10 philosophical novels to read in times of uncertainty
If you’re self-isolating, in quarantine, or social distancing due to the coronavirus, you probably have a lot of questions. These books may help
The coronavirus pandemic is affecting all of us, and the human condition itself. No longer might our actions affect only our immediate connections; our decisions can have a far wider-reaching impact. It is a time for reflection, self-awareness, and perspective, issues that philosophers address through their work.
If dipping into Plato seems a bit taxing right now, though, try a philosophical novel. These use fictional stories to explore thought-provoking questions that have stimulated and flummoxed readers for centuries.
Here are 10 of the best.
1 The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Hosseini’s debut novel explores the relationship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father’s servant against the backdrop of Soviet military intervention in Afghanistan, the flight of refugees and the rise of the Taliban. The Kite Runner held the top spot on the New York Times best-seller list for more than two years.
2 The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
Another debut novel and the winner of the Italian Premio Strega Prize and the French Prix Médicis Étranger Award. Eco’s tale about a Franciscan friar investigating a charge of heresy and a sudden death at a 14th century Italian monastery is one of the best-selling books ever published, with more than 50 million copies sold worldwide.
