There’s a whole range of new literary fiction books on the horizon, and I’m positively giddy.
Whether you’re in the mood for laughter, tears, or thought-provoking insights, these May 2023 literary fiction upcoming releases will definitely make a lasting impact.
So, mark your calendars, get into your favorite reading nook, stock up on snacks, and get ready to be thrilled by this upcoming book releases.
Best Upcoming Literary fiction Book Releases of 2023
1. The Guest by Emma Cline.
Alex finds herself alone and unwanted on the East End of Long Island, a world of privilege and power.
She uses her skills of manipulation and seduction to infiltrate the lives of the rich and famous and ends up causing trouble and turmoil wherever she goes.
As summer comes to an end, Alex faces the consequences of her actions in this gripping and spellbinding literary achievement by the New York Times bestselling author of The Girls set to be released in May 2023.
Expected publication date: May 16th, 2o23.
2. Paper Names by Susie Luo.
In her debut novel about family, identity, and the American dream, Susie Luo tells a riveting and panoramic story of three characters whose lives are shaped by the American experience.
Tony is a Chinese immigrant who works as a doorman in a luxury building. Tammy is his daughter who struggles to balance her cultural heritage and her personal aspirations. Oliver is a white lawyer who lives in the building and hides a dark secret. A brutal attack forces them to confront their differences and their destinies.
Expected publication date: May 2nd, 2023.
3. The Celebrants by Steven Rowley.
Five college friends have a special way of staying in touch. They meet in Big Sur every few years to throw each other living “funerals” – parties that celebrate their lives and their friendship. But their latest reunion is different, as one of them has a secret that will test their pact and their lives.
The Celebrants by Steven Rowley is a novel that explores the joys and challenges of growing older, the illusions of youth, and the importance of celebrating our lives with the people who care about us.
Expected publication date: May 16, 2023.
4. The Three of Us by Ore Agbaje-Williams.
In her new novel, Aimee Liu tells a compelling and humorous story of a trio of friends whose lives are turned upside down by a series of revelations.
The wife is happy with her life, but yearns for a baby. The husband adores her, but harbors a secret. The best friend is supportive and funny, but has a hidden motive.
When they all meet on one ordinary day, their confessions expose their true selves and their true feelings. If you fancy a new historical fiction novel that examines cultural expectations, personal choices, and the stories we live by, then this is just the one for you.
Expected publication date: May 16th, 2o23.
5. The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer.
Clover Brooks is a death doula who has a special bond with the dying, but she has no life of her own.
When a dying woman entrusts her with a secret mission to find out the truth about her old love, Clover goes on a cross-country adventure that will open her eyes to life and love.
Expected publication date: May 9th, 2023.
6. The Daydreams by Laura Hankin.
This is a juicy and fun novel about the stars of a hit teen show who reunite after a scandalous breakup.
Kat, Liana, Noah, and Summer have gone their separate ways, but they agree to do a reunion special for their fans.
They hope to find closure, redemption, and love, but they also face old secrets and new drama.
Expected publication date: May 2nd, 2023.
7. The Half Moon by Mary Beth.
Mary Beth Keane’s The Half Moon is a novel that examines a marriage in crisis and the meaning of family.
Malcolm is a bartender who has a chance to buy the bar he loves, but he faces resistance from his customers and financial difficulties. Jess is a lawyer who has tried to have a baby for years, but she has to cope with the possibility that it may never happen.
Over one week, they deal with their hopes and their frustrations, and try to find a way to be happy.
Expected publication date: May 2nd, 2023.
8. The Thing About Home by Rhonda McKnight.
Casey Black is a social media influencer who escapes to the Lowcountry after a disastrous viral video. There, she meets her long-lost relatives and learns about her history and her heritage.
She also falls in love with the land, the culture, and the farm manager who becomes her friend. She uncovers the secrets her mother has kept from her and embraces her legacy. This literary fiction upcoming book release is a novel about finding love and happiness in unexpected places.
Expected publication date: May 9th, 2023.
If you love the literary fiction genre, you won’t regret reading these books.
And, if you want to explore upcoming book releases in other genres, I have more suggestions for you.
Here are some of my other posts on the best books coming out in May 2023:
