So much has been written about New York that the city has become an overused setting in literary works. As a resident of the famed city, I am always in awe of the new things I discover every day. When it comes to novels, my city has served as a fitting backdrop for many stories. Let me share with you some of my favorite books set in the Big Apple:
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The Great Gatsby (1925) by F. Scott Fitzgerald
An American classic, this novel is a fitting tribute to the whimsical 1920s. Lavish, controversial, full of mystery, and burning with passion, the story truly illustrated the ups and the downs of the American Dream. Set in Long Island's fictional East and West Egg, Fitzgerald has blazed the trail for writers who want to explore narratives on the extravagant life.
A Visit from the Goon Squad (2011) by Jennifer Egan
While the interrelated stories also take place in different settings, I don't think the narrative will be as gripping if the New York element was left out. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel explored the many characters' complex thoughts, dreams, and experiences through different timelines. It's pretty difficult to explain, but it's really worth your time. People say it's a collection of stories, but if you're a world-builder like me, you might also consider this a novel.
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Open City (2011) by Teju Cole
Set in Manhattan, Teju Cole's debut novel is about a medical student wandering the city he finds strange. While it describes the city in detail, some people might find the defamiliarization disarming. I enjoyed the author's description of what goes on in the city and in his character's lives. Though at times strange, this take on life in the concrete jungle can hit too close to home.
Have you read any of these books? What's your favorite novel set in New York?
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