The Greatest Polish, Czech, Unknown "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 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. The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

    Set against the backdrop of the Prague Spring period of Czechoslovak history, the novel explores the philosophical concept of Nietzsche's eternal return through the intertwined lives of four characters: a womanizing surgeon, his intellectual wife, his naïve mistress, and her stoic lover. The narrative delves into their personal struggles with lightness and heaviness, freedom and fate, love and betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships, all while offering a profound meditation on the nature of existence and the paradoxes of life.

    The 114th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. I Served The King Of England by Bohumil Hrabal

    "I Served The King Of England" is a captivating novel that follows the life of a young Czech waiter named Ditie, who dreams of becoming a millionaire and serving the highest-ranking clientele. Set against the backdrop of World War II and the Communist regime, the story takes readers on a journey through Ditie's experiences in various hotels and restaurants, his encounters with eccentric characters, and his pursuit of love and success. With humor, wit, and a touch of satire, the book explores themes of ambition, identity, and the impact of historical events on an individual's life.

    The 1916th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. 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 2891st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Beautiful Mrs. Seidenman by Andrzej Szczypiorski

    Set in Nazi-occupied Warsaw, the novel tells the story of Mrs. Seidenman, a blonde, blue-eyed Jewish widow who is arrested by the Gestapo. The narrative revolves around the eclectic group of characters in her life, including a young man who is in love with her and a lawyer who is determined to save her. The book provides a vivid and poignant depiction of life under Nazi rule, exploring themes of survival, resistance, and the resilience of the human spirit.

    The 3219th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. 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 4050th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. City, Sister, Silver by Jáchym Topol

    This novel follows the journey of a young Czech man, Potok, as he navigates the tumultuous period of the Velvet Revolution and its aftermath. The story is filled with surreal and often disturbing imagery as it explores themes of chaos, transformation, and the struggle for identity in a rapidly changing world. Potok's adventures take him from the crumbling infrastructure of post-communist Czechoslovakia to the burgeoning world of Western Europe, and his experiences reflect the larger societal upheaval of the time.

    The 4105th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Complete Fiction Of Bruno Schulz: The Street Of Crocodiles, Sanatorium Under The Sign Of The Hourglass by Bruno Schulz

    "The Complete Fiction of Bruno Schulz: The Street of Crocodiles, Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass" is a collection of two surreal and imaginative novellas by Bruno Schulz. In "The Street of Crocodiles," the narrator explores his childhood memories in a bustling town filled with eccentric characters and enchanting events. In "Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass," the protagonist finds himself in a peculiar sanatorium where time seems to stand still, leading to a series of dreamlike encounters and introspective musings. Schulz's unique writing style and vivid descriptions create a captivating reading experience that blurs the line between reality and fantasy.

    The 4827th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Collected Stories by Isaac Bashevis Singer

    The anthology is a compilation of short stories that delve into the complexities of human nature, morality, and faith, often through the lens of Jewish life in Eastern Europe and the immigrant experience in America. The tales, rich with folklore, mysticism, and philosophical introspection, explore themes of love, temptation, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. The author's masterful storytelling weaves together the mundane with the supernatural, creating a tapestry of narratives that reflect the author's own Yiddish heritage and his keen observations of the human condition.

    The 5832nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. 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 6136th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Identity: A Novel by Milan Kundera

    "Identity: A Novel" is a philosophical exploration of the complexities of love, identity, and the human psyche. It revolves around the lives of two lovers, Chantal and Jean-Marc, who are living in Paris. As their relationship progresses, they grapple with existential questions, the nature of identity, and the fear of oblivion. The novel delves into their individual and shared insecurities, their perceptions of each other, and how these perceptions shape their identities. The narrative offers a profound reflection on the intricacies of human relationships, the concept of self, and the role of memory and imagination in identity formation.

    The 6211th 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 6906th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Love And Sleep by Sean O'Reilly

    "Love And Sleep" is a captivating novel that explores the complex and intertwined lives of a group of individuals in a small town. Set against the backdrop of a mysterious sleeping sickness that plagues the community, the story delves into themes of love, loss, and the power of human connection. Through vivid and lyrical prose, the author skillfully weaves together multiple narratives, each offering a unique perspective on the human experience. With its rich character development and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, "Love And Sleep" is a compelling and deeply moving tale.

    The 8066th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Judge On Trial by Ivan Klima

    "Judge on Trial" is a novel that delves into the life of Adam Kindl, a judge in Communist Czechoslovakia who is struggling with the moral dilemmas of his profession and personal life. As he presides over a politically charged case, Kindl grapples with the oppressive regime's influence on justice and his own sense of integrity. The narrative explores themes of power, corruption, and the quest for truth, while also examining the complexities of love, fidelity, and the human condition. Through Kindl's introspective journey, the novel provides a poignant critique of the judicial and political systems of the time.

    The 8204th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Largo Desolato by Vaclav Havel

    "Largo Desolato" is a play that delves into the psychological turmoil of a dissident intellectual living under an oppressive regime. The protagonist, who has gained notoriety for a political essay, faces the paralyzing fear of being constantly watched and the possibility of arrest. As various friends, admirers, and government officials visit him, he grapples with the moral and existential dilemma of whether to stand by his beliefs or succumb to the pressures of the authorities. The play explores themes of identity, responsibility, and the nature of freedom, capturing the protagonist's struggle with his conscience and the surreal experience of living in a society where personal integrity is under siege.

    The 8393rd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Philosophical Works Of Al Kindi by Peter E. Pormann, Peter Adamson

    This book is a comprehensive compilation and analysis of the works of Al-Kindi, often regarded as the first of the Muslim peripatetic philosophers. The text delves into Al-Kindi's extensive contributions to various fields of knowledge, including philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine, highlighting his role as a pivotal figure in the translation and transmission of ancient Greek philosophy to the Islamic world. Through translations of his works and insightful commentary, the book provides a critical exploration of Al-Kindi's synthesis of philosophical thought and his influence on subsequent Islamic and Western intellectual traditions.

    The 8518th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Coin by Light Amidst Shadows

    This fantasy novel introduces readers to a world where the balance between light and darkness is maintained by a mystical entity known as Aurelion. The story follows a young protagonist who, upon discovering a mysterious coin, is thrust into an ancient conflict that transcends time and space. As the chosen one, they must navigate a path filled with magic, peril, and unexpected allies, striving to restore harmony in a realm teetering on the brink of chaos. Through their journey, the novel explores themes of destiny, power, and the eternal struggle between opposing forces, weaving a tale that captivates and entertains from beginning to end.

    The 8540th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Global Health by Ann Lindstrand

    This book provides a comprehensive overview of global health, addressing the key issues, challenges, and strategies involved in improving health outcomes worldwide. It delves into the determinants of health, the burden of diseases, and the complex interplay between health, economic development, and social factors. The text emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating perspectives from epidemiology, public policy, and international relations, to tackle the global health disparities and pave the way towards achieving equity in health for all populations. Through case studies and analysis of current trends, the book offers insights into the roles of various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector, in advancing public health goals on a global scale.

    The 8640th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Jerusalem Plays Hide And Seek by Ariella Deem

    "Jerusalem Plays Hide and Seek" is a children's book that takes readers on a whimsical journey through the ancient city of Jerusalem. The story follows a group of friends as they engage in a playful game of hide and seek, exploring the city's historic alleyways, vibrant markets, and sacred sites. Along the way, the children discover the rich cultural and religious tapestry that makes Jerusalem unique, learning about coexistence and the importance of friendship amidst the city's diverse communities. The book combines elements of adventure and education, offering young readers an engaging introduction to one of the world's most storied cities.

    The 9434th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Three Golden Keys by Petr Sis

    "The Three Golden Keys" is a beautifully illustrated children's book that blends a magical adventure with a deep sense of nostalgia. Set in the author's hometown of Prague, the story follows a man who returns to the city of his childhood only to find it deserted and his old house locked by three padlocks. Guided by a mysterious cat, he embarks on a quest through the city's storied streets, encountering various mythical and historical figures as he searches for the three golden keys that will unlock his past and restore the vibrant life of Prague. This enchanting tale is both a personal journey and a celebration of Czech folklore and history.

    The 9742nd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Infidel by Pornsak Pichetshote

    "Infidel" is a gripping graphic novel that delves into the themes of xenophobia and racism through the lens of supernatural horror. The story follows an American Muslim woman and her multiethnic neighbors who live in a building haunted by malevolent entities that feed on and are fueled by bigotry. As the hauntings become increasingly violent and bizarre, the protagonist must confront both the specters of hatred manifesting around her and the real-world prejudices that pervade her community. The narrative weaves a chilling tale that examines the insidious nature of fear and intolerance, while also delivering a compelling and terrifying ghost story.

    The 10068th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. 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 10087th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. 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 10487th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Skippy Dies by Pauli Murray

    The book you're referring to, "Skippy Dies," was not written by Pauli Murray, but by another author. However, I can provide a general summary of the book's content. The novel is a tragicomic exploration of adolescence set in an Irish boarding school, where the life and untimely death of Daniel 'Skippy' Juster serve as the central events. Through the intertwining stories of Skippy and his classmates, the narrative delves into themes of love, friendship, and the struggles of growing up, all while touching upon the complexities of modern life and the peculiar microcosm of boarding school existence. The story is both humorous and heartbreaking, offering a poignant look at the pains and joys of teenage life.

    The 10707th 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