Is the novel dead as a meaningful art form?

Can't think of recent novels that were serious literary works, politically, philosophically, or along any other dimension that matters. Mostly self-indulgent amusements about some self-regarding class (neurotic, affluent NYers, etc.).

Houellebecq is one exception.

Also, can't think of a recent novel that was a proper cultural event, whose arrival was heralded as worthy of collective attention. 'The Corrections' (ages ago now) is perhaps the last example. This could also just reflect media fracture.

Maybe something by Hornby as a more recent novelistic event?

Or maybe I just don't read the weekend book reviews as religiously as I used to.

Ok. Now that I think about it:

'The Reluctant Fundamentalist' by Hamid was interesting.

As was 'American War' by El Akkad.

McCarthy is also there.

Who else?

I on the other hand think nobody captures our zeitgeist better than Houellebecq, and he predicted contemporary weirdnesses like incel culture decades before they happened. :)

That said, which of Sebald would you most recommend?

What other novelist examines the modern condition in its ruthless, hedonist absurdity?

I take it you're freaking out about Submission, not his best work IMO.

Americans have never loved him, that's for sure.