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The best dads in fiction
The fantastic (fictional) dads and father-figures that we know and love.
Published on May 31, 2023
The Hate U Give
Angie Thomas“The Hate U Give” is a stunning take on race and police brutality, quickly climbing the ranks as one of the greatest YA novels of our time. Starr Carter is the protagonist, but her father Maverick is a shining example of turning one’s life around for the sake of family. Despite his checkered past, Maverick’s dedication to Starr is palpable throughout the novel. If you fall in love with Maverick like we did, be sure to read Thomas’ prequel, “Concrete Rose,” for his backstory.
All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel
Anthony DoerrDoerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows the twin narratives of Werner, a German orphan recruited to the military at the height of WWII, and Marie-Laure, a blind French girl. But another character stands out as well: Marie-Laure’s father, Daniel LeBlanc, whose devotion to his daughter is unmatched. The story is hauntingly beautiful, made even more powerful by the father-daughter relationship.
The Road
Cormac McCarthyMcCarthy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece is a post-apocalyptic tale about a nameless father and son wandering through an endless winter. Despite its bleakness, it’s a deeply affecting story about the unbreakable bond between a parent and his child.
Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close: A Novel
Jonathan Safran FoerThomas Schell died in the September 11 terrorist attacks, but his son, the precocious Oskar, chases his memory all around New York City. The two used to like solving puzzles, and Oskar is trying to piece his life back together after the loss of his dad. Though he’s gone, the impression Thomas left on Oskar will live on forever.
Man and Boy: A Novel
Tony ParsonsA bad decision sends protagonist Harry’s life into a downward spiral, and now he must learn to navigate single parenthood of a four-year-old. Author Parsons knows a thing or two about this role after going through a divorce and raising his son in the 1980s. The trials and tribulations he experienced and the love he nurtured became the basis for this endearing father-and-son tale, which topped bestseller lists in the U.K. for nearly a year.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Mark HaddonOne of the best flawed fathers in fiction, single parent Ed Boone loves his son Christopher (who has autism) very much, going to extreme lengths to protect him. When Christopher discovers a neighbor’s murdered dog and begins investigating the crime, Ed does some questionable deeds in a misguided attempt to keep his son from learning about life’s cruelties. Get ready for an empathetic, emotional read about a loving, if imperfect, parent.
Tinkers: 10th Anniversary Edition
Paul HardingHarding’s Pulitzer Prize-winner is another look at the beauty of the father-son relationship. The past unfurls as a man on his deathbed thinks about his turbulent childhood with his late father, Howard, who was a tinker (mender). In turn, Howard remembers his own father. A tender, lyrical look at the complexities of how sons rebel against — and emulate — the men who raise them.
The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley
Hannah TintiSamuel Hawley is no ordinary father. He’s an outlaw. Haunted by his former life as a smuggler and professional assassin, Samuel struggles to keep his crimes in the past and to give his daughter a normal childhood — but he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Tinti’s (“The Good Thief”) thrilling portrait of the fierce, loving bond between a father and daughter reminds us that good parenting doesn’t always look the way we’d expect.
Sing, Unburied, Sing: A Novel
Jesmyn WardYoung Jojo’s grandpa, Pop, is a quietly powerful father figure in Ward’s National Book Award-winning coming-of-age story. His mother is too consumed with longing for his real father, who’s imprisoned in the notorious state penitentiary, to pay much attention to Jojo and his little sister. Pop’s paternal love and guidance shines all the more for his understated, dignified ways of teaching Jojo how to be a man as the family struggles to stay together in a world that’s tearing them apart.
The Darling Buds of May: The Larkin Novels, Volume 1
H.E. BatesBates’ classic gives readers a glimpse into middle-class life in mid-20th century England as the Larkin family tries every trick in the book to avoid a tax collector. Pop Larkin is the most scheming of all, and his boisterous, fun nature adds appreciated zest to “The Darling Buds of May.” Let Pop take you on an entertaining, mischievous whirl this Father’s Day.
The Bear
Andrew KrivakIn a future where nature prevails and humankind is all but extinct, a man teaches his daughter everything he knows to fuel her independence. This quick read is poetic and contemplative, revealing the beauty of a strong legacy.
Pride and Prejudice
Jane AustenDespite having five daughters to raise and a fretful wife consumed with matching, Mr. Bennett is the picture of steadfast patience. Even more endearing, he’s the only member of the family who understands and appreciates his daughter Lizzy’s independent spirit. Mr. Bennett grounds the entire family in Austen’s classic romp through Regency England full of lively romance, gossip, and flirtations.
Pops
Michael ChabonOK, we’re cheating here by including this nonfiction collection, but it’s by one of our favorite fiction writers, Chabon (“The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay”), so we're going to go ahead and count it. Chabon describes his relationship with his son and his own dad in six essays that succinctly distill what it means to be a great father. Narrated by Chabon himself, “Pops” is well worth a listen for any dads or children out there who love their family and great writing.
Outlander
Diana GabaldonBoth Jamie Fraser and his father, Brian, served as providers and protectors for their kids. Jamie’s ferocity when it came to defending his wife and children is just as intense as his love for them. Although Brian isn’t a major character, Jamie’s flashbacks reveal a father who loved him but wasn’t afraid to discipline with a firm hand. Gabaldon’s genre-bending, time-traveling historical romantic adventure is a total page-turner.
Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions
Nitsan ChorevGrowing up, William Bloom loved hearing his father’s tall tales that painted him as a man who went on mythical adventures and led an extraordinary life. However, now that Edward lays dying, William is determined to find out who his father truly is — except Edward isn’t too keen on revealing the truth. This is a mesmerizing novel that uses powerful storytelling to highlight the complex natures of father-son relationships.