The Greatest Hungarian, Scottish "Fiction, Historical fiction" Books Since 1950

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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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Fiction

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

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  1. 1. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark

    The novel is set in 1930s Edinburgh and follows the story of six girls under the tutelage of an unconventional teacher, Miss Jean Brodie. Miss Brodie, in her prime, takes it upon herself to educate the girls about life, love, politics, and art, often disregarding the traditional curriculum. The narrative explores the influence of Miss Brodie on the girls, the consequences of her nonconformist teachings, and the ultimate betrayal that leads to her downfall.

    The 191st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Fateless by Imre Kertész

    "Fateless" is a harrowing account of a Hungarian Jewish boy's experiences in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. The protagonist is sent to Auschwitz, then Buchenwald, and finally to a factory in Zeitz, enduring brutal conditions and witnessing unimaginable horrors. Despite his experiences, he maintains a detached, almost indifferent perspective, focusing on the mundane aspects of life in the camps, which further highlights the absurdity and horror of the situation. The novel explores themes of identity, survival, and the arbitrary nature of fate.

    The 686th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Notebook: The Proof ; The Third Lie : Three Novels by Agota Kristof

    "The Notebook: The Proof ; The Third Lie : Three Novels" is a trilogy of novels that follow the lives of twin brothers, living through the harsh realities of war, separation, and betrayal. The first novel, "The Notebook," tells the story of their survival as children in a rural town at the end of World War II. The second book, "The Proof," continues their story into adulthood, exploring the effects of their traumatic childhood. The final book, "The Third Lie," delves into the complexities of their relationship and the secrets they kept from one another. The trilogy is a poignant exploration of identity, love, and the enduring bond of brotherhood.

    The 1298th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Celestial Harmonies by Peter Esterhazy

    "Celestial Harmonies" is a historical novel that tells the story of the aristocratic Esterházy family, tracing their lineage from the late Middle Ages to the present day. The narrative is divided into two parts, with the first part featuring a series of vignettes about the family's ancestors, while the second part focuses on the experiences of the narrator's father under the Communist regime in Hungary. The novel is characterized by its intricate structure, complex themes, and lush, poetic language, offering a rich exploration of Hungarian history, family dynamics, and the human condition.

    The 2369th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. A Funtineli Boszorkány by Albert Wass

    The novel is a sweeping historical saga set in Transylvania, focusing on the life of a young peasant girl who, despite her humble origins and the tumultuous times, rises to become a powerful figure in her community. Possessing an indomitable spirit and a mysterious gift that some consider witchcraft, she navigates the complex social hierarchies and political upheavals of her era, becoming both revered and feared. Her journey is marked by love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of her destiny, as she becomes entwined with the fates of the villagers and the land itself, reflecting the broader struggles and resilience of the human spirit.

    The 4150th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Give Me Back My Mountains by Albert Wass

    "Give Me Back My Mountains" is a poignant historical novel that delves into the struggles and resilience of a Transylvanian noble family during the tumultuous period of World War II and the subsequent communist takeover. The narrative explores themes of loss, identity, and the unyielding human spirit, as the family confronts the confiscation of their ancestral lands and the erosion of their cultural heritage. Through vivid characters and rich descriptions, the book paints a picture of a bygone era, highlighting the personal and collective challenges faced by those who lived through the seismic political shifts of the 20th century in Eastern Europe.

    The 4373rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. School At The Frontier by Géza Ottlik

    "School at the Frontier" is a novel set in a military academy in Hungary during the interwar period, where a group of boys navigates the complexities of adolescence against the backdrop of a strict and often oppressive educational system. The narrative delves into the intricate relationships, hierarchies, and unspoken codes that govern the lives of the students, as they form alliances, confront authority, and grapple with the looming shadow of the outside world's political turmoil. Through the lens of the protagonist's experiences, the story explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and the loss of innocence, painting a poignant picture of youth and the formative experiences that shape one's identity.

    The 4456th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Hms Ulysses by Alistair MacLean

    "HMS Ulysses" is a gripping World War II naval adventure that follows the crew of a British destroyer as they navigate treacherous Arctic waters in a harrowing mission to escort a convoy to Russia. Faced with relentless German attacks, brutal weather conditions, and internal conflicts, the crew must confront their fears and push themselves to the limits of endurance in order to complete their mission and survive the dangerous journey.

    The 4576th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Régimódi Történet by Szabó, Magda

    "Régimódi Történet" is a poignant narrative set in early 20th-century Hungary, focusing on the life of a young girl from a noble family. As she grows up, she witnesses the decline of her family's fortunes and the changing social order following World War I. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, as well as the impact of historical events on individual lives. Through the protagonist's eyes, the reader experiences the challenges of adapting to a new era while clinging to the values and traditions of the past. The story is a rich tapestry of personal and historical transformation, illustrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

    The 4764th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Ne Féljetek by Anna Jókai

    "Ne Féljetek" is a poignant reflection on the human condition, set against the backdrop of a society grappling with the oppressive weight of a totalitarian regime. The narrative delves into the lives of individuals who, amidst the pervasive fear and silence enforced by the state, find themselves wrestling with the moral complexities of courage, resistance, and the yearning for freedom. Through a tapestry of interconnected stories and characters, the book explores the subtle acts of defiance and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of an unyielding political landscape, ultimately offering a testament to the enduring power of hope and the unquenchable desire for change.

    The 4765th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Für Elise by Szabó, Magda

    The novel revolves around the life of a woman named Elise, who, after the death of her husband, discovers a series of letters that reveal hidden aspects of her marriage and her husband's past. As she delves into the contents of the letters, Elise is forced to confront the illusions and truths of her relationship, as well as her own identity. Set against the backdrop of a changing society, the story explores themes of love, betrayal, and the complex layers of human relationships, ultimately leading Elise on a poignant journey of self-discovery and redemption.

    The 5226th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Jadviga Párnája by Pál Závada

    "Jadviga Párnája" is a historical novel set in a Hungarian village at the turn of the 20th century. It delves into the life of a young woman named Jadviga, who is of Polish descent, and her marriage to a Hungarian man, András. The narrative unfolds through a series of letters, diary entries, and other documents, painting a vivid picture of rural life, social norms, and the personal struggles of the characters. The novel explores themes of love, fidelity, identity, and the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of a society grappling with change and the influences of modernity.

    The 6297th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Book Of Fathers by Miklós Vámos

    "The Book of Fathers" chronicles the lives of twelve generations of men from a Hungarian family, spanning over 300 years from the 18th century to the modern day. Each chapter focuses on one descendant, capturing the historical and personal challenges they face, from the rise and fall of empires to the intimate struggles of love and loss. The novel weaves a tapestry of Hungarian history and the family's legacy, marked by a mystical diary that is passed down from father to son, which possesses the power to influence the fate of its keeper. Through the generations, the book becomes a symbol of the family's heritage and the enduring connection between the past and the future.

    The 6603rd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Golden Bird: Two Orkney Stories by George Mackay Brown

    "The Golden Bird: Two Orkney Stories" is a captivating collection of two enchanting tales set in the mystical Orkney Islands. Through rich and vivid storytelling, the book explores themes of love, loss, and the power of the natural world. With lyrical prose and a deep understanding of human emotions, the author takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and magical encounters, leaving them spellbound by the beauty and mystery of the Orkney landscape.

    The 7960th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Deadman’s Pedal by Alan Warner

    "The Deadman's Pedal" is a coming-of-age novel set in a small Scottish town in the 1970s. It follows the life of Simon Crimmons, a young trainee signalman who becomes infatuated with a local girl, Nikki, and finds himself caught up in the complexities of adult relationships and the harsh realities of working-class life. The story explores themes of love, loss, and the struggle to find one's place in a changing world, painting a vivid picture of a community on the brink of transformation.

    The 10309th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Docherty by William McIlvanney

    Set in the early 20th century, the novel tells the story of Tam Docherty, a miner in a small Scottish town who struggles to provide for his family amidst harsh working conditions. Despite the constant hardships and poverty, Docherty remains hopeful and resilient, instilling strong values and a sense of pride in his children. The book offers a powerful depiction of working-class life and explores themes of social injustice, family bonds and the human spirit.

    The 10768th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Poor Things by Alasdair Gray

    "Poor Things" revolves around the life of Bella Baxter, a woman who is brought back from the dead by a Victorian-era doctor who replaces her brain with that of the fetus she was carrying at the time of her death. The book explores Bella's life as she grows up with the mind of a child but the body of a woman, her marriage to a man who tries to control her, and her eventual escape and journey of self-discovery. The narrative is presented through various documents and viewpoints, providing a complex and thought-provoking look at themes such as love, identity, and the nature of humanity.

    The 10867th 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