Best Literary Fiction of 2023
The finest literary fiction published in 2023.
This curated list features 9 books, totaling 3,682 pages. Every book has been read and rated by our team.
Rankings are based on our read-through ratings, reader community feedback, and how well each book delivers on the promise of its genre and mood. We cross-reference BookTok discussions and Goodreads data.
The average spice level across this list is 1.1/5. Individual books range from clean to scorching — check each book’s spice rating for details.
We update our best-of lists quarterly to include new releases and adjust rankings based on ongoing reader feedback and our own re-reads.
Want more curated lists? Get our Friday picks.
New lists drop monthly. We'll send you the one that matches your taste.
Take the Match Quiz →Editorial note: Every book on this list was read cover to cover by our team. Rankings reflect our honest assessments of quality, emotional impact, and re-readability. Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This supports our ability to keep reading and reviewing. See all ranked lists →
One mood-profiled book pick, every week. Spice-rated and compatibility-checked before it hits your inbox.
Get my weekly match →