There’s something special about discovering a talented new writer and their debut novel. It’s like watching a star being born, witnessing the first glimmer of brilliance that will hopefully shine throughout their literary career. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of reading countless debut novels in English, and today I want to share with you my top ten favorites.

1. “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini – This powerful and heart-wrenching novel tells the story of a young boy growing up in Afghanistan and the devastating consequences of his choices.

2. “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt – A dark and suspenseful tale of a group of elite college students who become entangled in a murder mystery.

3. “Everything I Never Told You” by Celeste Ng – A beautifully written and emotionally resonant story about a family grappling with the loss of their daughter.

4. “Milkman” by Anna Burns – This stunning and unconventional novel set in Northern Ireland during the Troubles has won numerous accolades, including the Man Booker Prize.

5. “The Vegetarian” by Han Kang – A haunting and surreal exploration of one woman’s descent into madness after she decides to stop eating meat.

6. “Where’d You Go, Bernadette” by Maria Semple – A witty and charming novel about a quirky and reclusive architect who disappears, leaving her daughter to piece together the mystery.

7. “The Girl with All the Gifts” by M.R. Carey – A unique and gripping take on the zombie apocalypse genre, featuring a young girl with special abilities.

8. “The Immortalists” by Chloe Benjamin – An engrossing and thought-provoking novel that follows four siblings who visit a fortune teller and learn the date of their deaths.

9. “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman – A heartwarming and humorous story about a quirky and socially awkward woman who learns to open up and connect with others.

10. “Educated” by Tara Westover – A powerful memoir about a young woman who escapes her isolated and abusive upbringing to pursue education and self-discovery.

Each of these debut novels has left a lasting impression on me, showcasing the immense talent and creativity of their respective authors. If you’re looking for a new book to read and want to discover a fresh voice in literature, I highly recommend checking out one or more of these fantastic debut novels. Who knows, you may just find your new favorite author in the process. Happy reading!