5 Must-Read Fiction Books

recommended by Başar Atıcı

  • 1

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    As I Lay Dying
    by William Faulkner

    Every now and then you hear about good books but most of them does not meet your expectations. But here comes Faulkner. The distinct narrative that ravaged the 20th century literary scene. In every single country, there is at least one author that emulates him.

  • 2

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    Demirciler Çarşısı Cinayeti: Akçasazın Ağaları 1
    by Yaşar Kemal

    Yaşar Kemal is probably the best author you never read. And English translation of this novel, Murder in the Ironsmiths Market must surely be out of print. Think about an Anatolian vendetta story told in a Sisyphos like Tarkovskian imagination. I know it is hard to do so, but you have to read it to witness the grandeur of storytelling.

  • 3

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    Old Masters: A Comedy
    by Thomas Bernhard

    The finest example of plotless narratives. A direct assault on every mediocrity. In an unprecedented style.

  • 4

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    The Black Book
    by Orhan Pamuk

    If one of the descriptions of postmodern novel is bringing together different narratives, The Black Book could represent it at the highest order. And the best part is, as the narratives get tangled you face one of the bleakest, most interesting plots; a man's search for his missing wife turning into his own loss of identity and the meaning of his existence.

  • 5

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    Ficciones
    by Jorge Luis Borges

    Borges warps one's perception of reality. His mastery on the other hand, that he does in a way that cannot be categorized under fantasy genre. He is unique and Ficciones is the peak of his accomplishment.

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