5 best novels set in Illinois
Welcome to the intriguing world of Illinois-set novels! Picture yourself traversing the byways of the Chicago metropolis, sauntering through the vast cornfields of the rural Midwest, or basking in the timeless charm of small-town life – these narratives vividly capture the essence of the Prairie State, delivering a multilayered journey steeped in history, culture, and compelling storytelling.
The Time Traveler's Wife
By Audrey Niffenegger
How it fits the "novels set in Illinois" vibe: The Time Traveler's Wife is set in Chicago, Illinois, and provides a gritty yet love-filled look at life in the city. It vividly captures the essence of Chicago in its characters and plot.
Publisher: Night Bookmobile Editions
Page Count: 424
Published Date: 2021-04-30
Native Son (Abridged)
By Richard Wright
How it fits the "novels set in Illinois" vibe: Native Son paints a stark and haunting picture of life in the South Side of Chicago, Illinois in the 1930s, revealing the city's racial and socio-economic divide.
4.5 / 5 Stars on Google Books
Publisher: Harper Collins
Page Count: 434
Published Date: 2003-09-30
Dandelion Wine
By Ray Bradbury
How it fits the "novels set in Illinois" vibe: Dandelion Wine is set in Green Town, Illinois, which is a fictional representation of Bradbury's hometown of Waukegan, Illinois. It offers a nostalgic view of small-town life in Illinois.
Publisher: Spectra
Page Count: 254
Published Date: 1985-03-01
The Jungle
By Upton Sinclair
How it fits the "novels set in Illinois" vibe: The Jungle is set in the stockyards of Chicago, Illinois, and provides an unflinching view of the brutal working and living conditions in the city during the early twentieth century.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Page Count: 374
Published Date: 2010-08-19
Ordinary People
By Judith Guest
How it fits the "novels set in Illinois" vibe: Ordinary People delves into life in suburban North Shore, Illinois, providing a detailed exploration of family dynamics and mental health struggles in the area.
Publisher: Penguin
Page Count: 274
Published Date: 1982-10-28