August’s Best Reviewed Fiction

In August, three highly acclaimed fiction titles stood out among the best reviewed books: Chang-Rae Lee's A Tender Age, Téa Obreht's Sunrise, and Paul Yoon's Etna. All three novels received rave reviews, with critics praising their masterful storytelling, intricate narratives, and profound themes.

A Tender Age, written by Chang Rae-Lee, is described as luminous and offering brilliant opportunities for interpretation. Terry Hong from Shelf Awareness commends Lee's ability to shroud the events of a life-altering moment, inviting readers to ponder and interpret the story's implications. The book received an impressive 11 rave reviews.

Téa Obreht's Sunrise also received widespread acclaim. Donna Seaman from Booklist highlights Obreht's skill in exploring themes of gender, taboo love, mythology, history, and the desecration of the wild through riveting time frames. Sunrise garnered 10 rave reviews, further solidifying its position as a standout novel of the month.

Paul Yoon's Etna, reviewed by Rachel Vorona Cote in The Atlantic, showcases the novel's epic shape despite its compact size. Cote praises Etna for its wrenching narrative, detailing broken bodies, while maintaining faith in the power of creaturely communion, grief, and longing. The novel received 8 rave reviews, with critics acknowledging its ability to convey atrocities without overwhelming its exploration of humanity's capacity for connection and self-discovery.

Lastly, Claudia Rankine's Triage was recognized for its colorfully referential, and intellectually dynamic nature. Walton Muyumba from The Boston Globe appreciates Rankine's call to confront the failure in prioritizing Gazans and reckon with the massive personal, ethical, and human losses resulting from the conflict. Triage earned 4 rave reviews, combining glossy page design with art exhibition-worthy content that demands readers confront their own failings.