I'd say Pastoral by Andre Alexis. This was the last book in the Quincunx cycle that I read -- five novels that share characters and settings but are not sequels

I'd say Pastoral by Andre Alexis. This was the last book in the Quincunx cycle that I read -- five novels that share characters and settings but are not sequels; each story uses a different theme and style. This one is a pastoral of course. Others include Fifteen Dogs, an apologue; Ring, a romance; etc. I had also read Ring this year and I was surprised that I had enjoyed it as much as I did. I've never been huge into romance novels. It has definitely left me more open minded. Pastoral was my favorite for its sheer, stunning beauty and the tragic, bucolic little town and the people that lived in it. I was taken most of all by how effortlessly Alexis can dive deep from the scents and sounds of a scene into the emotional reasoning and memories of a character. The story has a pleasing cadence and tempo. The mystery of the relationships of the townsfolk and the challenges to the main characters' faith feel so real and believable. It's a wonderful escape.