The Greatest Korean, Swedish Books Since 1980

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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. 26. The Return Of The Dancing Master by Henning Mankell

    In this gripping Scandinavian crime novel, a brutal murder in a remote Swedish village draws a young police officer into a complex investigation. As he delves into the victim's past, he uncovers a web of secrets and a history of neo-Nazi activity. The case becomes even more personal when the officer discovers connections to his own mentor, a legendary detective with a mysterious past. As the suspense builds, the officer must confront the darkness within the small community and within himself, navigating a chilling landscape of hate and revenge to solve the crime and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    The 6904th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Millennium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson

    The "Millennium Trilogy" is a gripping and intricate series that follows the lives of journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander as they uncover dark secrets and navigate a web of corruption, violence, and conspiracy in Sweden. Blomkvist, aided by Salander's exceptional skills, delves into the mysterious disappearance of a wealthy industrialist's niece, leading them to uncover a shocking series of crimes involving powerful individuals. As they work together to expose the truth, they become entangled in a dangerous game that threatens their lives and forces them to confront their own troubled pasts.

    The 7035th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Wave by Suzy Lee

    "Wave" is a wordless picture book that follows the playful and imaginative journey of a young girl at the beach. Through beautifully illustrated pages, readers witness the girl's interactions with a wave, as she runs away from it, dances with it, and ultimately befriends it. The book captures the joy and wonder of childhood, highlighting the power of imagination and the beauty of nature.

    The 7083rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. The Plotters by Un-su Kim

    "The Plotters" is a gripping novel set in a dystopian world where assassins are hired to eliminate targets chosen by a secret organization. Reseng, a highly skilled and detached killer, finds himself caught in a web of conspiracy and betrayal when his latest target turns out to be someone he knows. As he delves deeper into the mysterious workings of the organization, Reseng must confront his own past and question the morality of his profession. With its dark humor and unpredictable twists, this book explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions.

    The 7129th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Magic Lantern by Ingmar Bergman

    "The Magic Lantern" is an autobiographical work that delves into the early life and career of one of cinema's most esteemed directors. Through a series of vivid vignettes, the author reflects on his childhood, family relationships, and formative experiences that shaped his artistic vision. The narrative provides a candid and introspective look at the author's personal struggles, inspirations, and the development of his unique cinematic style, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the mind of a creative genius who profoundly influenced the world of film.

    The 7912th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Selected Poems by Tomas Tranströmer

    This collection of poetry offers a profound exploration of the human psyche, nature, and the complexities of existence through the lens of the Swedish landscape and personal experience. The poet's work is characterized by its vivid imagery, concise language, and deep philosophical undertones. Themes of silence, death, history, and the intersection of the individual with the universal are woven throughout the poems, inviting readers to contemplate the transcendent moments of everyday life. The poet's unique voice bridges the gap between the mundane and the mystical, making this anthology a resonant meditation on the human condition.

    The 8193rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

    The book centers around a curmudgeonly widower whose strict routines and grumpy demeanor hide a deep sadness after the loss of his wife. His solitary existence is disrupted when a boisterous young family moves in next door, leading to a series of comedic and heartwarming events that gradually thaw his icy exterior. Through these interactions, the protagonist's past is revealed, and he forms unexpected friendships that give him a new lease on life, showing that even the most steadfast loner can find community and purpose when least expected.

    The 8379th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Factfulness by Hans Rosling

    The book challenges common misconceptions about the state of the world, using a wealth of statistical data to argue that, contrary to popular belief, global living conditions are improving significantly. It introduces ten instincts that distort our perspective—from the fear instinct (which leads us to perceive the world as more frightening than it is) to the destiny instinct (which causes us to assume that the fates of populations are predetermined). The author, a renowned public health expert, encourages readers to adopt a "factful" mindset, which relies on data and evidence to create a more accurate understanding of the world, ultimately fostering a more positive and productive approach to global challenges.

    The 8405th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Frozen Moment by Camilla Ceder

    This gripping Scandinavian crime novel unfolds in the small Swedish town of Backudden, where a brutal murder shatters the winter calm. A local mechanic is found shot in the head, his body lying in the snow, leading Inspector Christian Tell and his team on a complex investigation. As they delve deeper, the case intertwines with the personal lives of the townspeople, revealing hidden connections and secrets. The narrative masterfully combines a meticulous police procedural with the exploration of human relationships and the impact of the past on the present. With its chilling atmosphere and intricate plot, the novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats until its startling conclusion.

    The 9546th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Solo Leveling 02 by Dubu, CHUGONG

    "Solo Leveling 02" continues the thrilling saga of a weak hunter in a world where humans with special abilities fight monstrous creatures emerging from gates. After a near-death experience in a particularly dangerous dungeon, the protagonist discovers he has become a "solo player," gaining the unique ability to level up on his own, a power unseen in the hunter community. With his newfound strength, he embarks on a journey of self-improvement and faces increasingly perilous dungeons, all while uncovering the mysteries behind his abilities and the gates. This installment follows his challenges and growth as he aims to become one of the world's most formidable hunters.

    The 9657th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim

    This book is a contemplative guide that explores the importance of slowing down in our fast-paced world to discover peace, tranquility, and happiness. Written by a renowned meditation teacher, it offers practical advice and insights drawn from the author's life experiences and spiritual teachings. Through a series of short, accessible chapters, the book addresses various aspects of modern life, such as love, relationships, work, and self-care, encouraging readers to pause, breathe, and reflect on their inner lives. It combines mindfulness and Zen Buddhist principles to help readers cultivate a more mindful and compassionate approach to their daily lives, emphasizing the profound wisdom that becomes visible only when we take the time to slow down.

    The 9772nd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. The Dog Star by Agneta Pleijel

    "The Dog Star" is a haunting novel that explores the complexities of family relationships and the pain of growing up. Set in the mid-20th century, the story follows a young girl as she navigates through her difficult childhood in a dysfunctional family. As she grows older, she begins to question the world around her and her place in it. The narrative is interspersed with her adult reflections, providing a poignant examination of memory, regret, and the often painful journey to self-discovery.

    The 9791st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark

    This book explores the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the fabric of human existence, proposing a framework for understanding the progression of life through the lens of technological evolution. It delves into the potential scenarios that could unfold as AI surpasses human intelligence, raising profound questions about consciousness, the role of humans in a world shared with advanced AI, and how society can navigate the ethical, political, and existential challenges this new era presents. The author encourages a proactive approach to designing and governing AI technologies, emphasizing the importance of aligning them with human values and interests to ensure a future where humanity can thrive alongside increasingly intelligent machines.

    The 9819th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Ninefox Gambit by Yoon Ha Lee

    In a futuristic world, the empire relies on a rigid calendar system known as "The Hexarchate" to maintain control and suppress any dissent. When a rogue general stages a rebellion, a talented captain named Kel Cheris is chosen to quell the uprising. To achieve this, she must form an uneasy alliance with an undead tactician, Jedao, whose brilliance in warfare is matched only by his notorious treachery. As they navigate a treacherous battlefield filled with deceit, Kel must learn to trust Jedao's cunning strategies, even as she questions his true motives. With the fate of the empire hanging in the balance, Kel and Jedao embark on a high-stakes mission that will test their loyalties and reshape the very fabric of their world.

    The 10124th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. No One Is Too Small To Make A Difference by Greta Thunberg

    "No One Is Too Small To Make A Difference" is a collection of speeches by Greta Thunberg, a young climate activist who gained international recognition for her efforts to combat climate change. Through her powerful and passionate words, Thunberg emphasizes the urgency of taking action and highlights the responsibility of individuals, governments, and corporations to address the environmental crisis. This book serves as a call to action, inspiring readers to join the global movement for a sustainable future.

    The 10403rd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee

    "Dragon Pearl" is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Min, a young fox spirit who dreams of leaving her impoverished planet and joining the Space Forces like her older brother Jun. When Jun is accused of deserting his post to search for the mythical Dragon Pearl, Min sets out to clear his name and find the pearl herself. Along the way, she discovers secrets about her family and the universe that threaten to unravel everything she knows. With the help of new friends and her shape-shifting abilities, Min embarks on a thrilling adventure filled with danger and discovery.

    The 10829th 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