Lit Watch: Great Novels Set in NYC
Having been a haven for writers for as long as anyone can remember, it's no surprise that New York City has been the backdrop of thousands of novels penned in the last 100+ years. From beloved classics like Betty Smith's A Tree Grows in Brooklyn to more modern titles like Teju Cole's Open City, readers of all ages and tastes have countless avenues available to them if they're looking to take a fictional tour of the Naked City.
On that note, here are a couple of my favorite books set in NYC...
Bee Season by Myla Goldberg
A beautifully written debut novel which lyrically depicts the experiences of nine-year-old Eliza Naumann and her relation to her unusual family as she climbs a competitive ladder toward prodigious success as a national spelling bee champion. A simple premise, perhaps, but this is a truly unique and emotional read.
The Alienist by Caleb Carr
Historic fiction at its best, this book is a dark window into the world of a serial killer and the psychologist, detectives and crime reporter determined to stop him from terrorizing the youth of 19th century New York. Fans of Sherlock Holmes will particularly enjoy this one. It's bloody at times, but impossible to stop reading once you've started.
Photo courtesy of wikipedia.org.
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