The Greatest British "Ireland, Fiction" Books of All Time

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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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Ireland

The category of "Ireland" in books refers to literature that is set in or about Ireland, its people, culture, history, and landscapes. These books may include works of fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, biographies, and poetry that explore the rich and complex history of Ireland, its struggles for independence, its traditions, and its contemporary society. The category of "Ireland" is a diverse and vibrant one that offers readers a glimpse into the unique and fascinating world of the Emerald Isle.

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  1. 1. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

    This classic adventure novel tells the story of young Jim Hawkins, who stumbles upon a treasure map and embarks on a perilous journey to find the buried treasure. Along the way, he encounters a host of memorable characters, including the cunning and treacherous Long John Silver. The narrative is filled with action, intrigue, and suspense, as Hawkins and his companions face pirates, mutiny, and other dangers in their quest for the hidden treasure.

    The 104th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Melmoth the Wanderer by Charles Robert Maturin

    "Melmoth the Wanderer" is a gothic novel that tells the story of John Melmoth, a man who sells his soul to the devil for 150 extra years of life, and spends that time wandering the earth in search of someone who will take over the pact for him. The narrative is a complex series of nested stories, told by many different characters, and it explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the inherent evil of mankind.

    The 519th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Castle Rackrent by Maria Edgeworth

    "Castle Rackrent" is a satirical novel that chronicles the declining fortunes and ultimate ruin of a once noble Irish family through the eyes of their loyal and long-serving steward. The family's successive heirs each contribute to the downfall through their reckless extravagance, drunkenness, gambling, and overall mismanagement. The narrative provides a critique of the Anglo-Irish landlords of the time, highlighting their exploitation of the Irish peasantry and their disregard for the responsibilities that came with their privileged position.

    The 643rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K Rowling

    In the final installment of this popular series, the protagonist and his friends decide to leave their school to complete the mission left to them by their late headmaster - to destroy the remaining pieces of the antagonist's soul, hidden in various objects. As they journey through the wizarding world, they uncover the truth about the antagonist's past and the legend of the Deathly Hallows. Amidst the escalating war, they are captured and narrowly escape, leading to the ultimate battle at their school where many lives are lost. The protagonist learns he must sacrifice himself to truly defeat the antagonist, but is given a second chance at life and finally triumphs, ending the war. The story concludes with a glimpse into the peaceful future they have all earned.

    The 880th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Phineas Finn by Anthony Trollope

    "Phineas Finn" is a novel about a young Irishman who moves to London to become a politician. Despite his lack of experience, he quickly rises in the ranks due to his charm and charisma. However, he struggles to balance his political career with his personal life, particularly his romantic relationships with several women. As he navigates the complex world of politics, he must also grapple with moral dilemmas and the consequences of his actions.

    The 1996th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Last Bouquet by Marjorie Bowen

    "The Last Bouquet" by Marjorie Bowen is a captivating historical novel set in 18th-century France. The story follows a young woman named Genevieve, who finds herself caught in the midst of the French Revolution. As chaos and violence engulf the nation, Genevieve's life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes entangled with a group of revolutionaries. Faced with difficult choices and dangerous secrets, she must navigate a treacherous path to protect her loved ones and find her own freedom. Bowen's vivid storytelling and rich historical detail bring this tumultuous period to life, offering a compelling tale of love, sacrifice, and resilience.

    The 2078th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. December Bride by Sam Hanna Bell

    "December Bride" is a poignant and captivating novel set in rural Northern Ireland during the early 20th century. The story follows the life of a young woman named Sarah, who finds herself caught between tradition and her own desires. As she navigates the complexities of love, family, and societal expectations, Sarah must make difficult choices that will shape her future. With its vivid descriptions and richly drawn characters, this book explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love.

    The 2602nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Felicia's Journey by William Trevor

    "Felicia's Journey" is a psychological thriller about a young, pregnant Irish girl who travels to England in search of her boyfriend, only to be taken in by a middle-aged man with a dark past. As the story unfolds, the man's sinister intentions become increasingly apparent, creating a suspenseful tale of manipulation and deception. The novel explores themes of loneliness, innocence, and the capacity for evil, offering a chilling exploration of human nature.

    The 6554th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. A House Of Children by Joyce Cary

    "A House of Children" is a compelling novel that delves into the lives of the Clare family, who live in a grand house in the English countryside. Set during the interwar period, the story follows the three children as they navigate their privileged yet tumultuous upbringing. With a keen eye for social dynamics and the complexities of family relationships, the author explores themes of class, power, and the impact of societal expectations on individual lives. As the children grow older, they confront their own desires and ambitions, ultimately questioning the values and traditions that have shaped their lives.

    The 7988th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Young Tom by Forrest Reid

    "Young Tom" is a coming-of-age novel that follows the life of a young boy named Tom growing up in Northern Ireland in the late 19th century. Tom navigates the challenges of adolescence, grappling with his emerging sexuality and his love for his male friend, Arthur. As Tom matures, he confronts societal expectations and struggles to find acceptance in a world that is intolerant of his true self. This poignant and introspective novel explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the complexities of human relationships.

    The 7988th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Ice Saints by Frank Tuohy

    "The Ice Saints" is a gripping historical novel set during the Spanish Civil War. The story follows a young British journalist who becomes entangled in a dangerous web of espionage and political intrigue as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of a renowned poet. With vivid descriptions and complex characters, the book explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the devastating consequences of war.

    The 7988th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Gráinne by Keith Roberts

    This novel is a vivid historical fiction that transports readers to the 16th century, focusing on the life of Gráinne Ní Mháille, also known as Grace O'Malley, a formidable Irish pirate queen. The narrative delves into her audacious exploits at sea, her battles against the encroaching English forces, and her efforts to protect her people and heritage. Through a blend of fact and fiction, the story paints a rich portrait of a woman who defied the gender norms of her time, showcasing her leadership, resilience, and the complexities of her character as she navigates the turbulent waters of her era.

    The 10779th 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