Diving into the kaleidoscope of queer stories, amplifying LGBTQ+ authors one narrative at a time.
In the past few decades, gay literature has become an important voice in the literary world. These books not only explore the complexities of the LGBTQ+ experience but also offer a window into the human condition.
From heart-wrenching romance to coming-of-age stories, gay fiction books offer many emotions and themes.
This article will look at the top 10 best gay fiction books. These books have been selected for their exceptional storytelling, memorable characters, and ability to push the boundaries of the genre.
We hope this list will inspire you to add some of these titles to your reading list and discover the best of gay fiction literature.
Don't have time to read them all? Why not try listening to them? Audible is a great platform for listening to audiobooks because it offers a wide selection of books, including bestsellers and exclusive content. With Audible, you can listen to your favorite books on-the-go, whether you're commuting, working out, or doing household chores.
The Audible app also has features like adjustable narration speed, a sleep timer, and the ability to create bookmarks, making it easy to customize your listening experience. Additionally, Audible offers a membership program that gives members access to a certain number of audiobooks per month, making it a cost-effective option for avid listeners.
A great resource for people who want to maximize their time and make the most out of their daily activities. Try a free 30-day trial from Audible today, and you'll get access to a selection of Audible Originals and audiobooks, along with a credit to purchase any title in their premium selection, regardless of price (including many of the books on this list!)
For ebook lovers, we also recommend Scribd, basically the Netflix for Books and the best and most convenient subscription for online reading. While they have a catalog comprising over half a million books including from many bestselling authors, for some of the books on this list, you'll still have to purchase individually - either as a paperback or eBook to load on your Kindle - due to publishing house restrictions.
In this article we will cover...
- Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman
- Less by Andrew Sean Greer
- Hold Still by Nina LaCour
- The City and the Pillar by Gore Vidal
- The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne
- The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith
- The Swimming Pool Library by Alan Hollinghurst
- The First Third by Will Kostakis
- The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Scherf
- The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman
“Call Me By Your Name” by Andre Aciman is a novel that tells the story of a summer romance between a 17-year-old boy named Elio and a 24-year-old man named Oliver. The novel is set in Northern Italy and is a poignant and aching exploration of love, sexuality, and the complexities of human relationships.
The novel follows Elio as he discovers his sexuality and falls in love with Oliver, a graduate student working with Elio’s father. The novel is a coming-of-age story that explores the different facets of the gay experience, from the initial attraction to the heartbreak that follows the end of the summer.
The novel is written in a simple yet evocative language that creates a sense of intimacy and longing. The imagery is rich and vivid, painting a picture of the Northern Italian landscape that is both beautiful and melancholic.
The characters in the novel are well-developed and nuanced. Elio is a complex and relatable protagonist struggling to understand his feelings. Oliver is a charismatic and mysterious figure who is both a mentor and a lover to Elio.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is how it explores the theme of desire. The novel is not afraid to delve into the darker, more sensual aspects of love and sexuality. This makes the novel a powerful and authentic exploration of the gay experience.
Overall, “Call Me By Your Name” by Andre Aciman is a beautiful and heartbreaking novel. It is a powerful exploration of love, sexuality, and the complexities of human relationships. The novel is a must-read for anyone interested in the gay experience and the coming-of-age story.
Less by Andrew Sean Greer
“Less” by Andrew Sean Greer is a novel that tells the story of Arthur Less, a struggling author who is turning 50 and facing a midlife crisis. The novel is a funny and touching exploration of love, loss and self-discovery as Arthur embarks on a journey around the world to avoid attending his ex-boyfriend’s wedding.
The novel is written in a witty, clever and often humorous tone. The story is told through a series of interconnected vignettes that are both comedic and poignant. The novel explores a wide range of themes, such as aging, the passage of time and the search for meaning.
The characters in the novel are complex and relatable, particularly the protagonist Arthur Less. The reader empathizes with Less as he navigates the ups and downs of his journey, and the reader feels invested in his journey. The novel also explores the theme of love and the different forms it can take in one’s life.
The novel is also a commentary on the literary world and the publishing industry, as Less is a struggling author. The novel is also a commentary on the gay experience as Less is a gay man, and the novel touches on the difficulties of being gay in a heterosexual world.
“Less” by Andrew Sean Greer is a novel that is both insightful and enjoyable. It is a witty, clever and often humorous exploration of love, loss and self-discovery. The novel is a must-read for anyone interested in the gay experience, the passage of time and the search for meaning. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2018, a testament to its great quality.
Hold Still by Nina LaCour
“Hold Still” by Nina LaCour is a novel that tells the story of a high school student named Ingrid, who is struggling to come to terms with the suicide of her best friend, Caitlin. The novel is a powerful and emotional exploration of grief, friendship, and the complexities of human emotions.
The novel is written in a raw and authentic style that creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The story is told through a series of journal entries that Ingrid writes to Caitlin in the aftermath of her death. This narrative structure allows the reader to understand Ingrid’s inner thoughts, emotions and struggles.
Ingrid is a complex and relatable protagonist struggling to face losing her best friend. The novel explores themes of grief, friendship, identity, and the complexities of human emotions. The novel also touches on the theme of the LGBTQ+ experience, Caitlin was a lesbian, and her suicide was partly due to her struggles with her identity.
The novel is also a commentary on the high school experience and the difficulties of navigating through one’s teenage years. The novel is a powerful exploration of the impact of suicide on those left behind and the importance of mental health.
“Hold Still” by Nina LaCour is a powerful and emotional novel. It is a raw and authentic exploration of grief, friendship and the complexities of human emotions. The novel is a must-read for anyone interested in the LGBTQ+ experience and the impact of suicide on those left behind.
The City and the Pillar by Gore Vidal
“The City and the Pillar” by Gore Vidal is a groundbreaking novel published in 1948. It tells the story of Jim Willard, a young man who falls in love with another man, and the struggles he faces as a result. The novel explores themes of identity, self-acceptance and the societal pressure of the time.
One of the most striking things about this novel is how it handles the topic of homosexuality, which was still highly taboo at the time of its publication. Vidal doesn’t shy away from the subject, and instead of presenting a sanitized version of queer life, he presents a raw and honest portrayal of the challenges that gay men faced in the 1940s in Virginia and wider society. The novel is a powerful and honest portrayal of the struggles that gay men faced in a society that didn’t accept them.
The novel’s protagonist, Jim Willard, is a complex character who struggles with self-acceptance and societal pressure to conform. As he grows older, he realizes he is gay and has to fight against societal norms to be true to himself. The novel’s exploration of the internal struggles of a gay man is a powerful representation of the journey of self-discovery.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is how it manages to be both a commentary on the way society sees gay people and a story about a man who is navigating his own identity. Vidal’s writing is evocative and powerful, and his portrayal of the emotional turmoil of his characters is both moving and thought-provoking.
Overall, “The City and the Pillar” is a groundbreaking novel that is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in LGBTQ+ history books / the history of queer rights. It is a powerful and honest portrayal of the struggles that gay men faced in the 1940s, and it remains an important and relevant novel to this day.
The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne
“The Heart’s Invisible Furies” by John Boyne is a powerful and emotional novel that explores the complexities of identity, love, and acceptance. The story follows the life of Cyril Avery, an Irishman born out of wedlock, as he navigates the societal prejudices and discrimination of mid-20th century Ireland.
The novel begins with Cyril’s birth in 1945 and spans several decades, covering major historical events such as the rise of the Catholic Church, the decriminalization of homosexuality, and the legalization of divorce. Through Cyril’s experiences, Boyne masterfully illustrates how societal norms and expectations can shape and limit an individual’s identity and potential.
One of the novel’s most striking aspects is how Boyne portrays the characters; they are all very relatable and human. Cyril’s struggles with self-acceptance and his search for love and belonging are heartbreaking and relatable. The novel also features a diverse cast of secondary characters, each adding depth and complexity to the story.
The novel does not shy away from tackling difficult and controversial subjects such as homosexuality, adoption, and abortion. Boyne handles these subjects with sensitivity and nuance, depicting how societal prejudices and lack of understanding can devastate individuals and families.
Overall, “The Heart’s Invisible Furies” is a thought-provoking and powerful novel that explores the human experience in a way that is both heartbreaking and uplifting. It is a beautifully written, deeply moving, and emotionally powerful novel. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Irish literature and those who want to understand the complexities of the human experience.
The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith
“The Price of Salt” by Patricia Highsmith is a groundbreaking novel that explores the love story between two women in the 1950s in New York City. The novel, originally published under the pseudonym “Claire Morgan,” broke new ground in its portrayal of a lesbian relationship and the societal taboos that surrounded it at the time.
The story follows the lives of Carol, a lonely divorcee, and Therese, a struggling young artist, as they navigate their blossoming romance. Highsmith masterfully develops their characters and relationship, providing an intimate and realistic portrayal of the struggles and joys of same-sex love.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is how it portrays the period. The novel is set when homosexuality was not openly accepted and the societal pressure that this put on the characters. Highsmith doesn’t shy away from depicting the discrimination, misunderstanding and prejudice that Carol and Therese face, but their love story is also full of hope, joy and resilience.
Highsmith’s writing is evocative and powerful, and the book is both a gripping love story and a poignant commentary on the societal norms of the time. It’s a novel that has stood the test of time and is as relevant today as it was when it was first published. It is a must-read for anyone interested in LGBTQ literature and the fight for equality.
In conclusion, “The Price of Salt” is a powerful and moving novel that explores the complexities of same-sex love in a time when it was not accepted. Highsmith’s writing is masterful, and the characters are complex and relatable. This novel is a must-read for anyone interested in LGBTQ literature, and it remains an important piece of literature today.
The Swimming Pool Library by Alan Hollinghurst
“The Swimming Pool Library” by Alan Hollinghurst is a powerful and moving novel set in London that tells the story of a young gay man named William Beckwith, who falls in love with an older man named Lord Nantwich. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery through the lens of the gay experience in the 1980s.
One of the most striking things about this novel is how it handles the topic of homosexuality and the gay experience. Hollinghurst presents a nuanced and complex portrayal of gay life, examining the joys and sorrows of love and the struggles of self-acceptance. The novel is a powerful and honest portrayal of the gay experience, and the characters’ emotional turmoil is both moving and thought-provoking.
The novel’s protagonist, William Beckwith, is a complex character who struggles with self-acceptance and societal pressure to conform. As he grows older, he realizes he is gay and must fight against societal norms to be true to himself. The novel’s exploration of the internal struggles of a gay man is a powerful representation of the journey of self-discovery.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is how it manages to be both a commentary on the way society sees gay people and a story about a man who is navigating his own identity. Hollinghurst’s writing is evocative and powerful, and his portrayal of the emotional turmoil of his characters is both moving and thought-provoking.
The novel also features a rich and varied cast of characters with unique perspectives and stories. From the closeted aristocrat to the fearless activist, the novel offers a diverse and nuanced portrayal of the gay community.
Overall, “The Swimming Pool Library” is a powerful and moving novel that is a must-read for fans of LGBTQ+ literature and anyone interested in the gay experience. It is a powerful and honest portrayal of the gay experience in the 1980s, and it remains an important and relevant novel.
The First Third by Will Kostakis
The First Third” by Will Kostakis is a coming-of-age novel about Billy, a teenage boy growing up in Sydney, Australia. The novel explores themes of family, identity, and sexuality as Billy navigates the complexities of growing up and finding his place in the world.
One of the standout features of this novel is the authenticity of its characters. Kostakis has a keen eye for detail and a gift for creating relatable and realistic characters. Billy, the protagonist, is a particularly well-crafted character. He is a complex and nuanced teenager struggling to understand who he is and what he wants out of life. The reader can connect with Billy personally and understand his struggles. The other characters in the novel are also well-developed, each with unique personalities and problems.
Another strength of this novel is its sensitive treatment of sexuality. Billy is gay, and the novel explores the challenges he faces as a result. Kostakis handles this subject matter with care and understanding, and Billy’s struggles with his sexuality are depicted in an honest and relatable way. The novel also deals with other important issues, such as bullying and mental health and does so thoughtfully and engagingly.
The writing in “The First Third” is also noteworthy. Kostakis has a distinctive voice that is both humorous and heartfelt. He can convey complex emotions and ideas in a way that is accessible and enjoyable to read. The novel is written in a style that is both engaging and easy to read, making it a pleasure to read.
Overall, “The First Third” is a well-written and thought-provoking novel that will resonate with readers of all ages. It is a powerful and moving story that explores important themes in a way that is honest and relatable. Kostakis has created a book that is both entertaining and enlightening, and it is sure to be a hit with readers.
The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Scherf
Eliot Schref’s The Darkness Outside Us is a must-read for anyone who loves gay fantasy and queer literature. It tells the story of two men, one gay and one straight, who become unlikely allies as they search for a way to save their world from ancient darkness.
With its compelling characters, romantic storyline, and thrilling plot twists, this book has captivated readers worldwide. Critics have praised its originality and depth of emotion, making it a bestseller on shelves everywhere.
With a mission to save his sister and the world and technology beyond our comprehension Ambrose and Kodiak’s little affair begins when they both need to work together to survive. Two sworn enemies sent in the same spaceship with the same goal.
The Darkness Outside Us is perfect for anyone looking for a unique queer fantasy experience. Its friendship, love, and acceptance themes make it an ideal gift for any reader looking to explore LGBTQ+ literature. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy or just looking to support diverse authorship in literature, this book will satisfy your literary cravings.
Why we love it: Not only does it portray a relationship you aren’t expecting, but it shows how when darkness suffocates you, and there seems to be no way out of it, sometimes love is the only light that can guide you and help you conquer it.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
The Picture of Dorian Gray” is a classic novel by Oscar Wilde that tells the story of a young man named Dorian Gray who becomes entranced by his beauty and its influence on those around him.
The novel is a masterful exploration of the corrupting nature of vanity and the pursuit of pleasure. Wilde’s writing is both witty and profound, and he has a keen insight into the human psyche. The characters in the novel are well-developed and complex, and the plot is engaging and thought-provoking.
The story is set in London in the late 19th century and follows Dorian as he becomes increasingly obsessed with his beauty and its effect on others. As he indulges in a life of pleasure and excess, his portrait, hidden away in his attic, begins to reflect the true horror of his soul.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is the way Wilde portrays the characters. Dorian, for example, is initially presented as a naive and innocent young man, but as the story progresses, he becomes increasingly selfish and cruel. Similarly, the other characters in the novel are also portrayed as flawed and imperfect, which makes them all the more relatable.
Overall, The Picture of Dorian Gray is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that is still as relevant today as it was when it was first published. It is a must-read for anyone interested in classic literature and the human condition.
