This work explores modern American literature at the turn of the century, focusing on two prominent novels: "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" by Junot Díaz and "The Known World" by Edward P Jones. The former delves into the experience of the Dominican Republic under dictator Rafael Trujillo, while following the life of a Dominican boy in New Jersey obsessed with science fiction and fantasy novels. The latter is a historical novel set in Virginia during the antebellum era, addressing complex issues of slavery and freedom.