The Greatest "Satire, Fiction" Books Since 1990

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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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Satire

Satire is a genre of literature that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize and ridicule human vices, follies, and shortcomings. It is a form of social commentary that aims to expose the flaws and absurdities of society, politics, and culture. Satirical books often employ sarcasm, wit, and parody to challenge the status quo and provoke thought and reflection in readers. Satire can be both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it has been used throughout history as a powerful tool for social and political critique.

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  1. 26. Mother's Milk by Edward St Aubyn

    The novel follows the life of Patrick Melrose, a man battling with his drug addiction and his troubled relationship with his parents. Patrick tries to come to terms with his mother’s decision to leave her estate to a New Age foundation rather than to him, her only son. The story delves into the complexities of inheritance, parenthood, and the lasting impact of childhood trauma. The narrative shifts between the perspectives of Patrick, his wife, and their two young sons, providing a multi-dimensional view of the family's struggles.

    The 2286th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Mao II by Don DeLillo

    "Mao II" is a novel that explores the life of a reclusive novelist who hasn't been seen in public for many years. The protagonist is drawn out of his seclusion when he becomes involved in an international crisis involving a hostage situation in Beirut. The book delves into themes of terrorism, mass culture, and the power of the written word, while examining the relationship between the individual artist and the collective society.

    The 2366th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Operation Shylock by Philip Roth

    In this intriguing novel, the protagonist, a famous writer, travels to Israel to cover the trial of a former Nazi war criminal. While there, he encounters a man who is his doppelgänger and who has been using his fame to promote a controversial political agenda, including the idea that Jews should abandon Israel and return to Europe. The narrative explores themes of identity, Jewish history, and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, all while blurring the line between fiction and reality.

    The 2371st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Erasure by Percival Everett

    This novel follows a successful African-American academic and author who, frustrated by the publishing industry's expectations and stereotypes around black literature, pens a satirical novel under a pseudonym. The novel becomes a huge success, forcing him to grapple with the unexpected consequences of his critique on the industry. He is also dealing with personal issues, including the disappearance of his sister and his mother's declining health. It's a complex exploration of identity, race, and the literary world.

    The 2384th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk: A Novel by Ben Fountain

    The novel follows Billy Lynn, a 19-year-old soldier, who, along with his fellow soldiers in Bravo Squad, becomes a hero after a harrowing Iraq battle and is brought home temporarily for a victory tour. During the tour, they're honored at a Dallas Cowboys game, which exposes the commercialization and shallow appreciation of their sacrifices. Amidst the celebration, Billy grapples with his understanding of heroism, patriotism, family, and the stark contrast between the realities of war and America's perceptions.

    The 2385th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Bartleby & Co by Enrique Vila-Matas

    "Bartleby & Co" is a metafictional work that explores the theme of "writers of the No," authors who cease to write or never start at all. The narrator, an office worker on sick leave, uses footnotes to a nonexistent text to delve into the stories of these authors, including famous real-life figures. The book serves as a meditation on silence, refusal, and the nature of literature itself.

    The 2438th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Night Watch by Terry Pratchett

    "Night Watch" is a satirical fantasy novel that follows the story of Sam Vimes, a city watch commander who is transported back in time. He must navigate the complexities of the past, assume the identity of his old mentor, and prevent a violent revolution, all while trying to find a way back to his own time. The book is filled with humor, social commentary, and a detailed fantasy world.

    The 2736th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. The Truth by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, the story revolves around the accidental establishment of the city's first newspaper by a young entrepreneur and his talking dog. As the newspaper begins to uncover and report the truth, it finds itself entangled in a plot involving political intrigue, murder, and the machinations of the city's elite. The protagonist must navigate the treacherous waters of news and information, dealing with the moral dilemmas of journalism and the power of the written word, all while the very fabric of the city's society is threatened by the stories his paper brings to light. The novel humorously explores themes of media power, truth, and the responsibility of those who control the flow of information.

    The 2745th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Happy Moscow by Andrey Platonov

    "Happy Moscow" is a satirical novel set in the Soviet Union during the height of Stalinist rule, following the life of a young woman, Moscow Chestnova, who is named after the capital city. Despite the harsh realities of life under an authoritarian regime, she maintains a positive and optimistic outlook, symbolizing the Soviet Union's propaganda that promoted an image of a happy and prosperous society. The novel, through its characters and their experiences, explores the paradoxes and contradictions of the Soviet society, challenging the official narrative of happiness and prosperity.

    The 2755th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. The Gospel According To Jesus Christ by José Saramago

    This novel offers a provocative and humanized retelling of the life of Jesus Christ, diverging from traditional biblical narratives. It presents a Jesus who is all too human, grappling with the complexities of life, love, and a sense of destiny. Through a blend of biblical lore and imaginative fiction, the story explores themes of divinity, free will, and morality, challenging readers to reconsider the foundations of faith and the nature of storytelling itself. The narrative delves into Jesus's relationships, his encounters with figures such as God and the Devil, and ultimately portrays a deeply philosophical and introspective version of a figure central to Western civilization.

    The 2922nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Great Apes by Will Self

    In this provocative and darkly humorous novel, the protagonist, a celebrated London artist, wakes up one day to find himself in a world where chimpanzees have evolved to be the dominant species, with humans relegated to a subservient role. As he navigates this surreal and unsettling reality, he is forced to confront his own identity, the nature of consciousness, and the societal constructs that define our existence. Through a clever inversion of our world, the narrative explores themes of humanity, power, and the thin line separating humans from the animal kingdom, all while offering a satirical critique of modern society and its foibles.

    The 3183rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Death And The Penguin by Andrey Kurkov

    The book is a darkly comic novel set in post-Soviet Ukraine, following the life of a struggling writer who lands a job penning obituaries for notable figures while they are still alive. His life takes a bizarre turn when these individuals start dying mysteriously, drawing him into a world of political intrigue and crime. Accompanied by his pet penguin, the protagonist navigates the chaos of his environment, revealing the absurdities and corruption of the society around him. As he delves deeper, his unusual occupation becomes increasingly dangerous, blurring the lines between the living and the dead.

    The 3209th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Hogfather by Terry Pratchett

    In a fantastical satire of holiday traditions, the very existence of the Discworld's version of Santa Claus, known as the Hogfather, is threatened when a sinister plot is hatched to eliminate him. As belief in the Hogfather wanes, the personification of Death steps in to fill his boots, delivering presents to the children of the Discworld in an attempt to keep the spirit of the holiday alive. Meanwhile, Death's granddaughter, a plucky and resourceful young woman, works to unravel the conspiracy and restore the natural order. The story humorously explores themes of belief, tradition, and the nature of reality through a quirky and whimsical narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

    The 3350th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Stone Junction: An Alchemical Pot-Boiler by Jim Dodge

    This novel follows the life of Daniel Pearse, a young boy who becomes an apprentice in a secretive organization of outlaws, magicians, and gamblers known as AMO (the Alliance of Magicians and Outlaws). As Daniel learns the ways of the AMO, he embarks on a quest for a diamond rumored to possess magical properties. His journey is filled with a series of bizarre encounters and eccentric characters, blending elements of magic, mystery, and adventure.

    The 3603rd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Lord Of The Barnyard by Tristan Egolf

    The book is a darkly comedic and sprawling tale of a rural American outcast, whose life is marked by relentless misfortune and societal marginalization. The protagonist, with an extraordinary talent for animal husbandry, finds himself in constant conflict with the small-minded townsfolk and corrupt officials of his Midwestern community. His journey is one of epic struggle against adversity and the pettiness of small-town politics, culminating in a dramatic and chaotic rebellion that upends the social order of his world. The narrative weaves a rich tapestry of rural life, exploring themes of revenge, social injustice, and the quest for personal redemption.

    The 3619th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. There But For The by Ali Smith

    There But For The is a novel that explores the interconnectedness of people's lives through the story of a man who locks himself in a room of a house he was invited to for dinner, and refuses to come out. The man's actions cause a media frenzy and bring together four individuals who have links to him, each revealing their own stories and perspectives. The book is a commentary on contemporary life, exploring themes of identity, memory, time, and the nature of connection and disconnection in society.

    The 3654th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. The Debt To Pleasure by John Lanchester

    This novel is a darkly comic and meticulously crafted narrative that follows the journey of Tarquin Winot, a snobbish, erudite, and deeply unreliable narrator who ostensibly aims to write a culinary memoir. As he travels from Portsmouth to his cottage in France, Tarquin intersperses his reflections on food with anecdotes from his life, gradually revealing his disturbing and sinister nature. The book is a rich blend of gastronomy, art, and intricate storytelling, where the protagonist's obsession with control and perfection in the culinary arts serves as a metaphor for his manipulative and malevolent tendencies. Through elegant prose and a masterful structure, the narrative unfolds to expose the dark undercurrents of obsession, jealousy, and revenge, all while maintaining a veneer of civility and sophistication.

    The 6236th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Waiting for the Dark, Waiting for the Light by Ivan Klíma

    The novel is set in the twilight of Communist rule in Czechoslovakia and follows the life of a television cameraman named Pavel. Despite his dreams of becoming a filmmaker and capturing the truth, he is trapped in a job that requires him to distort it. As the regime starts to crumble, Pavel grapples with the opportunities and challenges that freedom brings. He is forced to confront his past, his moral choices, and his dreams, leading to a deep exploration of the human condition and the struggle for personal and artistic freedom.

    The 4048th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. The Information by Martin Amis

    This book delves into the complexities of friendship, rivalry, and the pursuit of success within the literary world. It centers around two friends, one who has achieved fame and fortune as a novelist and the other who struggles with his own writing career, feeling overshadowed and envious. The narrative explores the darker sides of ambition, betrayal, and the quest for recognition, weaving a tale that examines the personal and professional dynamics between the two men. As the story unfolds, it reveals the lengths to which the struggling writer will go to reclaim a sense of self-worth and success, setting the stage for a compelling exploration of the human psyche and the often tumultuous world of literary fame.

    The 4066th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Pastoralia by George Saunders

    "Pastoralia" is a collection of six short stories, each delving into the world of weird, dystopian future and highlighting the author's satirical and surreal take on modern life. The stories are set in bizarre environments and situations, such as a couple working as cavemen in a theme park, a male stripper trying to help his mentally ill sister, and a corporate drone receiving cryptic messages from his boss. The characters in these stories struggle with their personal problems while navigating through the absurdity of their surroundings, showcasing the author's unique blend of humor, empathy, and social commentary.

    The 4088th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Whatever by Michel Houellebecq

    "Whatever" is a satirical novel that explores the life of a depressed and disillusioned computer programmer working for a software company in Paris. The protagonist's life is characterized by his cynicism and indifference towards his job, his failed relationships, and society at large. His only relief comes from his philosophical musings about life and the human condition. The novel is a bleak critique of modern society and the isolation and alienation brought about by technology and capitalism.

    The 4103rd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. A Light Comedy by Eduardo Mendoza

    "A Light Comedy" is a humorous tale set in Barcelona during the 1940s, centered around a middle-aged woman who, after losing everything in the Civil War, uses her wits and cunning to survive. She turns her apartment into a boarding house for single ladies, but when the business starts to falter, she decides to concoct a plan to marry a rich American. The novel is filled with a colorful cast of characters, and is a satirical commentary on the social and political climate of the time.

    The 4472nd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre

    The book revolves around the life of a 15-year-old boy, Vernon Little, living in a small town in Texas. After a horrific school shooting where his best friend kills 16 of their classmates before committing suicide, Vernon becomes the prime suspect. With the media and law enforcement on his tail, he attempts to escape to Mexico, resulting in a series of unfortunate events and dark comedic situations. The narrative is a biting satire of America's obsession with fame and the justice system.

    The 4821st Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Spring Flowers, Spring Frost by Ismail Kadare

    In a small town in Albania, a bank worker and artist navigates the strange and often surreal world of post-communist life. The novel explores the tension between the old and new ways of life, as well as the underlying violence that threatens to burst forth at any moment. The protagonist's life is disrupted by strange events, such as the discovery of a girl who has been living in a bunker for years, and his own wife's sudden disappearance. The narrative is filled with dreamlike, often disturbing imagery, reflecting the protagonist's struggle to make sense of his rapidly changing world.

    The 4906th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. The Cunning Man by Robertson Davies

    The novel follows the life of a Toronto doctor who uses his knowledge of medicine and his understanding of human nature to treat his patients. He believes in the healing power of the human spirit and often uses unconventional methods to treat his patients. The narrative is filled with his interesting patients and their stories, as well as his own personal journey. The book also explores themes of spirituality, love, and the complexities of human nature.

    The 5067th 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