6+ Favorite Books on Experimental Fiction (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on experimental fiction (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage by Haruki Murakami
$11.49

In Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage, Haruki Murakami tells the story of Tsukuru, a railroad engineer grappling with the sudden loss of his close friends. After years of feeling lost, he sets out to reconnect with them, exploring deep themes like identity and alienation along the way. I find Murakami's work oddly captivating, even if I can't quite explain why. However, his trademark weirdness makes it tough for me to recommend his books to others. Still, there's a unique charm in that strangeness that keeps me coming back for more.
Pros:
The novel explores deep themes of identity, friendship, alienation, and mental health.
Murakami's unique style is captivating and draws me into his storytelling.
The book has a brilliant yet strange quality that keeps me engaged.
Cons:
Murakami's weirdness may alienate some readers.
I can't recommend his books to anyone due to their unconventional nature.
Without the weirdness, the magic of his storytelling might be lost.
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01/28/2026 01:01 pm GMT
Wind Up Bird Chronicles by Haruki Murakami
$10.45

In Wind Up Bird Chronicles, Haruki Murakami tells the story of Toru Okada, a Tokyo man on a quest to find his missing cat and wife. As he searches, he meets an odd cast of characters and dives into a surreal underworld. The book explores themes of alienation, loneliness, and the quest for identity, suggesting we all try to make sense of life’s chaos. I find Murakami's work captivating, even if it’s undeniably strange. However, I struggle to recommend it to others due to its unique weirdness—it’s a love-it-or-hate-it kind of read.
Pros:
Unique blend of setting, character, and themes
Captivating exploration of alienation and identity
Murakami's distinctive style creates a compelling reading experience
Cons:
Murakami's weirdness may alienate some readers
Difficult to recommend his books to others
Weirdness might compromise the magic of his storytelling
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01/28/2026 06:02 am GMT
You Shall Know Our Velocity by Dave Eggers
$12.91

In You Shall Know Our Velocity, Dave Eggers tells the story of two friends, Will and Hand, who take a trip around the world to give away money after their friend Jack dies in an accident. As they travel from Chicago to places like Dakar and Latvia, they grapple with their grief and reflect on their childhood. The book has a mix of humor and sorrow, and Eggers captures the essence of his generation's experiences. I appreciated the characters and the vivid settings, although I found the story a bit lengthy and winding. Overall, it's a moving exploration of loss and hope.
Pros:
Engaging characters and setting
Humor, grief, and compassion are well balanced
Atmospheric ending adds depth
Cons:
A bit long and meandering
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01/28/2026 02:02 am GMT
Ilustrado: A Novel by Miguel Syjuco

$16.94

I love the setting, but this fell flat. I highly recommend F. Sionil Jose for any novels set in The Philippines.

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01/28/2026 08:04 am GMT
Super Sad True Love Story: A Novel by Gary Shteyngart

$14.05

Also felt way too clever for its own good. I didn't engage with the characters. Quit.

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01/28/2026 08:04 am GMT
Adjustment Day: A Novel by Chuck Palahniuk

$17.90

I was simply not a fan of the style...which is an essential part of the book.

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01/28/2026 08:04 am GMT
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
$14.47

In 1Q84, Haruki Murakami spins a surreal tale featuring Aomame and Tengo, whose lives collide in a bizarre, alternate Tokyo of 1984. The novel dives into themes like identity and reality, but my enthusiasm for it took a nosedive. 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami is possibly the most disappointing novel I've ever read. I skipped a good 1/3rd of it. I'm a fan of most of Murakami's work. And this was his most hyped book. I don't get it, I don't recommend it, and I think it was uniquely terrible. The book has all the things I don't like about Murakami with none of the things that I like about his writing. To each their own, but if you've thought about picking up a book by him - don't start with this one.
Pros:
Complex narrative that explores deep themes of identity, reality, love, and loss
Engaging pacing, vibe, and setting that are enchanting
Thought-provoking without being overly dense
Cons:
Most disappointing novel I've ever read
Skipped a good third of the book
Lacks the qualities I enjoy in Murakami's other works
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01/28/2026 08:04 am GMT
The Elephant Vanishes: Stories (Vintage International)

$9.99

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01/28/2026 09:01 am GMT