neighborhood of Naples, was selected by 503 writers as the best book of the 21st century. The novel has been praised for its ability to weave complex themes such as art, politics, social class, and gender into a captivating and engaging narrative.

The story, which follows the protagonists from childhood to adulthood, is characterized by profound and sincere writing that delves into the intricate dynamics of a friendship full of conflicts and competition. This recognition from the New York Times further crowns the success of Ferrante, who is already highly acclaimed, particularly in Italy.

A deep and authentic portrait of italian society

The success of My Brilliant Friend was amplified by its television adaptation produced by HBO. The series, largely acted in the Neapolitan dialect, has further solidified the international fame of the author, despite her identity remaining shrouded in mystery.

The importance of My Brilliant Friend in the contemporary literary landscape was underscored by the New York Times, which called it a prime example of autofiction, a genre that has dominated 21st-century literature.

The novel has not only captured attention for its dense and emotionally rich narrative but has also offered a deep and authentic portrait of Italian society through the eyes of its two protagonists, making a significant contribution to world literature.

The top 10 books on the list

Below are the top 10 books on the list:

1. My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
2. The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
3. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
4. The Known World by Edward P. Jones
5. The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
6. 2666 by Roberto Bolaño
7. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
8. Austerlitz by W.G. Sebald
9. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
10. Gilead by Marilynne Robinson

Source: New York Times