Generally, I prefer reading characters that are extremely competent at their jobs. Clancy’s Jack Ryan and Child’s Jack Reacher are perfect examples of characters in fiction who are brilliant, hard working and competent.
But.. There is something very interesting about a character who is an actual savant. Someone who is preternaturally good at something, beyond normal human understanding. Atleast if the character is done right. An example would be Lisbeth Salander from Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Series. But again the thing is the character has to be done right, because a savant is gifted in perhaps only one or at Max two things and the rest of the time it is extremely challenging for them in the society. Perhaps they are disabled in other ways or the rest of their mental faculties are not developed. In Lisbeth Salander’s case it was extreme childhood trauma and abuse from authority figures.
I am looking for such fiction works, about savant characters, whether they are in fantasy or sci-fi or contemporary or any combination of genres.
Any recommendation however distant or close would be greatly appreciated.
by harry_carpenter