English 125E

Book List

Diaz, Junot: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao.; Doerr, Anthony: All the Light We Cannot See.; Egan, Jennifer: A Visit from the Goon Squad.; Harding, Paul: Tinkers; Johnson, Adam: The Orphan Master's Son; Strout, Elizabeth: Olive Kittredge; Tartt, Donna: The Goldfinch

Other Readings and Media

Reader.

Description

The Pulitzer Prize in Fiction is awarded for “distinguished fiction by an American author, preferably dealing with American life.”  In this course, we will read the seven most recent (2008-2015) Pulitzer Prize-winning novels (actually, one of them is a collection of short fiction).  In addition to examining narrative form and literary style, we will consider cultural and historical contexts and thematic resonances.  We will discuss the trends in types of topics and styles selected for the Pulitzer as well.

Please note that many of the novels are lengthy so it will be a good idea to read ahead.