I’m looking for books where you follow a character for most or all of their lifespan. Any genre!!! Examples I’ve liked so far: the Merlin trilogy by Mary Stewart (perfect! I love when it gets a little boring and detailed sometimes), Tull by Daniel Kehlman and Matrix by Lauren Groff. Doesn’t have to be medieval but bonus points if it is.
by nograpefruits97
9 Comments
Stoner by John Williams
East of Eden by Steinbeck
Two of my favourite books
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet comes to mind! and I’d even get bonus points lol
For straight up fantasy I’d say the Realm of the Elderlings series by Robin Hobb. A personal favorite but buckle up for 12 books of heart wrenching longing lol
The classics would be East of Eden and David Copperfield. For fantasy The Earthsea Cycle fits.
The World According to Garp
Two commonly recommended and incredible books both fit the bill:
Stoner – John Williams. It does gloss over childhood but does then saga his life from college life to old age.
East of Eden- Steinbeck. Goes in depth spanning multiple generations.
A Stone for Danny Fisher by Harold Robbins
Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory
Cyteen, by CJ Cherryh
Follows several main characters (2 primarily) over decades…
It won the Hugo Award… it’s a masterpiece.
So far in jane eyre that’s happening, only 1/3rd through though but it’s a great book
“Problematic” probably isn’t a strong enough word for Marion Zimmer Bradley, but if you are someone who can separate the art from the artist, her *Mists of Avalon* could be a perfect followup to the Merlin trilogy.