I'm looking for genre fiction (specifically mystery fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, action/adventure) that put a lot of emphasis on character dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and character interactions. I appreciate when a book gives a good amount of breathing room to getting to know characters and their relationships. I love vivid characters and tropes such as found family.
I'd like to find a novel that is on the slow side so that there is enough room to really dive into character dynamics and see the characters getting to know each other and growing closer over time. This might be called filler or slice-of-life, but I'm not necessarily looking for something cozy. Stuff with more serious or even horror themes is welcome too.
I'm not a fan of comedy/parody or contemporary fiction about average life, but most books that fall into the "genre fiction" category would be okay.
by zephrry
3 Comments
The Flower Sisters by Michelle Collin’s Anderson is historical fiction that explores the character development and dynamics of twin sisters and their daughter and grand daughter in the late 20s and the late 70s.
Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin
Some sci fi/fantasy favorites that truly focus on character relationships, especially characters coming to trust one another:
Classic: The Left Hand of Darkness, by Ursula K. Le Guin (also, most books by Le Guin, but start here for this ask)
Modern:
The Vanished Birds, by Simon Jimenez (found family with serious themes? Read this!!)
The Goblin Emperor, by Katherine Addison
A Memory Called Empire, by Arkady Martine