Possession by A.S. Byatt
Winner of the Booker Prize in 1990. A beautifully written literary mystery, set in modern times and 19th century England. Two young academics researching two important 19th century poets come across hints of a very important literary discovery. Byatt creates the poetry of these writers in two beautiful, but distinct, styles of Victorian writing. The poetry itself is worth reading. A very clever and moving page turner.
Jim the Boy by Tony Earley
Set in depression era America, the novel presents beautiful and touching vignettes of a young boy's life. Jim's father has passed away and his mother has retreated into herself from grief, so it is his three bachelor uncles who have the most poignant effect on the boy. The uncles, through work and example, teach young Jim lessons of honesty and integrity. It is a rare thing for an author can truly capture the life and perspective of a child, Harper Lee's Masterpiece, To Kill a Mockingbird, is perhaps the greatest example of this ability.
Jim the Boy is another excellent example.
More to Come...