New England, a region steeped in history and natural beauty, has long been a fertile ground for literary talent. From the transcendental musings of the 19th century to the contemporary narratives of today, the area has produced some of the most celebrated authors in American literature. As we approach 2025, diving into these works offers a chance to connect with the region’s soul and explore the themes that continue to resonate with readers today. Here are 11 essential books by New England authors to add to your reading list.
Classics That Define a Region
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women (1868-69) remains a timeless classic. Set in Concord, Massachusetts, it follows the lives of the March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy – as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and womanhood during the Civil War era. Alcott’s novel beautifully captures the warmth of family relationships, the struggles of personal ambition, and the complexities of growing up. It’s a poignant and enduring story that continues to captivate readers of all ages. The novel’s themes of independence, love, and the importance of family make it as relevant today as it was in the 19th century.
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter (1850), set in Puritan Boston, is a powerful exploration of sin, guilt, and redemption. The story centers around Hester Prynne, who is publicly shamed for adultery and forced to wear a scarlet “A.” Hawthorne’s prose is both elegant and haunting, delving into the psychological toll of social ostracism and the hypocrisy of a rigid moral code. It is a cornerstone of American literature and a profound reflection on the nature of sin and human nature.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
Herman Melville’s Moby Dick (1851), while not solely set in New England, is deeply rooted in the region’s maritime history. This epic tale of Captain Ahab’s obsessive quest to hunt down the white whale, Moby Dick, is both an adventure story and a philosophical allegory. Melville’s masterful prose, combined with his detailed descriptions of whaling life, makes this novel a monumental achievement in American literature. The novel is an exploration of good vs. evil, obsession, and man’s struggle with nature.
Modern Voices of New England
The Cider House Rules by John Irving
John Irving’s The Cider House Rules (1985) is a sprawling novel that explores themes of family, abortion, and personal responsibility. Set in rural Maine, the story revolves around Homer Wells, an orphan raised by Dr. Wilbur Larch, who runs an orphanage and performs abortions. Irving’s writing is characterized by its humor, pathos, and meticulous attention to detail, creating characters that are both memorable and deeply human. It is a thought-provoking exploration of morality and ethics.
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane
Dennis Lehane’s Mystic River (2001) is a dark and suspenseful thriller set in a working-class neighborhood of Boston. The story follows three childhood friends who are brought back together by a tragedy, forcing them to confront their pasts. Lehane’s gritty prose and masterful plotting create a powerful exploration of trauma, guilt, and the long shadows cast by childhood experiences. The novel delves into how the past can come back to haunt people.
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Elizabeth Strout’s Olive Kitteridge (2008), a collection of interconnected short stories set in a small coastal town in Maine, offers a nuanced portrait of the complexities of life. Through the eyes of Olive, a retired schoolteacher, Strout explores the lives of the people in her community, revealing their hopes, fears, and struggles. Strout’s writing is characterized by its empathy and keen observation of human nature, making this a compelling and deeply moving read.
Contemporary New England Narratives
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
While Oyinkan Braithwaite is not a New England native, this book made waves when it was published in 2018 because the author attended university in the region, in fact at Babson College in Massachusetts. My Sister, the Serial Killer is a darkly humorous and gripping thriller about two sisters in Lagos, Nigeria. The story follows Korede, a nurse, who constantly has to clean up after her beautiful and charismatic younger sister, Ayoola, who has a habit of killing her boyfriends. This book is a compelling read that explores themes of family loyalty, morality, and the lengths we go to for those we love.
The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
Chad Harbach’s The Art of Fielding (2011) is a sweeping novel that explores the lives of a group of college baseball players at a small liberal arts college in Wisconsin. Although not strictly set in New England, Harbach’s depiction of the close-knit, intellectual environment of a small college is a familiar one to the region. The story is centered around Henry Skrimshander, a talented shortstop whose life is thrown off course by a single error, the novel delves into themes of ambition, failure, love, and the pursuit of excellence. It’s a beautifully written and emotionally resonant read.
Here for It: Or, How to Save Your Soul in America by R. Eric Thomas
R. Eric Thomas, a playwright and humorist, brings his sharp wit and keen observations to the essay form with Here for It: Or, How to Save Your Soul in America (2020). This collection of essays explores the experiences of being Black, gay, and a millennial in America. Though Thomas has lived in various places, he has spent considerable time in New England, bringing an interesting lens to the region through his work. The collection is both hilarious and heartbreaking, offering profound insights into identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam
Rumaan Alam’s Leave the World Behind (2020) is a suspenseful and thought-provoking novel set in a remote area of Long Island, New York, which could be considered part of the greater New England area in spirit. The story follows two families who are forced to confront a mysterious blackout and the breakdown of society as they know it. Alam’s writing is both unsettling and immersive, exploring themes of race, class, and the fragility of our modern world. It is a timely and captivating read.
Matrix by Lauren Groff
Lauren Groff’s Matrix (2021) is a historical fiction novel set in 12th-century England, focusing on Marie de France, a young woman banished from the royal court and sent to be the prioress of an abbey. Groff, who currently resides in New England, has crafted a vivid, atmospheric story that explores themes of power, faith, and female ambition. Matrix is a captivating tale that blends historical detail with a compelling exploration of women’s roles and inner lives. It’s a captivating read.
These eleven books, spanning different genres and eras, offer a rich tapestry of New England’s literary landscape. They invite readers to explore the region’s history, grapple with its complex issues, and connect with its diverse voices. As we approach 2025, these literary gems provide not only an escape but also a deeper understanding of the world around us.
