The Greatest Chilean, Colombian Books Since 1970

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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  1. 1. Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez

    This novel follows the story of Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza, who fall passionately in love in their youth. However, Fermina eventually marries a wealthy doctor, leaving Florentino heartbroken. Despite this, Florentino remains devoted to Fermina for over fifty years, patiently waiting for her husband's death to have another chance at her love. The story is set against the backdrop of a cholera epidemic, serving as a metaphor for the transformative power of love and the destructive power of obsession.

    The 112th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende

    "The House of the Spirits" is a multi-generational saga that explores the lives of the Trueba family, set against the backdrop of political upheaval in an unnamed Latin American country. The narrative is driven by the family's strong and magical women, including clairvoyant Clara and her granddaughter Alba. The story spans over three generations, weaving together personal, social, and political threads, and is rich in elements of magical realism. The novel explores themes of love, violence, social class, and the struggle for power.

    The 167th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolaño

    "The Savage Detectives" is a novel that follows the lives of two Latin American poets, Arturo Belano and Ulises Lima, who are founders of a literary movement called "visceral realism." The book is divided into three parts and is narrated by multiple characters, providing different perspectives on the protagonists. The narrative spans over 20 years, following the poets' journey from Mexico City to Europe, Israel, and Africa, as they search for a mysterious poetess and navigate through the world of literature, sex, drugs, and the complexities of life.

    The 452nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. 2666 by Roberto Bolaño

    The novel is a sprawling, ambitious work that spans continents and time periods, centering around an elusive, reclusive German author. It intertwines five different narratives: a group of European academics searching for the author, a professor in Mexico dealing with his own personal crises, a New York reporter sent to cover a boxing match in Mexico, an African-American journalist in Detroit, and the horrifying and unsolved murders of hundreds of women in a Mexican border town. The narratives are linked by themes of violence, mystery, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

    The 488th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel García Márquez

    The novel unfolds as a murder mystery, revealing the planned revenge killing of a young man named Santiago Nasar by the Vicario brothers. They believe Santiago has dishonored their sister, Angela, by taking her virginity before her marriage to another man. Despite the impending murder being common knowledge within the small Colombian town, a series of coincidences and misunderstandings prevent anyone from intervening, leading to Santiago's tragic and foretold demise. The narrative explores themes of honor, fate, and the collective responsibility of a community.

    The 989th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Poems of Pablo Neruda by Pablo Neruda

    This book is a collection of poetry by a renowned Chilean poet who is known for his passionate, intense, and deeply emotional verses. The poems touch on a variety of themes, including love, nature, politics, and the human condition. The poet's unique style, which combines vivid imagery, profound emotion, and a deep connection with the natural world, is evident in each of the pieces in this collection.

    The 1316th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Autumn of the Patriarch by Gabriel García Márquez

    The novel explores the life of an eternal dictator who has ruled over a Caribbean nation for several decades. The patriarch's oppressive regime is marked by corruption, violence, and absurdity, while his personal life is characterized by loneliness and paranoia. The narrative is a complex, non-linear exploration of power, time, and the dehumanizing effects of political tyranny. The patriarch's death prompts a reflection on his life and reign, revealing a mythical, magical, and horrifying reality.

    The 1648th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Of Love and Shadows by Isabel Allende

    Set against the backdrop of a South American country under a military dictatorship, this novel follows the story of a woman journalist and her lover, a photographer, who, while working together, uncover a hidden mass grave in a remote part of their country. Their discovery leads them into danger as they try to expose the truth about the brutal regime ruling their country, while also dealing with their own personal issues and their growing love for each other. The story is a blend of romance and political drama, showing the power of love and courage in the face of oppression and fear.

    The 2175th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Adventures and Misadventures of Maqroll by Alvaro Mutis

    "The Adventures and Misadventures of Maqroll" is a collection of seven novellas that follow the life of Maqroll, a seafarer and adventurer. The stories, set in various locations around the globe, are filled with philosophical musings, poetic language, and vivid descriptions of exotic locales. Maqroll's encounters with a host of characters, from pirates to prostitutes, and his experiences with love, loss, and loneliness, all contribute to a richly textured narrative that explores the human condition and the nature of existence.

    The 4050th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Our Lady of the Assassins by Fernando Vallejo

    This novel is a dark and gripping exploration of life in Medellín, Colombia, during the height of the drug wars. The protagonist, a middle-aged writer, returns home after many years abroad, only to find his city ravaged by violence and death. He falls in love with two teenage assassins, who guide him through the underworld of the city, exposing him to the brutal realities of life in a place where human life has lost all value. The story is a bleak commentary on the devastating effects of drug trafficking and political corruption on society.

    The 4105th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Scraps Of Life by Marjorie Agosín

    "Scraps of Life" is a poignant collection of testimonies and reflections on the harrowing experiences of Chilean women who endured the brutality of the Pinochet dictatorship. Through a tapestry of personal narratives, poems, and letters, the book gives voice to the pain, resilience, and unyielding hope of these women as they navigate the aftermath of political repression and personal loss. The work serves as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring quest for justice and memory in the face of unspeakable atrocities.

    The 4506th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Collected Stories by Gabriel García Márquez

    "Collected Stories" brings together a diverse array of tales that blend the magical with the mundane in a uniquely evocative manner. The stories traverse a variety of settings and characters, each infused with the author's rich imagination and lyrical prose. Themes of love, violence, and destiny are explored through narratives that often blur the lines between reality and fantasy, capturing the complexities of human experience and emotion. This collection showcases the author's ability to illuminate the extraordinary within the ordinary, making the familiar seem fantastical and the fantastical accessible.

    The 5064th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. City of the Beasts by Isabel Allende

    A 15-year-old boy is forced to move in with his eccentric grandmother after his mother falls ill. Together, they embark on a journey to the Amazon rainforest in search of a legendary, healing beast. Along the way, they encounter various challenges, including dangerous animals, harsh environments, and a group of indigenous people with mystical powers. The boy learns to overcome his fears and prejudices, forming a strong bond with the indigenous people and the rainforest itself.

    The 5369th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. News Of A Kidnapping by Gabriel García Márquez

    The book chronicles the harrowing real-life experiences of several journalists who were kidnapped in Colombia in the early 1990s by the Medellín drug cartel, led by Pablo Escobar. The narrative delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil faced by the hostages and their families, while also exploring the complex political and social landscape of Colombia during this tumultuous period. Through meticulous reporting and personal testimonies, the book sheds light on the pervasive influence of drug cartels on Colombian society and the extreme measures taken by Escobar to leverage his power against the government's extradition policies.

    The 5457th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Sound Of Things Falling by Juan Gabriel Vásquez

    "The Sound Of Things Falling" is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex and haunting aftermath of the drug trade in Colombia. Set against the backdrop of a turbulent country, the story follows the lives of two men whose paths intertwine in unexpected ways. Through vivid storytelling and poignant reflections, the book explores themes of memory, guilt, and the lasting impact of violence on individuals and society.

    The 5709th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Old Man Who Read Love Stories by Luis Sepúlveda

    The book tells the story of an elderly man who, having settled in a remote Amazonian village, develops a passion for reading romance novels to escape the monotony of his daily life. His peaceful existence is disrupted when he is called upon to track down an ocelot that has been killing the local villagers' animals. As he ventures into the jungle, his journey becomes both a physical and emotional adventure, intertwining his love of literature with his deep respect for nature, and ultimately leading him to confront not only the wild cat but also the complexities of human nature and love.

    The 6402nd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Paula by Isabel Allende

    The book is a deeply personal memoir in which the author recounts the tragic experience of her daughter falling into a coma due to a rare illness. As her daughter lies in the hospital, the author begins to write a poignant letter that evolves into a narrative of her family's history, her own life story, and the political and cultural upheavals that shaped her world. Through this intimate narrative, she explores themes of love, loss, and resilience, offering a raw and heartfelt reflection on the events that have defined her life and the unbreakable bonds of family.

    The 6499th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Internal Ecology Morals For Xxi Century by Dario Salas Sommer

    This book delves into the intricate relationship between individual moral development and the broader ecological balance of our planet, proposing that the environmental crises of the 21st century are deeply intertwined with the moral and ethical decay observed in contemporary society. The author argues that by fostering a deeper understanding of our internal ecology—our thoughts, emotions, and spiritual well-being—we can cultivate a more harmonious relationship with the external world. Through a blend of philosophical insight and practical guidance, the text invites readers to embark on a journey of personal transformation as a foundational step towards addressing the global environmental challenges of our time, emphasizing the critical role of individual responsibility and ethical conduct in shaping a sustainable future.

    The 6568th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. In The Beginning Was The Sea by Tomás González

    The novel follows a disillusioned urban couple who seek to escape the chaos and superficiality of city life by moving to a remote tropical coast in Colombia. Dreaming of a simpler existence and self-sufficiency, they purchase a decrepit estate, but their idealistic venture quickly deteriorates as they face a harsh reality. The couple's relationship strains under the pressures of the unforgiving environment, isolation, and the challenges of their new rural life, leading to a tragic culmination. The story is a profound meditation on the complexities of nature, the fragility of human ambition, and the illusory nature of utopian dreams.

    The 6727th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Changó, The Biggest Badass by Manuel Zapata Olivella

    This novel is a vibrant tapestry of African heritage and the diasporic experience, weaving together the rich history, mythology, and spirituality of the African continent with the brutal realities of slavery in the Americas. It follows the life of Changó, a powerful African king and deity in the Yoruba religion, who embodies strength, passion, and the struggle for justice. Through his journey, the narrative explores themes of resistance, cultural identity, and the enduring spirit of African people as they navigate and influence the New World, all while maintaining a connection to their ancestral roots and traditions.

    The 6727th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Strange Pilgrims by Gabriel García Márquez

    "Strange Pilgrims" is a collection of twelve short stories that explore the lives of Latin American characters who find themselves in unfamiliar European settings. The tales, infused with magical realism, delve into themes of dislocation, love, death, and the surreal experiences of immigrants. The characters, often caught between their old world and the new, face unexpected situations and encounters that challenge their understanding of reality. The stories weave a tapestry of poignant, strange, and sometimes whimsical narratives that reflect the author's signature style of blending the fantastic with the ordinary.

    The 6730th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. En Diciembre Llegaban Las Brisas by Marvel Moreno

    Set in the Caribbean region of Colombia, the novel weaves a tapestry of stories focusing on the lives of women from different social backgrounds, spanning several decades of the 20th century. It explores themes of love, betrayal, and the oppressive social norms that dictate women's lives. Through a series of interconnected narratives, the book delves into the personal struggles and intimate experiences of its characters, revealing the complex interplay between societal expectations and personal desires. The arrival of the December breezes serves as a metaphor for the winds of change, challenging the status quo and bringing to light the underlying tensions within this traditional society.

    The 7005th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Delirio(premio Alfaguara 2004) by Laura Restrepo

    The novel revolves around a man who returns to Bogotá from a business trip only to find his wife has succumbed to an inexplicable bout of madness during his absence. As he seeks to uncover the roots of her delirium, he delves into her past and the dark history of his country, encountering a tapestry of characters from various strata of Colombian society. The narrative weaves together personal and political elements, exploring themes of love, violence, and the impact of the drug trade, ultimately painting a portrait of a society where reality and madness are intertwined.

    The 7055th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. The Obscene Bird Of Night by José Donoso

    This novel is a labyrinthine exploration of identity, madness, and the nature of reality, told through the fragmented narrative of a reclusive man who has lived his life in seclusion on a decrepit estate. As the protagonist delves into his past, he recounts his experiences among the deformed and the destitute, the aristocracy and the servants, while grappling with his own fears and illusions. The narrative weaves a tapestry of grotesque imagery, mythological allusions, and a collapsing social order, challenging the reader to distinguish between truth and fabrication in a world where the boundaries of sanity are blurred.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Distant Star by Roberto Bolaño

    "Distant Star" is a chilling novel set in Chile following the 1973 coup that overthrew Salvador Allende. The story focuses on a character who uses his position as a member of the Chilean Air Force to commit heinous acts of violence. His fascination with poetry and aerial acrobatics is interwoven with his terrifying actions, creating a disconcerting contrast. The narrative explores the horrific realities of political upheaval, the fine line between art and brutality, and the long-lasting effects of trauma.

    The 7773rd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download