The Greatest Spanish, Mexican "Fiction" Books Since 1900

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Fiction

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Spanish

Mexican

Add additional country filters

Date Range

Filter

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
  1. 1. Pedro Páramo by Juan Rulfo

    This novel transports readers to the ghost town of Comala, where the protagonist, Juan Preciado, ventures in search of his estranged father, Pedro Páramo. Upon arrival, he encounters a realm where the living and the dead coexist, and through fragmented narratives and spectral encounters, the story of Pedro Páramo's life, his love, tyranny, and the curses that plague the town unfolds. The novel's innovative structure, blending memory and reality, has cemented its status as a pioneering work of magical realism, offering a haunting exploration of power, guilt, and the inescapable echoes of the past.

  2. 2. Gypsy Ballads by Federico García Lorca

    "Gypsy Ballads" is a collection of poems that depict the lives, struggles, and customs of the Andalusian Gypsy community. The poems are rich in imagery and symbolism, exploring themes of love, death, passion, and tragedy. With its vivid portrayal of the Gypsy culture, the book provides a unique insight into their vibrant and complex world, while also reflecting on broader human experiences.

  3. 3. Like Water For Chocolate by Laura Esquivel

    This novel is a romantic, magical realism tale set in turn-of-the-century Mexico. It chronicles the life of Tita, the youngest daughter in a traditional Mexican family, who is forbidden to marry due to a family custom that mandates the youngest daughter must care for her mother until death. Tita falls in love with Pedro, who in turn marries her elder sister to stay close to her. The story is uniquely structured around the twelve months of the year, each beginning with a traditional Mexican recipe. The protagonist's emotions become infused with her cooking, leading to strange effects on those who consume her culinary creations.

  4. 4. The Death of Artemio Cruz by Carlos Fuentes

    The novel revolves around the life of a self-centered Mexican media mogul, Artemio Cruz, who is on his deathbed. As he reflects on his past, the narrative shifts between first, second, and third person perspectives, exploring different stages of Cruz's life from his impoverished childhood, his participation in the Mexican Revolution, his ruthless pursuit of power, and his eventual downfall. The book is a critique of the corruption and moral decay in Mexican society following the Revolution.

  5. 5. The Burning Plain and Other Stories by Juan Rulfo

    "The Burning Plain and Other Stories" is a collection of short narratives set in the harsh rural areas of Mexico, depicting the brutal realities of peasant life. The stories are filled with characters who are haunted by their past, living in extreme poverty, and often meeting violent ends. The book is renowned for its stark, realistic portrayal of life and its exploration of the human capacity for hope and survival in the face of despair.

  6. 6. The Underdogs by Mariano Azuela

    "The Underdogs" is a novel set during the Mexican Revolution, depicting the conflict from the perspective of the peasants who fought in it. The story follows the journey of a poor, illiterate Indian named Demetrio Macias, who becomes a reluctant leader in the rebellion against the federal government. The narrative explores the brutality and chaos of war, the corruption of power, and the often futile nature of rebellion, painting a grim picture of the human cost of revolution.

  7. 7. 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.

  8. 8. The Labyrinth of Solitude by Octavio Paz

    This book is a profound and vivid exploration of Mexico's character, culture, and identity. The author delves into Mexico's history, politics, and psyche, examining the country's deep solitude and its impact on the national character. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of Mexican society, its myths, symbols, and rituals, offering a deep understanding of the Mexican people's unique way of perceiving the world. It also discusses the influence of the United States on Mexico and the complex relationship between the two countries.

  9. 9. The Hive by Camilo José Cela

    "The Hive" is a novel set in post-Civil War Spain, during the harsh years of Madrid's postwar recovery. It provides a gritty and realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by ordinary citizens in a society marked by deprivation and repression. The narrative is non-linear and fragmented, featuring a vast array of characters from various social classes, whose lives intertwine in a depiction of the bleakness and despair of the time. The book was initially banned in Spain due to its critical view of Franco's regime.

  10. 10. Poems of Federico García Lorca by Federico García Lorca

    This collection is an anthology of poems by a renowned Spanish poet, which are characterized by their passionate lyricism, vivid imagery, and exploration of love, death, and the Andalusian landscape. The poet's works often incorporate elements of surrealism and are deeply influenced by traditional Spanish music and folklore. The anthology provides a comprehensive overview of his poetic output, showcasing his unique ability to convey complex emotions and experiences through his evocative verse.

  11. 11. Solitude by Caterina Albert

    "Solitude" is a novel that explores the life and struggles of a young woman living in a rural Catalan village. The protagonist is a strong-willed, independent woman who defies societal norms and expectations, leading to friction with her conservative community. The narrative examines themes of gender, societal pressures, and the struggle for personal freedom, providing a powerful critique of rural life and patriarchal society.

  12. 12. Platero by Juan Ramón Jiménez

    "Platero" is a beautifully written narrative that follows the relationship between a man and his donkey, Platero, in a small town in Andalusia, Spain. The book is filled with poetic and philosophical musings that reflect on the simple and profound aspects of everyday life. Through the interactions between the man and Platero, the author explores themes of friendship, nature, death, and the passing of time.

  13. 13. 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.

  14. 14. The Time Of The Doves by Merce Rodoreda

    The novel is a poignant exploration of a woman's life set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War and the early years of Franco's dictatorship. Through the eyes of the protagonist, a shopkeeper in Barcelona, readers experience her struggles with love, loss, and survival. Her personal journey is interwoven with the turbulent history of the era, as she endures the hardships of war, the complexities of her romantic relationships, and the challenges of raising her children alone. The narrative, rich with symbolic imagery, particularly the recurring motif of doves, offers a deeply emotional and intimate portrayal of resilience amidst the chaos of societal upheaval.

  15. 15. Cartucho And My Mother's Hands by Nellie Campobello

    "Cartucho And My Mother's Hands" is a poignant collection of vignettes that offer a child's perspective on the Mexican Revolution. Through a series of short, vivid sketches, the narrative captures the brutality and humanity of the conflict as witnessed by the young protagonist. The work is both a personal memoir and a tribute to the resilience of women, particularly the author's mother, whose strength and tenderness are symbolized by her hands. The book blends the innocence of childhood with the harsh realities of war, providing a unique and emotionally resonant account of historical events that shaped Mexico's national identity.

  16. 16. Abel Sánchez by Miguel de Unamuno

    The book is a profound exploration of envy and its corrosive effects on the human soul, told through the lifelong rivalry between two friends. The protagonist, whose artistic ambitions and personal happiness are overshadowed by his obsessive jealousy of his friend's success and innate talent, descends into a destructive spiral of resentment. This dark passion not only poisons his own life but also impacts those around him, leading to tragic consequences. The narrative delves deep into the psychological complexities of its characters, offering a timeless meditation on the nature of envy and the human condition.

  17. 17. 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.

  18. 18. 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.

  19. 19. Here's to You, Jesusa! by Elena Poniatowska

    This novel tells the story of Jesusa, a woman who experiences the Mexican Revolution, the Cristero War, and the development of the Institutional Revolutionary Party. Through her eyes, readers witness the struggles of poverty, the brutality of war, and the realities of a woman's life in early 20th century Mexico. The protagonist's life is filled with hardship, but she remains resilient, embodying the spirit of the Mexican people during a turbulent time in history.

  20. 20. Marks of Identity by Juan Goytisolo

    This novel follows the life of Alvaro Mendiola, a Spanish man returning to his homeland after a long period of self-imposed exile in France. Through his experiences and memories, the narrative paints a vivid picture of the socio-political climate in Spain under Franco's dictatorship. As Alvaro grapples with his identity, the book explores themes of personal and national identity, exile, and the struggle for freedom.

  21. 21. Time of Silence by Luis Martín-Santos

    "Time of Silence" is a complex narrative that follows the life of a young doctor living in Madrid during the Franco regime. Throughout the novel, he becomes embroiled in a series of unfortunate events, including an affair with a married woman, which leads to tragic consequences. The novel is known for its innovative narrative techniques and its critical depiction of the moral and political climate of Spain under Franco's rule.

  22. 22. Memoirs of a Peasant Boy by Xosé Neira Vilas

    "Memoirs of a Peasant Boy" is a poignant narrative about the harsh realities of rural life in Galicia, Spain during the early 20th century, as seen through the eyes of a young boy. The protagonist, who is also the narrator, offers a vivid depiction of his experiences growing up in poverty, dealing with oppressive landlords, and struggling for survival and education. This autobiographical novel is a powerful commentary on social injustice and the enduring spirit of the human will.

  23. 23. Journey to the Alcarria by Camilo José Cela

    "Journey to the Alcarria" is a travel literature piece that takes the reader on a journey through the Alcarria region in Spain. The protagonist, a solitary traveler, explores the landscape, culture, and people of this region, offering detailed descriptions and observations. The narrative captures the essence of Spain's post-war period, revealing the harsh realities of rural life and the resilience of its people. The book is both a physical journey through a specific place and a metaphorical journey into the human condition.

  24. 24. Nada by Carmen Laforet

    "Nada" is a novel that follows the life of a young woman who moves to Barcelona to attend university after the Spanish Civil War. She stays with her eccentric relatives who live in a grand, but decaying mansion. The protagonist struggles to find her identity and independence while dealing with poverty, repression, and the emotional instability of her relatives. The story is a powerful exploration of despair, alienation, and the loss of innocence.

  25. 25. 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.

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