The year 2024 was marked by the appearance of books that not only conquered the sales charts, but also left a deep impression on readers. From posthumous works by legendary authors to contemporary stories that explore human emotions, here is a selection of the most outstanding:
“Until August” by Gabriel García Márquez
The posthumous publication of Gabriel García Márquez was one of the most anticipated literary events of the year. “Until August” narrates the life of Ana Magdalena Bach, who annually visits her mother’s grave on a small Caribbean island. During these visits, she unveils a mosaic of emotions, memories and unexpected encounters that mix nostalgia with discovery. Although the novel remains unfinished, the author’s literary magic is still present, demonstrating why he is considered one of the great masters of universal narrative.
The “Blackwater” Saga by Michael McDowell
This novel, presented in six installments, spans half a century in the life of the Caskey family, an Alabama landowning dynasty whose life is far from ordinary. In their struggle to maintain power, the women of the family emerge as central figures, standing out for their cunning and determination. With an addictive narrative that combines intrigue, Machiavellian alliances and a touch of the supernatural, “Blackwater” offers a captivating portrait of a world ruled by family tensions and unbridled ambitions. Originally published in 1983, this saga has reemerged as a publishing phenomenon in 2024, winning over new readers with its blend of pulp and the sophistication of an HBO series.
“Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros
Fantasy literature also had its big moment in 2024 thanks to “Fourth Wing,” the first installment of the “Empyrean” saga. Rebecca Yarros transports readers to a world full of dragons, magic and strategic battles. The protagonist, Violet Sorrengail, is a young woman with an unbreakable will who must fight for her place in a world divided by war. With a fast-paced narrative and complex characters, this book has captured the hearts of fantasy lovers and promises to establish itself as a modern classic of the genre.
Joël Dicker’s “Un Animal Sauvage”
Swiss thriller master Joël Dicker is back with “Un Animal Sauvage,” a novel that begins with a daring heist at a jewelry store in Geneva. With his trademark style full of unexpected twists and turns, Dicker takes readers through a labyrinth of intrigue and mystery, while delving into human complexities. This work has reaffirmed his place as one of the current benchmarks of the crime novel, attracting both his regular fans and new readers.
“El celo” by Sabina Urraca
One of this year’s most unique gems was Sabina Urraca’s “El celo,” a visceral novel that explores the relationship between a woman and a dog she adopts by chance. As the dog enters a period of uncontrollable heat, her owner is confronted with a series of traumas related to a previous relationship.
Urraca weaves a raw and poetic portrait of frustrated desire, machismo, female guilt and the inherent animality of human beings. The protagonist, known simply as the Human, is trapped in an apathetic routine marked by dependence on anxiolytics. Her encounter with another woman in a therapy group introduces a new level of emotional complexity, making this novel a powerful testimony about domestication, fear as legacy and desire as an indomitable force.
“Bad Habit” by Alana S. Portero
Set in 1980s Madrid, Alana S. Portero’s “Bad Habit” follows the painful and slow path to self-acceptance of a trans woman. In the brutal and tender neighborhood of San Blas, Portero paints a portrait of unforgettable characters: beautiful, tragic men whose lives are devastated by violence and drugs, and strong, resilient women who care for each other. With rich, evocative prose, the novel explores themes of identity, grief and the struggle to find a place in the world, reaffirming Portero as one of the most promising voices in contemporary literature.
These books reflect the diversity and richness of contemporary literature. From fantastical worlds to deeply human portraits, 2024 left us with stories that will continue to resonate for a long time to come. If you’re looking for something new to read, these works are an unbeatable choice.
