The Greatest Spanish, Chilean "Fiction" 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 300 '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. 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.

  2. 2. 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.

  3. 3. 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.

  4. 4. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

    The novel follows the story of a young boy in post-war Barcelona, who discovers a mysterious book in a hidden library that his father takes him to, which houses forgotten books. The boy becomes captivated by the book and its author, but as he grows older, he realizes that someone is destroying all books written by this author. As he delves deeper into the mystery, the boy's life becomes intertwined with the author's, revealing a dark and tragic past that someone wants to be kept hidden. The story is a mix of romance, mystery, and a historical narrative set against the turbulent backdrop of a city recovering from war.

  5. 5. A Heart So White by Javier Marías

    The novel delves into the complexities of relationships, secrets, and communication as the protagonist, a translator and interpreter, grapples with the mysterious suicide of his father's first wife and the pervasive silence surrounding it. Through his own marriage and his observations of others', he contemplates the unsaid and the power of words, both spoken and unspoken. The narrative weaves through time and memory, exploring the impact of the past on the present and the intricate ways in which people understand and misunderstand each other.

  6. 6. 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.

  7. 7. The Club Dumas by Arturo Pérez-Reverte

    The book follows Lucas Corso, a book detective who is hired to authenticate a rare manuscript by Alexandre Dumas. As he delves into the investigation, he finds himself entangled in a mystery involving two other books: a rare edition of "The Three Musketeers" and a satanic text, "The Book of Nine Doors of the Kingdom of Shadows". The narrative becomes a complex puzzle as Corso uncovers connections between the books, while also dealing with a seductive woman who seems to have stepped out of a Dumas novel, a mysterious killer, and a group of bibliophiles obsessed with Dumas. The lines between fiction and reality blur as he gets closer to the truth.

  8. 8. 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.

  9. 9. Your Face Tomorrow: Fever and Spear by Javier Marías

    The novel explores the life of a Spanish expatriate in England who is recruited by a secretive organization due to his unique ability to interpret people's behavior. As he becomes entangled in a world of espionage, he grapples with moral and ethical dilemmas, questioning the validity of his work and the consequences of his actions. Through a blend of introspective musings and suspenseful narrative, the protagonist's life unravels, revealing a complex web of deceit, betrayal, and violence.

  10. 10. Larva: Midsummer Night's Babel by Julián Ríos

    "Larva: Midsummer Night's Babel" is a complex and innovative novel that explores the nature of language and the power of words. It's a narrative labyrinth that follows a group of characters through the streets of London on a midsummer night, as they engage in a series of intellectual debates and discussions. The story is filled with puns, word games, and literary references, and is written in a unique style that blends poetry and prose. The novel is also a satire of the literary world, with the characters often critiquing and parodying various literary styles and authors.

  11. 11. Obabakoak by Bernardo Atxaga

    Obabakoak is a collection of interconnected stories that revolve around the inhabitants of a fictional Basque village named Obaba. The stories, which are a blend of the magical and the everyday, explore the complexities of human nature, as well as the rich history and culture of the Basque region. Themes of love, fear, tradition, and change are woven throughout, offering a nuanced and evocative portrait of a community and its people.

  12. 12. All Souls by Javier Marías

    "All Souls" is a novel that follows the experiences of a Spanish professor teaching at Oxford University. His life is filled with eccentric colleagues, a puzzling love affair, and a mysterious sense of intrigue. As the protagonist navigates through the academic world, he becomes entangled in a web of personal relationships and bureaucratic intricacies. The book is a blend of romance, suspense, and satire, with a poignant exploration of memory, longing, and the ephemeral nature of human relationships.

  13. 13. 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.

  14. 14. The Heretic by Miguel Delibes

    "The Heretic" is a historical novel set during the Spanish Inquisition. It follows the life of a man born in 16th century Spain, who, despite being raised in a strictly Catholic environment, begins to question the teachings and practices of the Church. As he grows older, he becomes involved in the Protestant Reformation, risking his life in a society where heresy is punishable by death. This book explores themes of faith, religious persecution, and the struggle for freedom of thought.

  15. 15. Soldiers of Salamis by Javier Cercas

    This novel revolves around a true event during the Spanish Civil War, where a nationalist soldier spares the life of a famous poet who was about to be executed. The story is told from the perspective of a journalist who becomes obsessed with the incident and embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about what happened. As he delves deeper, he discovers the complexities of heroism, history, and memory, and is forced to question his own understanding of these concepts.

  16. 16. La Dama Número Trece by José Carlos Somoza

    This novel is a thrilling blend of mystery, horror, and fantasy, revolving around a struggling writer who becomes the target of a secret society known as "The Thirteen Ladies". These shadowy figures have the ability to manipulate reality through the power of words and storytelling. As he is drawn deeper into their world, he must uncover their secrets and find a way to survive their deadly games. The narrative is a rich exploration of the power of language and mythology, with a suspenseful plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

  17. 17. 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.

  18. 18. 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.

  19. 19. 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.

  20. 20. Mazurka For Two Dead Men by Camilo José Cela

    Set in the rugged landscape of Galicia in the early 20th century, the novel weaves a tale of vengeance and passion through the lives of the inhabitants of a small village. The narrative centers around the murder of a nationalist and the subsequent revenge killing of a local musician, exploring the impact of these deaths on their families and the community. Rich in folklore and the harsh realities of rural life, the story delves into themes of tradition, violence, and the haunting presence of history, all while capturing the deep-seated emotions and complexities of its characters.

  21. 21. 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.

  22. 22. The Infatuations by Javier Marías

    A young woman becomes obsessed with a seemingly perfect couple she often sees at a café. When the husband is brutally murdered, she gets entangled with the widow and a mysterious man who knew the couple, leading her to question everything she thought she knew about love, death, and fate. As she delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding the husband's death, she is forced to confront unsettling truths about the nature of human relationships.

  23. 23. Death And The Maiden by Ariel Dorfman

    In a post-dictatorship country, a former political prisoner, Paulina, encounters a man whom she believes to be her former torturer. She takes him captive and subjects him to a mock trial, seeking justice for the atrocities she endured. As the tension escalates, the play delves into themes of truth, revenge, and the complex aftermath of trauma, challenging the audience to question the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator in a society grappling with its dark past.

  24. 24. Dark Back Of Time by Javier Marías

    "Dark Back of Time" is a reflective and metafictional narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, weaving together personal anecdotes, literary criticism, and philosophical musings. The book explores the author's experiences following the publication of a previous novel, which unexpectedly affects the lives of individuals who see themselves reflected in its characters. As the author delves into the consequences of his writing, he examines the elusive nature of memory, the complex interplay between art and life, and the inevitable distortions that arise when reality is transmuted into literature. The work is a profound meditation on the power of storytelling and the enigmatic passage of time that alters perception and understanding.

  25. 25. Daughter Of Fortune by Isabel Allende

    This novel is a sweeping tale of love, adventure, and discovery set against the backdrop of the California Gold Rush. It follows the journey of a young orphan raised in the British colony of Valparaíso, Chile, who embarks on a daring quest to find her lover in the goldfields of California. Along the way, she transforms from a naive girl into a strong and independent woman, encountering a diverse cast of characters who shape her destiny. The story delves into themes of freedom, identity, and the pursuit of fortune, offering a rich exploration of historical events through the eyes of a determined protagonist seeking her place in a rapidly changing world.

Reading Statistics

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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.

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