Our Pick of The Best Debut Novels Of The Decade- “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”- Zig Ziglar
Debut novels stands for an author’s initials of bringing their unique stories to novels showcasing pristine perspectives and a touch of innovation in literature. Here’s a curated collection of some captivating reads from this decade one should definitely not miss reading.
From tales of strength to innovative explorations, these literary gems is likely to leave a permanent mark on its readers. Delve right into reading these beloved reads and discover this gateway of the best debut novels from the past decade exploring themes of innovation, identity, culture and many more….
Here are our pick of The Best Debut Novels Of The Decade (2015-2025)
1. The Immortal King Rao by Vauhini Vara
“The best anyone can do is to put enough goodness into the world to make up for the badness you’ve put into it.”
This stunning masterwork debut novel by Vauhini Vara bagging the finalist’s position for the 2023 Pulitzer prize in Fiction, revolves around a Dalit coconut farmers family where a true gem, King Rao, an exceptional child was born and it is his tale of rise from a simple, non tech past to later becoming a tech CEO and her daughter Athena’s quest to unearth her father’s past.
With marked decline in climate, Athena takes a bold move and plans to uncover the secrets to spark a change for a more sustainable future. Will Athena be able to discover the truths? Will she be able to save the planet? Delve right into reading this resonant story spanning multiple timelines, initialising from 1950 to a fictional, inhuman and undesirable future.
Interesting fact:-
It took 12 to 13 years for the author to pen down this astonishing work inclusive of the intersection of tech, power and identity, making it just perfect for your reading investment.
2. Home Going by Yaa Gyasi (2016)
“ Forgiveness was an act done after the fact, a piece of the bad deed’s future. And if you point the people’s eye to the future, they might not see what is being done to hurt them in the present.”
This miraculous, searing debut novel by Yaa Gyasi was awarded as the National Book Critics Circle’s John Leonard Award for best first book, the PEN/Hemingway Award for a first book of fiction, the National Book Foundation’s “5 under 35” honors for 2016, and the American Book Award. The tale follows the story of two half sisters- Effia and Esi born in the eighteenth century, Ghana but in different villages.
Effia, married to an Englishman, lives in the comfort of Cape Coast Castle, while her sister Esi is imprisoned in the castle’s dungeons, sold into slavery, and shipped to America, where her descendants will continue the legacy of slavery. Revolving around the themes of exploration of slavery, identity, racism, the work travels from Ghana to the US revealing how slavery destroyed so many families, traditions and lives – and how its terrifying impact is still reverting now. Invest yourself into reading this novel spanning three continents and seven generations and will their destinies ever match?…
3. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner (2021)
Penned down by Sarah Penner, this debut novel inclusive of secrets and suspense shares a tale of women across centuries. The story follows Nella, a young mysterious widow selling potions of poisons back in the eighteenth century, London and in the present day London is Caroline Parcewell, inspired by Nella, figuring out an escape from her own demons. What if there’s an extraordinary twist of fate? What if the aspiring Historian, Caroline weaves a path to the mystics? Read in to explore and experience this mysterious world…
4. The Poppy War by R.F. KUANG (2018)
“ Amateurs obsess over strategy, Irjah had once told their class. Professionals obsess over logistics.”
This epic fantasy quests its root from the twentieth century China, following the story of a war orphan, Rin, who shocks everyone on acing the test for most talented students in the Empire- The Keju Test setting her free from all the bondage helping her get into an elite military school in Nikan, Sinegard.
But the fruits aren’t sweet enough for this southern dark-skinned peasant girl at the Elites until the unraveling of some ethal, unearthly power. Dive into this mythological world full of treachery and mystics penned down by Kuang is certainly a work of brilliance bagging the Reddit Fantasy Award for Best Debut 2018.
5. On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong (2019)
This masterpiece decodes itself as a letter from a son, Little Dog to an unlettered mother, dwelling into the realms of the lasting impact of war in Vietnam excavating the family’s history and their struggles of moulding a pristine future. Read this stunning must read of the decade and get into a journey of unforgettable revelations, heartbreaks, fear and passion brilliantly carved out…
6. The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare (2020)
“I don’t just want to be having any kind voice… I want a louding voice.”
This powerful standout debut novel penned down by Abi Dare is definitely a must read for all those desiring for chunks of strength. The story follows the hardships of Adunni, a young dreamer from the Nigerian village with huge dreams crushed one after the other, will Adunni be able to attain a louding voice in this patriarchal society? Will her situation deprive more? or there’s someone to hear her out? Dive deep into this courageous reading, sure to win all your hearts.
Want to read more best debut novels of the decade?? Here are some more suggestions for your reading list:-
There There by Tommy Orange (2018)
Maame by Jessica George (2023)
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates (2019)
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (2023)
Best Debut novels of the Decade That Shinned
These diverse range of voices and narrations offering pristine perspectives are a must read from the decade. From the power packs of Yaa Gyasi’s Home Going to the Innovative novel of Vauhini Vara, these debut novels are celebrated worldwide and captivate their readers with thought-provoking themes.
Looking back on the decade, its certain that the novels will be remembered in the years to come. Whether you are a beginner or a voracious reader, these literary works are a perfect fit to begin with!
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