Hello everyone,
In my opinion you cannot have an outstanding, five-star book without a good plot. That may be so, but it is also the case that primarily character-driven stories allow the reader to build a very strong connection.
If the characters are relatable or interesting in many ways, then they leave a strong lasting impression. It might be their personality or their narrative voice, but is always leads to a compelling read.
With that in mind, here are the five most character-driven stories I have read in 2023.
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia Of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
This is a book where the emphasis is so much more focused on the main character than the plot. It is both a strength and a weakness, but Emily has a highly distinctive voice and the humour that comes with it is one of the highlights. She is socially inept and the story is written as if she is keeping a journal, while her begrudging feelings for her academic colleague Wendell Bambleby are fun to read. It is quirky and about as character-driven as you can get.
Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
What Taylor Jenkins Reid does best is write about amazing characters, and Carrie Soto is no exception. She most certainly is not always likeable, but there are so many layers to her and the entire story is centred on her unshakeable desire to be the greatest and how she overcomes the challenges life throws at her. It is complex, yet fast paced and brilliantly told.
The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe
This book has a rather dramatic, high stakes plot, but the story itself revolves around the character of Nina. That is not her real name – indeed she has to play many different roles and that makes her unpredictable. She is totally not be messed with, and it is that question of what she is capable of that burns most brightly throughout.
Blackberry & Wild Rose by Sonia Velton
Told in the alternating perspectives of the two main characters, this one focuses on their compelling relationship in a story that has incredible depth. Sara and Esther are of different backgrounds and social status, but they become obsessed with influencing each other’s lives and that whole dynamic is fascinating – one of the many reasons why I loved this book.
The Collected Regrets Of Clover by Mikki Brammer
Clover is a death doula who lives a very solitary life and comforts herself with the last words of the people she has looked after. Over the course of the book, which serves as a powerful character portrait, she rediscovers the reasons to live a full life. Her perspective is unique and adds to what is a very fulfilling read.
Let’s Chat
Have you read any of these books? What are your most character-driven reads of 2023? Let me know in the comments!
Happy reading 🙂
Stephen Reads Books 