The Greatest Australian, Spanish "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 Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough

    "The Thorn Birds" is a sweeping family saga that spans three generations of the Cleary family, set against the backdrop of the Australian outback. It focuses on the forbidden love between the beautiful Meggie Cleary and the family's priest, Father Ralph de Bricassart. The novel explores themes of love, religion, and ambition, as Meggie and Ralph struggle with their feelings for each other and the choices they must make.

    The 483rd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Voss by Patrick White

    Set in 19th-century Australia, the novel follows a German explorer, Voss, as he leads a doomed expedition into the outback. Parallel to this, Voss develops a romantic relationship with Laura Trevelyan, a young woman he meets before his departure. Despite their physical separation, their spiritual and emotional connection deepens as Voss's journey becomes increasingly perilous. The narrative explores themes of obsession, the human condition, and the dichotomy between civilization and wilderness.

    The 593rd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Oscar and Lucinda by Peter Carey

    "Oscar and Lucinda" is a novel that tells the story of two unconventional individuals, Oscar and Lucinda, who meet on a ship going to Australia in the mid-19th century. Oscar, a young English clergyman, and Lucinda, a teenage Australian heiress, bond over their shared love of gambling. Their mutual obsession leads to a high-stakes wager that will have lasting consequences for both of them. The novel explores themes of love, faith, and obsession against the backdrop of Victorian-era England and Australia.

    The 852nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey

    This historical novel is a fictionalized account of the life of Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, told in the form of a journal written to his daughter. The narrative explores Kelly's life from childhood, his family's struggles with poverty and the law, his involvement in horse thievery, and his eventual formation of the Kelly Gang. The story culminates with the gang's infamous standoff with the police at Glenrowan, providing a humanizing perspective on a figure often portrayed as a ruthless criminal.

    The 960th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. 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.

    The 1060th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Transit of Venus by Shirley Hazzard

    The novel follows the lives of two orphaned Australian sisters, Caroline and Grace Bell, who move to England in the post-World War II era. The story revolves around their relationships, particularly Caroline's complex and often tragic love life. The narrative is filled with themes of love, fate, time, and the intricate complexities of human relationships, all set against the backdrop of significant historical events.

    The 1196th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Hive by Camilo José Cela

    "The Hive" is a novel set in post-Civil War Spain, during the harsh years of Madrid's postwar recovery. It provides a gritty and realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by ordinary citizens in a society marked by deprivation and repression. The narrative is non-linear and fragmented, featuring a vast array of characters from various social classes, whose lives intertwine in a depiction of the bleakness and despair of the time. The book was initially banned in Spain due to its critical view of Franco's regime.

    The 1262nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Tree of Man by Patrick White

    This novel tells the story of Stan Parker, an ordinary and hardworking man living in the Australian outback. The narrative chronicles his life, including his marriage to Amy, the birth of their two children, and the various struggles they face such as financial hardship, natural disasters, and the challenges of rural life. The book provides a deep and introspective look into the human condition, exploring themes of love, death, faith, and the search for meaning.

    The 1562nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Time Of The Doves by Merce Rodoreda

    The novel is a poignant exploration of a woman's life set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War and the early years of Franco's dictatorship. Through the eyes of the protagonist, a shopkeeper in Barcelona, readers experience her struggles with love, loss, and survival. Her personal journey is interwoven with the turbulent history of the era, as she endures the hardships of war, the complexities of her romantic relationships, and the challenges of raising her children alone. The narrative, rich with symbolic imagery, particularly the recurring motif of doves, offers a deeply emotional and intimate portrayal of resilience amidst the chaos of societal upheaval.

    The 1593rd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Remembering Babylon by David Malouf

    The novel explores the life of a young man who, after being shipwrecked, is raised by Aboriginals in 19th century Australia. After sixteen years, he attempts to reintegrate into European society, but is met with suspicion and hostility due to his adopted culture and lifestyle. The book delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the clash between Aboriginal and European cultures.

    The 1853rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. A Fringe Of Leaves by Patrick White

    Set in the early 19th century, the novel follows the journey of an Englishwoman who survives a shipwreck off the coast of Australia. Stranded on the unfamiliar continent, she is captured by Aboriginal people and experiences a dramatic cultural clash. As she adapts to the indigenous way of life, she undergoes a profound personal transformation, shedding the constraints of her genteel upbringing. Her struggle for survival and the eventual attempt to return to European society challenge her identity and perceptions of civilization, nature, and self, leading to a deep introspection about her place in the world.

    The 2047th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. 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.

    The 2350th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts

    The novel follows the life of a convicted Australian bank robber and heroin addict who escapes from prison and flees to India. Settling in the bustling city of Mumbai, he assumes a new identity and immerses himself in the local culture, forming a close bond with the people in a slum. As he navigates his new environment, he becomes entangled in various criminal activities, including running a free health clinic, working for the Bombay mafia, and fighting in Afghanistan. Throughout his journey, he grapples with love, forgiveness, and his quest for redemption, all while exploring themes of good and evil, friendship, and the complexities of the human spirit.

    The 2426th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Memoirs of a Peasant Boy by Xosé Neira Vilas

    "Memoirs of a Peasant Boy" is a poignant narrative about the harsh realities of rural life in Galicia, Spain during the early 20th century, as seen through the eyes of a young boy. The protagonist, who is also the narrator, offers a vivid depiction of his experiences growing up in poverty, dealing with oppressive landlords, and struggling for survival and education. This autobiographical novel is a powerful commentary on social injustice and the enduring spirit of the human will.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Last Evenings with Teresa by Juan Marse

    The novel revolves around a young, ambitious man from the lower class who is obsessed with breaking into the higher social strata of Barcelona. He believes that his ticket to this higher society is through seducing Teresa, a naive, young girl from a well-off family. As he manipulates Teresa, he finds himself entangled in a web of deceit, lies, and unexpected feelings. The story is a gritty exploration of class, ambition, and the lengths people will go to achieve their desires.

    The 2605th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Commandant by Jessica Anderson

    "The Commandant" is a historical novel that explores the life of Frances Forbes, the wife of Commandant Patrick Logan, who was a penal colony superintendent in Australia during the 19th century. The story, narrated by Frances, provides a detailed account of their life in the colony, including the harsh conditions, the social hierarchy, and the relationships between the convicts, soldiers, and officers. The narrative also delves into Frances' personal life, her loneliness, her relationship with her husband, and her struggle to maintain her sanity amidst the harsh and isolated environment.

    The 2619th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Illywhacker by Peter Carey

    The novel is a sprawling tale of deception, magic, and family history, narrated by a 139-year-old Australian con artist. He recounts his life's adventures, from snake handling to aircraft manufacturing, while weaving in the stories of his descendants. The narrative is a blend of historical fiction and tall tales, exploring themes of national identity, truth, and the art of storytelling itself. Through the protagonist's unreliable narration, the book challenges the reader to discern fact from fiction, all while painting a vivid picture of Australian society and its transformation over the 20th century.

    The 3230th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. La Saga/ Fuga de J. B./ The Saga/ Escape of J.B. by Gonzalo Torrente Ballester

    "La Saga/ Fuga de J. B./ The Saga/ Escape of J.B." is a complex narrative that explores the themes of reality and fiction, and their intersection. The story revolves around a mysterious character, J.B., who escapes from a novel into the real world. As he navigates this new realm, the boundaries between the fictional world he came from and the reality he now inhabits become increasingly blurred, leading to a surreal and thought-provoking exploration of the nature of existence.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Johnno by David Malouf

    "Johnno" is a coming-of-age novel set in Brisbane, Australia, during the 1940s and 1950s. The story follows the life of the protagonist, Dante, as he navigates his complex friendship with his childhood friend, Johnno. Through their adventures, Dante explores themes of identity, love, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. As the narrative unfolds, the novel delves into the complexities of Australian society, offering a poignant reflection on the challenges and transformations of growing up.

    The 4042nd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. 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.

    The 4759th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Confederates by Thomas Keneally

    This novel is a gripping tale set during the American Civil War, focusing on the lives of soldiers and civilians caught in the tumult of conflict. It explores the harrowing experiences of the Confederate soldiers as they navigate the brutal realities of war, alongside the stories of their families who endure their own struggles on the home front. The narrative delves into themes of loyalty, survival, and the moral complexities of war, presenting a nuanced portrayal of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through vivid characterizations and rich historical detail, the book offers a compelling examination of one of the most divisive periods in American history.

    The 4771st Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. 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.

    The 5058th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. The House Tibet by Georgia Savage

    "The House Tibet" is a novel that explores the complex tapestry of family life, identity, and the enduring impact of history on personal lives. The story follows a woman who, after the death of her mother, inherits a house filled with mysterious artifacts and echoes of the past. As she delves into her mother's secretive history, she uncovers connections to Tibet and a family legacy shaped by love, loss, and the struggle for freedom. The narrative weaves together the present and the past, revealing how the political turmoil of Tibet has rippled through generations, affecting the lives of those far removed from its borders. The protagonist's journey is one of self-discovery and reconciliation, as she comes to terms with her heritage and the threads that bind her to the enigmatic House Tibet.

    The 5174th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. 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.

    The 5324th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. The Great Fire by Shirley Hazzard

    "The Great Fire" is a historical novel set in the aftermath of World War II. The story follows a British war hero, Aldred Leith, who is sent to occupied Japan to research the effects of the war on the country's culture. During his stay, he falls in love with a young girl, Helen, who is the daughter of the Australian camp commander. Despite the age difference and societal expectations, the two form a deep bond. The book explores themes of love, war, cultural change, and personal transformation.

    The 5846th 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