The Greatest Swedish, Chinese "Psychological, Fiction" Books Since 1900

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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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Psychological

The Psychological genre of books typically explores the inner workings of the human mind and emotions, often delving into complex and sometimes disturbing psychological states. These books may focus on mental illness, trauma, relationships, or personal growth, and often challenge readers to confront their own beliefs and perceptions. Psychological books may be suspenseful, thought-provoking, and emotionally intense, offering readers a deep and often unsettling glimpse into the human psyche.

Fiction

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  1. 1. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

    A disgraced journalist is hired by a wealthy industrialist to solve a forty-year-old mystery involving the disappearance of his niece. He is assisted in his investigation by a brilliant but deeply troubled hacker. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a twisted web of family secrets, corruption, and murder. The story is a dark and gripping exploration of Swedish society, as well as a thrilling mystery.

    The 948th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Dwarf by Par Lagerkvist

    "The Dwarf" is a dark, philosophical novel set in the Italian Renaissance, narrated by a malevolent court dwarf who serves a prince. The dwarf is a symbol for the darker side of humanity, embodying all the malice, deceit, and manipulation that one can possess. His actions and viewpoint provide a cynical commentary on human nature and the moral complexities of power, war, and love. The novel explores themes of good and evil, faith and doubt, and the destructive side of human nature.

    The 1022nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Waiting by Ha Jin

    "Waiting" is a story set in China during the Cultural Revolution and its aftermath, revolving around the life of Lin Kong, a military doctor who is torn between his love for two women. He is stuck in an arranged marriage with his traditional wife in the countryside, while he falls in love with a modern, city nurse. The novel explores his 18-year struggle to divorce his wife and marry his lover, depicting the clash between traditional and modern Chinese culture, personal desires, and societal expectations.

    The 1539th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Doctor Glas by Hjalmar Soderberg

    This novel revolves around a physician named Doctor Glas who finds himself morally conflicted when he falls in love with a young woman, the wife of a corrupt clergyman. The doctor is torn between his professional obligation and his personal feelings, as he contemplates murdering the clergyman to free the woman he loves. The book explores themes of love, morality, and the struggle between societal expectations and personal desires.

    The 2711th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Kallocain by Karin Boye

    This dystopian novel presents a totalitarian world where the government exercises complete control over its citizens' lives, even their thoughts. The protagonist, a loyal soldier, invents a truth serum named Kallocain, which the government uses to extract citizens' innermost secrets. As the story unfolds, the protagonist begins to question the morality of his invention and the regime he serves, leading to a deep personal crisis. The book explores themes of individual freedom, privacy, and the dehumanizing effects of totalitarianism.

    The 2711th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. A Burnt Child by Stig Dagerman

    The novel delves into the psychological turmoil of a young man grappling with the complexities of adulthood and the haunting specter of his father's death. As he navigates the murky waters of guilt, desire, and rebellion, he becomes entangled in a web of relationships that challenge his understanding of love, morality, and his own identity. Set against the backdrop of post-war Sweden, the story is a poignant exploration of grief, the struggle for self-discovery, and the painful journey towards coming-of-age in a world that seems both indifferent and unforgiving.

    The 2942nd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Girl Who Played Go by Shan Sa

    Set in the 1930s during the Japanese occupation of Manchuria, the novel intertwines the lives of a young Chinese girl, a master of the ancient board game Go, and a Japanese soldier. As the girl seeks refuge from the turmoil of war in the strategy and beauty of Go, she encounters the soldier in the public square where they silently engage in a series of games. The board becomes a silent battleground reflecting their personal and political struggles. Their growing connection and the insights they gain into each other's cultures and vulnerabilities lead to a poignant and tragic conclusion, underscoring the senselessness of war and the transcendent power of human connection and empathy.

    The 7777th 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