The Greatest Greek, Dutch "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 Discovery of Heaven by Harry Mulisch

    "The Discovery of Heaven" is a philosophical novel that explores the relationship between mankind and the divine. The story revolves around two friends, an astronomer and a philologist, who are manipulated by heavenly forces to father a child who is destined to return the Ten Commandments to God. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into complex themes such as friendship, love, art, science, and the existence of God, presenting a thought-provoking analysis of the human condition.

  2. 2. All Souls' Day by Cees Nooteboom

    "All Souls' Day" is a novel about a Dutch documentary filmmaker, who, after losing his wife and daughter in a car accident, moves to Berlin to escape his grief. The protagonist becomes entangled in a series of romantic relationships while struggling to come to terms with his loss. The book blends narrative with philosophical musings on memory, loss, and the nature of time, using the city of Berlin as a backdrop to illustrate the protagonist's internal journey.

  3. 3. Rituals by Cees Nooteboom

    "Rituals" is a philosophical novel that explores the lives of three men, each dealing with existential crises in post-World War II Netherlands. The narrative delves into their individual searches for meaning and purpose, their struggles with societal norms, and their attempts to establish personal rituals as a way to create order in a seemingly chaotic world. The book is a profound meditation on the human condition, examining themes of time, death, and the nature of reality.

  4. 4. Smell of Sadness by Alfred Kossmann

    "Smell of Sadness" is a poignant narrative that revolves around a man who, after being separated from his wife during the Second World War, embarks on a journey to find her. The story takes us through the protagonist's experiences, his encounters with various people, and his personal struggles. The book is a deep exploration of human emotions, particularly the profound sadness that permeates through the protagonist's life, making it a moving and thought-provoking read.

  5. 5. Gimmick! by Joost Zwagerman

    "Gimmick!" is a novel that explores the life of a young artist in the Amsterdam art scene during the 1980s. The protagonist is caught in a world of excess, parties, drugs, sex, and betrayal while trying to find his place and make a name for himself. The story delves into the struggles of artistic life, the lure of fame and the pitfalls of success, providing a raw and gritty depiction of the times.

  6. 6. The Daughter by Pavlos Matesis

    "The Daughter" is a powerful novel set in Greece during the Second World War. The narrative follows the life of a young girl who is forced to grow up quickly due to the harsh realities of war. Her father, a communist, is executed by the Germans, and the girl is left to navigate the complexities of life, politics, and love in a world that is rapidly changing. The book offers a poignant exploration of the human capacity for resilience, survival, and hope in the face of unimaginable adversity.

  7. 7. The Laws by Connie Palmen

    "The Laws" is a philosophical novel that follows the life of a young woman studying philosophy who becomes intrigued by the concept of laws, both societal and personal. Over the course of seven years, she engages in relationships with seven different men, each representing a different aspect of her studies including a priest, a physicist, an artist, a psychiatrist, a lawyer, a biologist, and a writer. Each relationship provides a new perspective on her quest to understand the laws of the universe and human nature.

  8. 8. Astradeni by Eugenia Fakinou

    "Astradeni" is a coming-of-age novel set in post-World War II Greece. The story follows the life of a young girl named Astradeni, who is forced to grow up quickly due to the harsh realities of war and poverty. Despite the hardships she faces, Astradeni maintains a hopeful and imaginative spirit, often escaping into a world of myths and legends. The novel explores themes of resilience, the power of storytelling, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

  9. 9. Uncle Petros and Goldbach's Conjecture by Apostolos Doxiadis

    The novel follows the story of a young man who becomes fascinated by his reclusive and eccentric Uncle Petros. As he delves into his uncle's past, he uncovers Petros' obsession with proving Goldbach's Conjecture, a famous unsolved problem in number theory. This obsession led to Petros' alienation from society and ultimately his downfall. The book explores themes of mathematical obsession, family relationships, and the fine line between genius and madness.

  10. 10. The Twins by Tessa De Loo

    "The Twins" is a poignant narrative about twin sisters, separated at a young age due to the Second World War. One sister grows up in the Netherlands under Nazi occupation, while the other is raised in Germany as part of the Hitler Youth. After six decades of separation, they meet again and begin to share their experiences, discovering the impact of the war on their lives and the stark differences in their upbringing. The book explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the long-lasting effects of war on individuals and families.

  11. 11. The Late-night News by Petros Markaris

    In "The Late-night News," a seasoned journalist is found murdered in his office. The investigation of the crime falls to a grizzled detective, who uncovers a web of corruption and deceit within the world of Greek media. As he delves deeper into the case, he finds that the journalist was working on a story that could have significant political implications, making the list of suspects long and dangerous. The detective must navigate through this complex world to find the killer, all while dealing with his own personal demons.

  12. 12. από το στόμα της παλιάς Remington by Giannis Panou

    This book is a captivating collection of short stories that delve into the human condition, exploring themes of love, loss, and the complexities of life through the lens of various characters and settings. Each story is meticulously crafted, offering a glimpse into the lives of individuals as they navigate their existence, with the old Remington typewriter serving as a symbolic thread that connects the narratives. The author masterfully weaves tales that are both poignant and thought-provoking, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and the universal truths that bind us all.

  13. 13. Διηγήματα by Michail Mitsakis

    This collection of short stories delves into the intricacies of human emotions and societal norms through the lens of everyday life in Greece. The author masterfully crafts narratives that explore themes of love, loss, hope, and despair, weaving a rich tapestry of characters and settings that reflect the complexity of the human condition. Through poignant storytelling and a deep understanding of the cultural and historical context, these stories offer a window into the soul of Greek society, highlighting the universal and timeless nature of human experiences.

  14. 14. The Seventh Garment by Eugenia Fakinou

    "The Seventh Garment" is a compelling narrative that weaves together the lives of several women across different generations, all connected by a mysterious heirloom garment. Set against the backdrop of Greek history and mythology, the novel explores themes of identity, tradition, and the complex bonds of family. As the story unfolds, each woman's personal journey is revealed, reflecting the broader societal changes and challenges they face. The garment serves as a symbol of their shared heritage and the secrets that are passed down through the years, binding them together in a tapestry of resilience and enduring strength.

  15. 15. Data From The Decade Of The Sixties by Thanassis Valtinos

    This book is a compelling narrative that delves into the social and political upheavals of Greece during the 1960s, a period marked by significant turmoil and transformation. Through a meticulous compilation of documents, interviews, and personal stories, the author reconstructs the era's complex landscape, offering readers a detailed examination of the forces that shaped the country's future. The work stands as a testament to the power of collective memory and the importance of preserving historical narratives, providing a nuanced understanding of how the events of the 1960s influenced Greek society and its subsequent generations.

  16. 16. Και Με Το Φως Του Λυκου Επανερχονται by Zyranna Zateli

    This novel weaves a rich tapestry of family saga and Greek mythology, set against the backdrop of the 20th century. It tells the story of two families bound by a deep and complex connection, exploring themes of love, loss, and the cyclical nature of life through the lens of magical realism. The narrative is imbued with the mystical allure of folklore, as characters navigate their fates intertwined with the whims of gods and the transformative power of storytelling. Through its lyrical prose, the book delves into the essence of human experience, the bonds that tie us to our past, and the enduring light of hope that guides us through darkness.

  17. 17. Ο Μπιντές by Marios Hakkas

    This novel delves into the life of a man known by the nickname "Ο Μπιντές," exploring his journey through various stages of his life, from his early years in a small village to his experiences in the bustling city. The narrative weaves through themes of love, loss, and the quest for identity, set against the backdrop of significant historical and social changes in Greece. Through vivid characterizations and a keen eye for detail, the author crafts a poignant tale that not only tells the story of one man's life but also reflects on the broader human condition, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

  18. 18. Orthokostá by Thanassis Valtinos

    This novel presents a vivid tapestry of life in a rural Greek village, focusing on the intricate web of human relationships, traditions, and the harsh realities of rural existence. Through a series of interconnected stories and a diverse cast of characters, the narrative delves into themes of love, loss, struggle, and the enduring strength of the human spirit against the backdrop of Greece's tumultuous history. The author masterfully employs a minimalist style and dialogue-driven narrative to explore the complexities of social and personal identity, making it a poignant reflection on the universal aspects of human life.

  19. 19. Ντιάλιθ' ιμ Χριστάκη by Sotiris Dimitriou

    This book is a compelling narrative that delves into the life of its protagonist, Ντιάλιθ, set against the backdrop of the vibrant yet tumultuous landscape of Greece. Through a series of evocative episodes, the story explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of human relationships. The protagonist's journey is marked by a quest for personal meaning and connection within the confines of a society that is both rich in tradition and grappling with modern challenges. The author masterfully weaves together the personal and the political, creating a poignant exploration of the human condition and the enduring search for home.

  20. 20. Abessijnse Kronieken by Moses Isegawa

    "Abessijnse Kronieken" is a powerful and captivating novel set in Uganda during the tumultuous era of Idi Amin's dictatorship. The story follows the life of Mugezi, a young man navigating through the complexities of love, family, and political upheaval. With richly drawn characters and vivid descriptions, the book explores themes of identity, cultural clash, and the struggle for freedom in a country torn apart by corruption and violence.

  21. 21. Dancing In The Dark by Caryl Phillips

    "Dancing in the Dark" delves into the complex life and career of Bert Williams, a pioneering black entertainer in early 20th-century America. The novel explores Williams' struggles with his racial identity and the societal pressures that come with it, as he performs in blackface to gain acceptance and success in the predominantly white entertainment industry. Through a poignant narrative, the book examines themes of race, performance, and the personal costs of compromise in a society divided by color lines, revealing the emotional and psychological toll of Williams' choices on his personal and professional life.

  22. 22. A Short Border Handbook by Gazmend Kapllani

    "A Short Border Handbook" is a poignant and thought-provoking memoir that follows the journey of a young Albanian man who leaves his homeland to seek a better life in Greece. Through a series of vivid and often humorous anecdotes, the author explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of borders, both physical and metaphorical. With a mix of personal experiences and historical context, this book offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of immigration, ultimately revealing the universal human desire for freedom and acceptance.

  23. 23. Universal Consciousness by alexis karpouzos

    This book delves into the profound concept that all forms of life are interconnected through a universal consciousness, transcending the boundaries of individual existence. The author explores the idea that this collective consciousness is the foundation of all reality, suggesting that our understanding of the universe and our place within it can be vastly expanded by embracing this perspective. Through a blend of philosophy, science, and spirituality, the text invites readers to consider the implications of a unified consciousness for personal growth, empathy, and the interconnectedness of all beings. It challenges conventional notions of separateness, urging a reevaluation of how we perceive ourselves and the world around us.

  24. 24. The Twin by Gerbrand Bakker

    The novel revolves around a middle-aged man who, after his twin brother's accidental death, is left to take care of the family farm and his ailing father in the Dutch countryside. Trapped by duty and familial expectations, he struggles with loneliness and the burden of an unfulfilled life. The narrative delves into themes of isolation, identity, and the profound impact of family dynamics as the protagonist grapples with his past and the stark reality of his present circumstances. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the stark, flat landscape, mirroring the protagonist's internal desolation and longing for a different existence.

  25. 25. We Had To Remove This Post by Hanna Bervoets

    In this thought-provoking novel, the story delves into the dark and complex world of content moderation on the internet, where a protagonist employed to filter out the worst of humanity's online activities grapples with the psychological toll of the job. The narrative explores themes of morality, censorship, and the impact of constant exposure to graphic content, as the protagonist becomes increasingly entangled in the lives of strangers online while struggling to maintain a sense of reality and personal identity amidst the relentless stream of posts that must be evaluated and often removed.

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.

Download