The Greatest Italian, Irish "United States" 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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United States

The "United States" category for books encompasses literature that is set in or explores the history, culture, and society of the United States. This includes works of fiction, non-fiction, and memoirs that focus on American life, politics, and social issues. Books in this category may cover a wide range of topics, from the founding of the nation to contemporary issues such as race, gender, and immigration. The United States category is a broad and diverse genre that reflects the rich and complex history of the country.

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  1. 1. The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni

    "The Betrothed" is a historical novel set in Lombardy, Italy during the 17th century, in the midst of political and religious turmoil. The story follows the journey of two peasants, Renzo and Lucia, who are in love and wish to marry. However, their plans are thwarted by a corrupt local baron who desires Lucia for himself, and a cowardly priest who refuses to stand up to the baron. The couple are forced to flee, facing numerous hardships and adventures, while their faith and love for each other are continually tested. The novel explores themes of love, faith, and the struggle for justice.

    The 482nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Master by Colm Tóibín

    "The Master" is a fictionalized biography of the renowned author Henry James, chronicling his life from 1895 to 1899. The narrative delves into James' personal life, his relationships, and his struggles with his craft. The book reveals his inner thoughts and feelings, his unfulfilled desires, and his deep-seated fears. It also explores his relationships with his family, friends, and some of the most prominent figures of his time. The narrative is a deep, introspective exploration of a complex, introverted character, and the world in which he lived.

    The 1128th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Commitments by Roddy Doyle

    "The Commitments" is a humorous and uplifting tale set in the working-class Northside of Dublin, Ireland. The story follows a group of young, passionate individuals who form a soul band, despite their limited musical experience. The band, managed by two ambitious music enthusiasts, navigates the highs and lows of the music industry, dealing with personal conflicts, romantic entanglements, and the challenges of finding their sound. The book offers a raw and honest perspective on music, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams.

    The 2401st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín

    The novel tells the story of a young Irish woman, Eilis Lacey, in the 1950s who, unable to find work at home, is sent to Brooklyn by a helpful priest where she builds a new life. She finds work, studies to become a bookkeeper, and falls in love with an Italian plumber named Tony. However, a family tragedy forces her to return to Ireland, where she must choose between her new life in America and her old life at home.

    The 2624th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Headless Horseman by Thomas Mayne Reid

    Set in Texas in the early 19th century, this novel follows the mysterious and eerie adventures surrounding the legend of a spectral rider who haunts the prairies. The story weaves together the lives of settlers, Native Americans, and the enigmatic figure of the Headless Horseman against a backdrop of love, jealousy, and frontier hardship. As the protagonist, a young Irish adventurer, pursues the affection of a beautiful plantation owner's daughter, he must also unravel the truth behind the chilling myth that seems to be connected with a series of unsettling events, leading to a climax that intertwines romance, suspense, and the supernatural.

    The 2833rd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Netherland by Joseph O'Neill

    "Netherland" is a post-9/11 novel set in New York City, which explores the life of a Dutch banker named Hans. After his wife and son move back to London, Hans becomes immersed in the world of cricket, where he befriends a charismatic Trinidadian named Chuck Ramkissoon who dreams of building a cricket stadium in the city. The novel is a meditation on the American Dream, identity, and the immigrant experience, all set against the backdrop of a city and a country grappling with a new reality.

    The 3770th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. A Fairy Tale Of New York by J. P. Donleavy

    This novel follows the journey of an Irish-American man who, after studying in Ireland, returns to New York City to claim his deceased father's ashes. The narrative weaves through his experiences and encounters in a post-war America, blending humor with melancholy as he navigates the complexities of love, ambition, and identity. Set against the backdrop of a bustling and unforgiving New York, the protagonist's quest for meaning and belonging unfolds in a series of misadventures and reflections, capturing the essence of the immigrant experience and the search for personal fulfillment in a rapidly changing world.

    The 4157th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Days Without End by Sebastian Barry

    "Days Without End" is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of an Irish immigrant who enlists in the U.S. Army in the 1850s. The protagonist's experiences include fighting in the Indian Wars and the Civil War, as well as falling in love with a fellow soldier. The novel explores themes of identity, love, and survival in a brutal and unforgiving era of American history.

    The 4384th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Ginger Man by J. P. Donleavy

    "The Ginger Man" is a novel that follows the exploits of Sebastian Dangerfield, a young American studying law in post-World War II Dublin. Dangerfield is a heavy-drinking, womanizing, and irresponsible character who constantly finds himself in trouble due to his reckless behavior. Despite his flaws, he is a charismatic and compelling character who navigates life with a unique blend of humor and cynicism. The book provides a vivid depiction of bohemian life in mid-20th century Dublin, with its struggles and joys.

    The 4926th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Novecento by Alessandro Baricco

    The book is a poignant monologue that tells the story of a gifted pianist born on a transatlantic liner in the early 20th century. Abandoned at birth, he is named after the year of his birth and grows up on the ship, never setting foot on land. His extraordinary talent for piano captivates everyone who hears him play, and his music becomes legendary among travelers and crew alike. The narrative, recounted by a fellow musician and friend, explores themes of belonging, the meaning of home, and the transcendent power of music to connect people across the boundaries of time and space.

    The 6663rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. This Side Of Brightness by Colum McCann

    The novel delves into the lives of tunnel diggers beneath New York City at the turn of the 20th century, juxtaposing their stories with those of their descendants in the 1990s. It explores themes of racial tension, poverty, and the enduring human spirit through the interwoven narratives of a black sandhog who survives a harrowing tunnel collapse and his grandson, grappling with a life on the fringes of society. As the tale unfolds, it reveals the deep connections between past and present, and the invisible threads that bind the city's history to the fates of its inhabitants.

    The 6963rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Memoirs Of Lorenzo Da Ponte by Lorenzo Da Ponte

    "Memoirs of Lorenzo Da Ponte" is an autobiographical account of the life of Lorenzo Da Ponte, an Italian poet and librettist best known for his collaboration with Mozart. The memoirs trace his colorful and tumultuous life from his early years in Venice, where he was ordained as a priest, through his banishment from Venice due to his scandalous activities, to his significant contributions to the world of opera in Vienna. The narrative also covers his later years in the United States, where he worked in various capacities, including as a grocer and a professor of Italian literature. Da Ponte's memoirs provide a vivid portrayal of the cultural and social dynamics of Europe and America in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, as well as intimate insights into his personal trials and the artistic milieu of his time.

    The 8734th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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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.

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