The 10 Best Books of the 21st Century (According to ABC): A Deep Dive Into the List

It has been a while since we have looked at a top ten list, but this one is worth the wait. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) put together a list of the ten best books of the 21st century, and it is one that is guaranteed to spark conversation among readers.

What makes this list particularly interesting is not just the books themselves, but how it was created. The ABC gathered votes from nearly 288,000 readers, meaning this is not a critics-only list or one shaped by a small panel of experts. Instead, it reflects the tastes of a massive reading audience, largely Australian, but still broad enough to offer a fascinating snapshot of what resonates with readers today.

And as you might expect, that audience influence plays a major role in how the list turned out.

The ABC’s Top 10 Books of the 21st Century

Here is the full list:

1. Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton (2018)
2. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (2005)
3. Gentleman in Moscow (2016) by Amor Towles
4. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (2014)
5. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (2022)
6. Burial Rites by Hannah Kent (2013)
7. The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams (2020)
8. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (2022)
9. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (2015)
10. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel (2009)

At first glance, this is a strong mix of modern literary fiction, historical novels, and emotionally driven storytelling. But once you take a closer look, a few trends and surprises, start to emerge.

The Surprise at Number One

The biggest talking point on this list is easily the top spot: Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton.

For many readers outside of Australia, this choice may come as a surprise. Dalton is not as widely known internationally as some of the other authors on this list, and his novel does not always show up on global “best of” rankings.

However, context matters. Dalton is a major literary figure in Australia, and Boy Swallows Universe, a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story, has had a profound cultural impact there. The novel blends crime, family drama, and magical realism into a story that feels both personal and expansive.

This is where the voting base becomes important. With a large portion of voters being Australian, it makes sense that a beloved local novel would rise to the top. And while some readers might question the ranking, it also highlights something refreshing: this is a list driven by genuine reader passion, not just global popularity.

A Strong Showing for Australian Authors

Dalton is not the only Australian author on the list. In fact, four of the ten books come from Australian writers

That is a significant portion of the list, and it clearly reflects the voting demographic. But rather than seeing this as a flaw, it is better understood as a defining feature of the list.

Lists like this are never created in a vacuum. Whether it is critics, publishers, or readers, there will always be some level of bias. In this case, the Australian influence gives the list a unique identity, one that sets it apart from more predictable, globally homogenized rankings.

The Enduring Power of The Book Thief

At number two, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak feels like a more universally recognized choice.

This is one of those rare novels that has crossed borders and generations. Set in Nazi Germany and narrated by Death itself, the book combines an unusual narrative voice with a deeply emotional story about resilience, humanity, and the power of words.

Many readers consider it one of the defining novels of the 21st century, so seeing it ranked near the top feels justified. For some, it might even deserve the number one spot.

Interestingly, Zusak being Australian adds another layer to the list’s overall composition. It reinforces the idea that local pride played a role but in this case, it aligns with global consensus.

Modern Classics That Deserve Their Place

Beyond the Australian representation, the list includes several novels that have already established themselves as modern classics.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that weaves together the lives of a blind French girl and a German soldier during World War II. Its lyrical prose and emotional depth have made it a favorite among readers worldwide.

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles offers something entirely different, a quiet, character-driven story about a Russian aristocrat under house arrest. It is a novel that thrives on atmosphere and introspection, proving that a compelling story does not need constant action.

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel brings historical fiction to life with its detailed portrayal of Thomas Cromwell and Tudor England. It is widely regarded as one of the finest historical novels of the modern era, and its inclusion here is no surprise.

These books give the list a strong foundation and help balance out some of the more regionally influenced choices.

The Impact of Newer Releases

One of the more interesting aspects of this list is the inclusion of relatively recent novels.

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver and Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus were both published in 2022. Typically, lists like this lean heavily on older works that have stood the test of time. But here, readers have clearly embraced newer stories just as strongly.

Demon Copperhead, in particular, stands out. A modern retelling of Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield, the novel tackles issues like poverty and addiction in contemporary America. It is both timely and powerful, and its quick rise into conversations about the best books of the century speaks to its impact.

This willingness to include newer titles makes the list feel current and alive, rather than purely retrospective.

Emotionally Heavy Picks

Several books on this list are known for their emotional intensity.

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara is perhaps the most divisive. It is a deeply moving but often harrowing novel that explores trauma, friendship, and suffering. Some readers consider it a masterpiece, while others find it overwhelmingly bleak.

Similarly, Burial Rites and The Dictionary of Lost Words are both introspective, character focused novels that deal with themes of identity, language, and isolation.

This trend suggests that readers are drawn to stories that leave a lasting emotional impact, books that stay with them long after the final page.

Is There Bias? Of Course But That’s the Point

It is easy to look at this list and point out its biases. The strong presence of Australian authors and the popularity-driven voting system both shape the outcome in noticeable ways.

But that does not necessarily weaken the list. If anything, it makes it more interesting.

Every list has its biases. Critics have theirs. Award committees have theirs. Even global bestseller lists are influenced by marketing, accessibility, and trends.

What sets the ABC list apart is that it leans fully into its identity as a reader-driven ranking. It reflects what a large group of people genuinely love—not just what is considered “important” by literary institutions.

Final Thoughts

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s list of the ten best books of the 21st century is not perfect but no list ever is.

What it does offer is a compelling mix of globally recognized masterpieces and locally beloved gems. Books like The Book Thief, Demon Copperhead, and A Gentleman in Moscow provide a strong backbone, while titles like Boy Swallows Universe introduce readers to stories they might not have discovered otherwise.

And that might be the most valuable aspect of this list. It is not just about ranking books, it is about expanding your reading horizons.

So, how many of these have you read? And more importantly, which ones are you adding to your list next? Let us know in the comments below. Until next time, happy reading!

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