The Greatest Polish, Portuguese, Algerian "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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  1. 1. Blindness by José Saramago

    In this dystopian novel, an unexplained epidemic of "white blindness" sweeps through an unnamed city, causing chaos and panic. The government responds by quarantining the afflicted in an abandoned mental hospital, where conditions quickly deteriorate into violence and squalor. Amid the despair, one woman mysteriously retains her sight and guides a small band of the blind, including her husband, through the harrowing ordeal. The novel explores themes of loss, human nature, and the fragility of civilization.

    The 1315th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk

    This novel centers around an eccentric woman living in a remote Polish village, who becomes embroiled in a series of mysterious deaths occurring in her community. As she investigates, she is drawn into a deeper exploration of nature, astrology, and the human psyche, all while navigating the dismissive attitudes of the local law enforcement. The narrative is a blend of dark comedy, philosophical inquiry, and mystery, with a strong underlying commentary on animal rights and environmentalism.

    The 2896th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. 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 2930th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Treaty Of The Soul's Passions by António Lobo Antunes

    "Treaty of the Soul's Passions" is a profound exploration of human emotions and the complexities of the inner self. Through a series of interconnected stories and reflections, the narrative delves into the depths of love, despair, joy, and suffering, painting a vivid picture of the human condition. The author masterfully weaves a tapestry of characters and experiences, each revealing different facets of the soul's journey through life. With poetic language and rich psychological insight, the book invites readers to confront their own passions and question the nature of existence itself.

    The 4468th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Terra Sonâmbula by Mia Couto

    "Terra Sonâmbula" by Mia Couto is a captivating novel set in war-torn Mozambique, where two individuals, a young boy and an old man, cross paths and embark on a journey that intertwines their lives. Through their encounters with other characters and their shared experiences, the book explores themes of loss, displacement, and the power of storytelling to heal and provide hope in the face of adversity. The lyrical prose and magical realism elements create a rich and evocative narrative that immerses readers in the complex and haunting world of post-colonial Mozambique.

    The 5515th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Morituri by Yasmina Khadra

    "Morituri" by Yasmina Khadra is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of terrorism and its impact on individuals and society. Set in the backdrop of Algeria's civil war, the story follows a young police inspector as he investigates a series of brutal murders committed by an unknown terrorist group. As he delves deeper into the case, he confronts his own beliefs and struggles with the blurred lines between good and evil. Through vivid storytelling and compelling characters, the novel explores the consequences of violence and the eternal struggle for justice in a world plagued by extremism.

    The 5843rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Flights by Olga Tokarczuk

    "Flights" is a fragmented and philosophical novel that explores the theme of travel and movement. Through a series of interconnected stories and reflections, the book delves into the nature of human existence, the complexities of modern life, and the desire for freedom and escape. With its poetic language and unconventional structure, "Flights" invites readers to contemplate the transient nature of time, the significance of journeys, and the search for meaning in a world constantly in motion.

    The 6158th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Cain by José Saramago

    The novel explores the biblical story of Cain and Abel from the perspective of Cain, after he murdered his brother. The author reimagines the Old Testament by having Cain time travel to key events and interact with biblical figures such as Noah and Abraham, challenging the traditional interpretations of morality, justice, and faith. Cain's journey reveals a critical view of God and the paradoxes of the human condition.

    The 6172nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Children Of The New World by Assia Djebar

    "Children of the New World" explores the impact of the Algerian War of Independence on Algerian society through the lens of a small village. The narrative delves into the lives of various villagers as they navigate the complexities of national identity, colonial oppression, and the struggle for liberation. Through a blend of personal stories and broader socio-political commentary, the book paints a vivid picture of a community caught between traditional values and the tumultuous forces of revolutionary change, highlighting the roles and experiences of both men and women in the fight for freedom.

    The 6283rd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Century Of Locusts by Malika Mokedden

    The book is a powerful narrative set in the desolate Algerian steppe, where a young shepherd named Menouar endures the harsh realities of colonialism and tribal conflicts. His life is forever altered by the arrival of a mysterious and beautiful woman named Lalla Asma, who is fleeing from a forced marriage. As their lives intertwine, they face the brutality of French colonial soldiers and the devastating plague of locusts that threatens their existence. The story delves into themes of love, survival, and the struggle against oppressive forces, painting a vivid picture of a community's resilience in the face of relentless adversity.

    The 6846th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Blood Of Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski

    This novel is the first in a series that delves into a richly imagined fantasy world, where the fate of the realms hangs in the balance. It follows the story of a young girl who is destined for great power and the group of protectors, including a famed witcher, who must safeguard her from numerous forces seeking to control or destroy her. As political turmoil, ancient magic, and personal vendettas intertwine, the characters are drawn into a complex web of alliances and conflicts. The narrative explores themes of destiny, the nature of good and evil, and the impact of past choices on the present, all set against a backdrop of intricate world-building and vividly described battles.

    The 6930th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Swallows Of Kabul by Yasmina Khadra

    Set against the backdrop of the Taliban's oppressive rule in Afghanistan, the novel weaves a poignant tale of two couples whose lives become tragically intertwined. As the city of Kabul crumbles under the weight of fundamentalist tyranny, the characters struggle with their personal desires, moral dilemmas, and the suffocating nature of societal expectations. The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the quest for freedom, painting a stark portrait of the human cost of political extremism and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of despair.

    The 7097th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski

    This fantasy series introduces readers to a world filled with magic, monstrous creatures, and political intrigue, centered around the life of Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher. Witchers are humans who have been genetically modified and trained from a young age to hunt and kill monsters. Geralt, with his exceptional sword skills, navigates through the morally ambiguous landscape, often finding that humans can be more wicked than the beasts he hunts. Along his journey, he is entangled with powerful sorceresses, kings, and creatures of dark lore, all while grappling with his destiny and the concept of what it means to be human in a world where the line between good and evil is blurred.

    The 10117th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Dukla by Andrzej Stasiuk

    This book offers a series of evocative essays that delve into the essence of Dukla, a small town in Poland, through the lens of memory and sensory experiences. The author masterfully blends observations of the mundane with philosophical musings, painting a vivid picture of the landscape, its people, and the passage of time. Through his exploration of various locales, from bustling markets to serene natural settings, he invites readers to reflect on the nature of existence, the beauty of the overlooked, and the profound connection between place and identity. The narrative is a poignant reminder of how deeply our surroundings can influence our perceptions of the world and ourselves.

    The 10516th Greatest Book of All Time

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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