The Greatest Spanish, South African "Fiction" Books Since 1980

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

South African

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. Disgrace by J M Coetzee

    "Disgrace" is a novel that explores the life of a middle-aged professor in South Africa who is dismissed from his position after having an affair with a student. After losing his job, he moves to the countryside to live with his daughter, where they experience a violent attack that significantly alters their lives. The story delves into themes of post-apartheid South Africa, racial tension, sexual exploitation, and the struggle for personal redemption.

  2. 2. Waiting for the Barbarians by J M Coetzee

    The novel is set in a small frontier town of an unnamed empire, where the magistrate lives a life of civil service and relative peace. His world is disrupted when the Empire declares a state of emergency due to rumors of barbarian uprising. The magistrate becomes a critic of the Empire's brutal and inhumane methods of dealing with the perceived threat, which leads to his arrest and torture. As he tries to understand his role in the vast political machinery, he also grapples with questions of power, justice, and humanity.

  3. 3. Life & Times of Michael K by J M Coetzee

    Set in South Africa during a civil war, the novel follows the journey of Michael K, a simple gardener with a cleft lip. When his mother falls ill, he attempts to take her back to her rural birthplace. After she dies en route, Michael continues the journey alone, struggling to survive in a war-torn landscape, while also being caught up in the bureaucratic red tape of the dystopian society. The story explores themes of freedom, survival, and the human spirit's resilience against adversity.

  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. July's People by Nadine Gordimer

    "July's People" is a novel set in a hypothetical future where South Africa's apartheid system has collapsed and the nation is embroiled in a brutal civil war. The story follows a liberal white family who, fleeing the violence, are taken in by their black servant, July, in his rural village. The book explores the power dynamics and complexities of their relationship, as they navigate this new reality where traditional roles are reversed, and grapple with issues of race, class, and privilege.

  6. 6. 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.

  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. Ancestral Voices by Etienne van Heerden

    "Ancestral Voices" is a haunting novel set in South Africa during the apartheid era. The story follows a young boy who grows up in a small rural town, navigating a complex web of familial relationships and secrets. As he matures, he becomes increasingly aware of the racial and social injustices that surround him. The book explores themes of identity, heritage, and the harsh realities of life under apartheid, all weaved together with a deep sense of the mystical and the supernatural.

  12. 12. 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.

  13. 13. 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.

  14. 14. 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.

  15. 15. Fiela's Child by Dalene Matthee

    The book is a poignant tale set in 19th-century South Africa, where a young white boy, believed to be lost by his biological family, is found and raised by Fiela, a compassionate and strong-willed woman of the Khoikhoi community. The story unfolds as the boy, named Benjamin, grows up with a deep sense of belonging in Fiela's family, only to have his identity and future thrown into turmoil when government officials, enforcing racial classifications of the time, remove him from his home. He is then forced to live with a destitute white family in the dense Knysna Forest, leading to a profound exploration of identity, race, and the meaning of family, as both Fiela and Benjamin struggle to reclaim their lives and assert their rightful place in a society governed by strict racial divides.

  16. 16. 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.

  17. 17. Another Country by Karel Schoeman

    "Another Country" is a historical novel set in 19th century South Africa, following the life of an Irish woman who immigrates to the country. The narrative explores her experiences and struggles as she adapts to the harsh realities of a new land, while also providing a vivid portrayal of the racial, political, and social tensions of the era. The book offers a deep insight into the complexities of colonialism and the formation of modern South Africa.

  18. 18. Between Two Worlds by Miriam Tlali

    "Between Two Worlds" is a compelling narrative that explores the harsh realities of apartheid in South Africa through the eyes of its protagonist, Muriel. The story delves into Muriel's life as she navigates the oppressive societal structures that enforce racial segregation and discrimination. Working in a Johannesburg store, she encounters a microcosm of apartheid's broader societal impacts, including the complexities of interracial relationships and the struggle for dignity and identity amidst pervasive racism. The novel poignantly captures the personal and political conflicts faced by those trapped between the traditional and the modern, the rural and the urban, in a time of profound injustice.

  19. 19. Coming Home And Other Stories by Farida Karodia

    "Coming Home And Other Stories" is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of individuals grappling with the complexities of identity, displacement, and belonging, primarily within the context of South African society. The narratives explore themes of apartheid, racial discrimination, and the struggle for liberation, as well as the personal challenges of family dynamics, love, and loss. Through a variety of characters and settings, the stories offer a poignant reflection on the human condition and the search for home, both in a literal and metaphorical sense, highlighting the resilience of the spirit amidst social and political turmoil.

  20. 20. 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.

  21. 21. And They Didn't Die by Lauretta Ngcobo

    This novel explores the resilience and struggles of a group of women in a rural South African village during the apartheid era. As they grapple with oppressive laws, land seizures, and the forced labor system that sends their men to work in distant mines, the women band together to sustain their families and community. Their story is one of survival and solidarity in the face of systemic racism and sexism, highlighting the intersection of personal and political battles while showcasing the strength and endurance of women under extreme hardship.

  22. 22. 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.

  23. 23. Master Harold...And The Boys by Athol Fugard

    The play takes place in South Africa during the era of apartheid and revolves around the complex relationship between a young white boy and two black men who work in his mother's tea room. The boy has grown up with these men and shares a close bond with them, but as he struggles with personal turmoil and the pressures of the racist society around him, he begins to assert his racial superiority, leading to a devastating display of discrimination and the shattering of their familial relationship. The narrative explores themes of racism, human dignity, and the impact of societal injustice on personal relationships.

  24. 24. Living, Loving And Lying Awake At Night by Sindiwe Magona

    "Living, Loving And Lying Awake At Night" is a poignant and introspective memoir that delves into the life experiences of the author, exploring themes of love, loss, and the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society. Through her powerful storytelling, the author reflects on her personal journey, including her upbringing in rural South Africa, her struggles as a single mother, and her pursuit of education and career success. With honesty and vulnerability, the book offers a compelling exploration of the complexities of life and the resilience of the human spirit.

  25. 25. Elizabeth Costello by J M Coetzee

    The novel follows the life of Elizabeth Costello, a renowned Australian writer, as she navigates through her twilight years. Through eight different narratives, the book explores her perspectives on various topics, including animal rights, the nature of evil, and the difficulty of understanding oneself. The novel is a profound exploration of the human condition, the nature of storytelling, and the conflict between life and art.

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