The Greatest Turkish, Greek "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. My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk

    Set in the late 16th century Ottoman Empire, this novel explores the conflict between East and West, tradition and innovation, through the lens of miniaturist painters. When a renowned artist is murdered, his colleagues must solve the mystery while grappling with the changes in their art brought about by the western Renaissance. This complex narrative intertwines love, art, religion, and power, offering a deep exploration of the struggles between old and new.

  2. 2. Snow by Orhan Pamuk

    Set in the small city of Kars in northeastern Turkey, the novel follows a Turkish poet who has spent several years in political exile in Germany. He returns to Turkey during a time of political unrest, with tensions high between religious and secular factions. As he becomes embroiled in the turmoil, he also becomes involved in a romantic relationship with a beautiful woman. The city is cut off from the rest of the world by a relentless snowstorm, leading to a series of tragic events. The novel is a contemplation on love, faith, and the tensions between tradition and modernity.

  3. 3. 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.

  4. 4. 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.

  5. 5. Life is a Carawanserai Has Two Doors I Went in One I Came out the Other by Emine Sevgi Özdamar

    This novel follows the life of a young Turkish girl growing up in the 1950s and 60s, exploring her experiences in a rapidly changing society. The protagonist navigates the complexities of her family life, her struggle with her identity and her eventual emigration to Germany. The book explores themes of female empowerment, cultural clashes, and the immigrant experience, all told through a unique narrative style that blends reality with dreams and folktales.

  6. 6. 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.

  7. 7. 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.

  8. 8. Berji Kristin by Latife Tekin

    The book is a poignant exploration of the lives of squatters in the outskirts of Istanbul during the 1970s and 1980s. Through a blend of magical realism and stark social commentary, it tells the story of a community of rural migrants who, in search of better prospects, build a shantytown named "Flower Hill" on the city's periphery. The narrative delves into the daily struggles, dreams, and communal bonds of these individuals as they grapple with the harsh realities of urban poverty, political upheaval, and rapid modernization that threaten to erase their makeshift neighborhood. The novel is a tapestry of interconnected tales that together paint a vivid portrait of resilience and survival amidst systemic marginalization.

  9. 9. 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.

  10. 10. 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.

  11. 11. 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.

  12. 12. 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.

  13. 13. The Black Book by Orhan Pamuk

    The novel focuses on a man searching for his wife in Istanbul, who disappeared without a trace. In his search, he discovers a secret, surreal world in the city and starts to understand his wife's involvement in political activism. The narrative is interwoven with stories from a column written by his wife's half-brother, which the protagonist believes may hold clues to her disappearance. The book is a complex exploration of identity, storytelling, and the role of literature in society.

  14. 14. 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.

  15. 15. 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.

  16. 16. 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.

  17. 17. 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.

  18. 18. The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak

    This novel intertwines two parallel narratives, one set in the 13th century and one in the modern day. The contemporary story follows a discontented American housewife who, while working as a reader for a literary agency, comes across a novel about the 13th-century poet Rumi and his spiritual mentor, Shams of Tabriz. As she delves into their story, she uncovers Shams' forty rules of love and begins to question her own life and relationships. The historical narrative, on the other hand, explores the transformative friendship between Rumi and Shams, and how their bond revolutionized Rumi's poetry and outlook on life.

  19. 19. The Museum Of Innocence by Orhan Pamuk

    This novel delves into the obsessive love of Kemal, a wealthy Istanbulite, for Füsun, a distant relative and a shopgirl, which begins in 1975 and spans over 30 years. After a brief affair, Füsun marries another man, but Kemal's love remains unyielding. He starts collecting objects that remind him of his love for her, eventually creating a museum dedicated to their relationship. Set against the backdrop of Istanbul's changing society, the story explores themes of love, longing, class, and the power of memory, as Kemal's life becomes a testament to his unattainable desire, encapsulated within the walls of his museum.

  20. 20. 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.

  21. 21. The Possessed by Elif Batuman

    "The Possessed" is a compelling narrative that combines memoir, criticism, and travel writing to explore the author's deep fascination with Russian literature. Through her experiences as a graduate student at Stanford, her travels to Turkey, Russia, and Uzbekistan, and her encounters with other scholars, the author delves into the works of great Russian authors such as Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov, while also reflecting on the nature of literature, identity, and the human condition.

  22. 22. The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak

    "The Bastard of Istanbul" is a novel that tells the story of two families, one Turkish and one Armenian American. It explores the deep, intricate history between the two nations through the eyes of the characters, while also tackling themes of identity, memory, and the past. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of the women in both families, who carry the burden of their ancestors' secrets, and a young man haunted by the ghost of a long-dead Armenian. The novel delves into the complexities of love, family, and the lasting effects of the Armenian genocide on its descendants.

  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.

Reading Statistics

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