It can be complex in the way it can be analyzed and just feels realistic. It can have an complete arc, character development, but if not, that the whole cast have three dimensions. Forget the plot and the setting! What book you feel is the best in this criteria. The relationships can be too complex. I think with shows and movies is easy, but with books I believe this is like a difficult discussion. Can you explain you suggestion too? Idk it makes it more interesting
by Ok_Focus5022
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You probably already read this one, but still; Anna Karenina by Tolstoj comes first to mind.
Tolstoj managed to flawlessly portray a woman’s path towards a mental breakdown; every possible sympthom can be found in ‘correct order’ but you won’t even notice it if you’re not looking for that.
On the surface she seems like a woman that gave up on her family for her own selfish desires, but if you really dive into her character you’ll find a sad and lonely woman desperately clinging towards being loved and feeling happiness and excitement in life.
Her desire to “feel alive” completely devours her. However her choices might be perceived, it’s hard to judge her, as her desires are very human and familiar to all of us.
I won’t go into much more detail, it’s a masterpiece that should be read by everyone
I’m currently reading the liveship traders and the characters are just amazing, some you love, others you understand and other you hate to the core. There are so many different perspectives in the story which makes it very interesting.
I finished “The Sense of an Ending” by Julian Barnes in February. It is a short novel, with a rather unreliable narrator. The story revolves around narrator’s friendship with his two childhood friends and his love life. The book spends a lot of time analyzing the relationships that narrator had, reflections looking back at his younger years. As the story evolves, the narrator’s tone shifts subtly at times, changing interpretations, shifting perspectives and attitudes. I came away interested in narrator’s character the most, even though it was never explicitly explored in the book. The narrator of the novel felt like a real human being, with flaws that he does not see in himself.
Also, currently I’m reading through “The Sympathizer” by Viet Thanh Nguyen. I’m not sure if it would fit your description exactly, as the plot and setting are rather fascinating as well, but the main character & narrator so far is captivating and introspective, while also providing incisive commentary on social issues.
The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky. Every character is so densely written. I dont think I’ve ever read anything like it. The characters in the book stare right back at you, and you’ll end up learning a lot about yourself through them. Must read.