Novels:
* The Cannibal (1960): His breakout novel, known for its graphic depiction of violence and cannibalism.
* Second Skin (1964): Explores the themes of identity and self-deception through a fragmented narrative.
* The Lime Twig (1961): A darkly comedic novel about a man obsessed with a woman who may or may not exist.
* Death, Sleep & the Traveler (1974): A surreal and unsettling novel about a man who awakens after a long sleep in a world vastly different from the one he remembers.
* The Blood Oranges (1971): Set in a small Italian town, this novel explores themes of desire, betrayal, and the fragility of human connection.
* Tracers (1984): A complex novel about a former prisoner of war who struggles to reintegrate into society.
* Virgin of the Rocks (1988): A historical novel about a painter's journey into madness.
* The Owl (1992): Explores the themes of loneliness, isolation, and the nature of reality through the story of a man who spends years in a remote cabin.
Short Story Collections:
* The Owl (1961)
* The Passion Artist (1961)
* The Innocent (1963)
* The Beggar's Opera and Other Stories (1970)
* The Coxe Companion (1973)
* The Monkey Wrench (1975)
* The Man With the Twisted Lip (1981)
Hawkes's writing is characterized by its intense focus on psychological states, often unsettling and disturbing. His works often explore themes of violence, sexuality, and the dark side of human nature. He is considered a master of experimental prose and a major figure in American literature.