The Greatest Nigerian, Austrian 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. 1. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    The novel is set in Nigeria during the Biafran War, exploring the impact of the conflict on the lives of its characters. The story is told from the perspective of three characters: a young houseboy, a radical university professor, and the professor's wealthy lover. The narrative delves into themes of love, race, and war, offering a vivid depiction of the horrors of conflict and the resilience of the human spirit.

    The 652nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Famished Road by Ben Okri

    The novel centers around the life of an abiku, a spirit child, who resides in the bustling city of Lagos. Despite numerous attempts to return to the spiritual world, the boy is tethered to the physical realm through the love of his mother. As he navigates through the political unrest and poverty of post-colonial Nigeria, he experiences a series of surreal and mystical encounters, all while wrestling with the pull of the spirit world. The narrative is a blend of reality and the supernatural, providing a unique perspective on the struggles and complexities of human life.

    The 705th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    The novel follows a young Nigerian woman who emigrates to the United States for a university education. While there, she experiences racism and begins blogging about her experiences as an African woman in America. Meanwhile, her high school sweetheart faces his own struggles in England and Nigeria. The story is a powerful exploration of race, immigration, and the complex nature of identity, love, and belonging.

    The 867th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Piano Teacher by Elfriede Jelinek

    "The Piano Teacher" is a dark exploration of power dynamics, sexuality, and repression. The story revolves around a piano teacher at a prestigious music school in Vienna who lives with her overbearing mother in a state of emotional and sexual repression. Her life takes a turn when she becomes sexually involved with a young, self-assured student. The relationship, marked by sadomasochistic games and emotional manipulation, spirals out of control, leading to a tragic end. The book is a profound critique of bourgeois values and the oppressive structures of society.

    The 1057th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Extinction by Thomas Bernhard

    "Extinction" is a novel that explores the dark and complex themes of family, identity, and history through the eyes of its protagonist, a professor living in Rome. When he receives news of the deaths of his parents and brother in a car accident, he is forced to confront his past and his Austrian heritage. The narrative delves into his thoughts and feelings, his criticisms of his family and society, and his philosophical musings on life and death, all while he prepares to return to his family's estate for the funeral. The novel is renowned for its dense, stream-of-consciousness style and its unflinching examination of the human condition.

    The 1416th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Concrete by Thomas Bernhard

    The book is a darkly introspective narrative that delves into the mind of a reclusive, obsessive intellectual who is struggling to complete his scholarly work on the composer Mendelssohn. As he grapples with his own ailments and the perceived mediocrity of his surroundings, the protagonist's stream-of-consciousness monologue reveals his deep-seated anxieties, self-loathing, and profound isolation. The narrative is a relentless examination of the protagonist's psyche, showcasing his critical view of society and his own personal relationships, which are fraught with tension and dysfunction. Through this, the novel explores themes of artistic creation, intellectual elitism, and the suffocating nature of expectations and familial obligations.

    The 1733rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Woodcutters by Thomas Bernhard

    Woodcutters is a darkly humorous critique of Vienna's artistic elite. The story takes place over the course of a single evening, as the narrator attends a dinner party in honor of a recently successful actor. As the evening progresses, he reflects on the pretentiousness and hypocrisy of the guests, the mediocrity of their artistic achievements, and the tragic suicide of his former lover. The novel is a scathing indictment of the vanity and self-delusion of the artistic community.

    The 1741st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Ake: The Years Of Childhood by Wole Soyinka

    "Ake: The Years of Childhood" is a memoir that chronicles the early years of a Nigerian boy growing up in the town of Ake. Set in the 1940s, the book vividly captures the author's experiences, from his close-knit family life to his encounters with colonialism and the struggle for independence. Through his insightful and lyrical prose, the author takes readers on a nostalgic journey filled with rich cultural traditions, humorous anecdotes, and poignant reflections on the complexities of childhood.

    The 2188th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Wittgenstein's Nephew by Thomas Bernhard

    "Wittgenstein's Nephew" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the friendship between the narrator and his friend Paul, who is the nephew of the famous philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. The story takes place in Vienna and is set against the backdrop of the Austrian mental health system. The novel delves into themes of sanity, insanity, and the fine line that separates the two, while also offering a critique of Austrian society. It is a meditation on the nature of illness, both physical and mental, and the impact it has on personal relationships and one's perception of the world.

    The 3003rd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    "Purple Hibiscus" follows the story of a 15-year-old Nigerian girl, Kambili, and her older brother Jaja, who live a privileged life in Enugu. However, their father is a religious fanatic and a domestic tyrant. The siblings are sent to their Aunty Ifeoma's home, a university professor, who provides them a taste of freedom and shows them a different way of life outside their father's oppressive rule. The novel explores themes of colonialism, religious fanaticism, and the post-colonial political situation in Nigeria.

    The 3048th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Children Of Blood And Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

    In a world where magic has been suppressed and the maji people have been oppressed, Zélie, a young maji girl, embarks on a dangerous quest to restore magic and bring justice to her people. Alongside her brother and a rogue princess, Zélie must confront her own powers and face formidable enemies, navigating a treacherous landscape of betrayal and sacrifice. As they race against time, Zélie discovers that she may hold the key to not only saving her people, but also to changing the destiny of their entire nation.

    The 3194th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Afternoon of a Writer by Peter Handke

    "The Afternoon of a Writer" is a contemplative exploration of a day in the life of a solitary writer who, after a successful morning of writing, decides to take a walk through an unnamed European city. As he strolls, he grapples with feelings of alienation and existential dread, questioning his purpose and the worth of his work. The book delves into the writer's inner struggles, his observations of the world around him, and his reflections on the act of writing itself.

    The 3270th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Last World by Christoph Ransmayr

    "The Last World" is a novel that reimagines the exile of the Roman poet Ovid in a remote village at the edge of the Black Sea. The story is set in a mythical time and place, where the villagers are haunted by strange transformations and echoes of Ovid's metamorphoses. The novel blurs the lines between the real and the imaginary, the past and the present, and the world of the living and the dead, creating a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere.

    The 3375th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Lust by Elfriede Jelinek

    This book is a provocative exploration of the dynamics of power and desire within the confines of a loveless marriage. Set against the backdrop of the Austrian Alps, it delves into the life of a woman trapped in a relationship with her abusive and unfaithful husband, a powerful paper mill owner. The narrative dissects the commodification of sex, the objectification of women, and the societal structures that perpetuate these themes. Through a stark and unflinching examination of the protagonist's degradation and the pervasive corruption in her world, the novel presents a scathing critique of consumerism, the patriarchy, and the hollow nature of modern relationships.

    The 4367th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Stillborn by Zaynab Alkali

    "The Stillborn" is a poignant narrative that explores the lives of women in a traditional African society, focusing on their struggles, resilience, and the quest for personal identity. The story delves into the complexities of polygamy, cultural expectations, and the impact of modernity on rural communities. Through the experiences of its female protagonists, the novel highlights the challenges faced by women in their pursuit of education, autonomy, and fulfillment in a male-dominated environment, ultimately offering a critique of the societal norms that stifle their growth and the transformative power of self-awareness and communal support.

    The 4577th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Snows Of Yesteryear by Gregor von Rezzori

    "The Snows of Yesteryear" is a memoir that explores the author's complex and tumultuous upbringing in Eastern Europe during the early 20th century. Through a series of vivid and poignant anecdotes, the book delves into the author's personal experiences with war, displacement, and the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, offering a deeply introspective and nostalgic reflection on the fleeting nature of time and the enduring impact of one's past.

    The 4827th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor

    This novel is a coming-of-age narrative set in a post-apocalyptic Africa. It follows the journey of a young woman born from a violent act, who is prophesied to bring an end to a brutal regime. As she grows, she discovers her magical abilities and must learn to control them in order to fulfill her destiny. The narrative explores themes of race, gender, and power, while incorporating elements of African mythology and culture.

    The 4868th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Astonishing the Gods by Ben Okri

    "Astonishing the Gods" is a mystical exploration of the intersection of the visible and invisible worlds. The protagonist is an invisible man who embarks on a spiritual journey, seeking knowledge and truth. Along his journey, he encounters various gods and mythical beings, each imparting wisdom and insights. The narrative is a blend of poetry, philosophy, and storytelling that challenges the reader's perception of reality, encouraging them to question the nature of existence and the power of imagination.

    The 4996th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Male Daughters, Female Husbands by Ifi Amadiume

    "Male Daughters, Female Husbands" is an anthropological exploration of gender roles and power dynamics within the Igbo society of Nigeria. The book challenges traditional Western notions of gender and sexuality, focusing on the concept of "female husbands" - women who assume the roles and responsibilities typically associated with men. Through extensive research and personal narratives, the author examines the historical and cultural context of these gender roles, shedding light on the complex intersections of gender, power, and identity in Igbo society.

    The 5090th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Anthills Of The Savannah by Chinua Achebe

    This novel explores the political turmoil and corruption in a fictional West African country following a military coup. Through the lives of three childhood friends who have risen to positions of power and influence, the narrative delves into themes of leadership, betrayal, and the quest for democracy in a post-colonial African society. As the country teeters on the brink of chaos, the characters' personal and political dilemmas reflect the broader struggles of a nation grappling with its identity and governance. The story is a poignant commentary on power, the complexities of freedom, and the enduring human spirit amidst societal upheaval.

    The 5374th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The Loser by Thomas Bernhard

    "The Loser" is a philosophical novel that revolves around the complex relationship between three friends who are all piano virtuosos. The narrative is driven by the protagonist's obsession with his friend's suicide, which he believes was triggered by the realization that they could never surpass the genius of their third friend. The book delves into the protagonist's psyche as he grapples with themes of talent, ambition, failure, and the destructive power of comparison.

    The 5720th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    The book explores the importance of feminism in today's society and argues that gender equality is not just a women's issue, but a concern for everyone. Drawing from personal experiences and anecdotes, the author highlights the various ways in which gender inequality manifests itself and offers insightful perspectives on how we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable world for all.

    The 6406th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Binti by Nnedi Okorafor

    "Binti" is a science fiction novella that follows the journey of a young Himba girl named Binti, who defies her family's wishes and leaves her home to attend the prestigious Oomza University. As the first of her people to be accepted, Binti faces various challenges and cultural clashes as she navigates the complexities of interstellar travel and encounters an alien race known as the Meduse. Through her unique abilities and determination, Binti becomes a bridge between two civilizations, ultimately transforming her own identity and challenging societal norms.

    The 6640th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

    In this darkly comedic novel, a nurse named Korede finds herself repeatedly cleaning up after her sister Ayoola, who has a disturbing habit of killing her boyfriends. As Ayoola's murderous tendencies escalate, Korede is torn between her loyalty to her sister and her growing concern for the next potential victim. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, the sisters' bond is put to the ultimate test, leading to a gripping and unexpected conclusion.

    The 6709th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Darkness Spoken: The Collected Poems by Ingeborg Bachmann

    "Darkness Spoken: The Collected Poems" is a compilation of works from a renowned poet that delves into themes of love, death, and political injustice. The collection, which includes both published and unpublished poems, explores the author's personal experiences and observations of post-war Europe. The author's powerful command of language and her exploration of the human condition through her poems make this collection a significant contribution to 20th-century literature.

    The 6865th 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