Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Flaubert's Parrot

   

   The novel centers around a retired doctor's obsession with the life and works of Gustave Flaubert, a 19th-century French writer. The doctor's fascination leads him on a quest to find a stuffed parrot that once belonged to the writer. The novel is a blend of biography, literary criticism, and personal memoir, and it explores themes such as the nature of art and the difficulties of interpreting the past.

   The 990th Greatest Book of All Time

2. 2. The Sense of an Ending

   

   This novel revolves around a middle-aged man, Tony Webster, who is forced to reevaluate his understanding of his past when he unexpectedly receives a lawyer's letter that drags him back into his complex history with his university friends, Adrian and Veronica. The book explores themes of memory, history, and time, showing how our understanding of the past can be distorted by our own perceptions and emotions. As Tony delves into his past, he realizes that his memories may not be as accurate as he once believed, leading to a surprising revelation.

   The 1792nd Greatest Book of All Time

3. 3. A History Of The World In 10 1/2 Chapters

   

   This book presents an unconventional and imaginative exploration of world history, weaving together a series of narratives that span different epochs, from the biblical story of Noah's Ark to the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster. Through a blend of fact, fiction, and speculative thought, the chapters delve into various themes such as love, survival, and the nature of historical truth. Employing a variety of styles and perspectives, including that of a woodworm, the narrative challenges traditional historical narratives and invites readers to question the subjective nature of history and the stories we are told. This inventive approach to storytelling offers a unique and reflective look at humanity's past, present, and future.

   The 5797th Greatest Book of All Time

4. 4. Levels of Life

   

   This introspective and deeply moving book is a three-part meditation on love, loss, and the nature of grief. The first part explores the history of ballooning and photography, the second tells a fictional tale of a love affair between two balloonists in the 19th century, and the third part is a poignant memoir of the author's grief following the death of his wife. The book beautifully intertwines these threads to explore the profound impact of love and the deep pain of loss, while offering a raw and honest look at the grieving process.

   The 6340th Greatest Book of All Time
5. 5. Nothing to be Frightened Of

   A Memoir of Mortality

   

   This book is a memoir that explores the author's fear of death and his quest for meaning in life. It blends elements of autobiography, philosophy, and literary criticism, drawing on the author's personal experiences, his relationships with his family, and his thoughts on writers and philosophers who have influenced him. The narrative is marked by the author's wit, humor, and keen observations, offering a thoughtful and engaging exploration of mortality and the human condition.

   The 6371st Greatest Book of All Time

6. 6. Staring At The Sun

   Being a Short Account of a Happy Life

   

   "Staring at the Sun" is a novel that explores the life of Jean Serjeant from her youth in the 1920s through her old age in the 2020s, capturing the profound changes in society and her personal quest for knowledge and understanding. The narrative delves into Jean's relationships, her marriage, her experiences as a mother, and her later years as she seeks deeper truths about life and existence. The novel reflects on themes of love, mortality, and the human condition, with a thoughtful examination of how one woman's life mirrors and challenges the evolving world around her.

   The 8006th Greatest Book of All Time

7. 7. Arthur And George

   

   The novel delves into the lives of two very different men at the turn of the 20th century in England: Arthur, a celebrated writer with a penchant for spiritualism, and George, a reserved solicitor of half-Indian descent who becomes embroiled in a notorious legal case. When George is wrongfully accused and convicted of a series of crimes, Arthur becomes intrigued by his plight and is compelled to use his detective skills to unravel the truth. Their stories converge as Arthur seeks to restore George's reputation in a society rife with prejudice and injustice, exploring themes of identity, the legal system, and the complexities of human character.

   The 8722nd Greatest Book of All Time

8. 8. El Hombre De La Bata Roja

   Una historia de medicina, locura y arte en la Belle Époque

   

   The book provides a vivid exploration of the Belle Époque era in France through the life of Samuel Pozzi, a pioneering surgeon and socialite. It delves into the cultural and political landscape of the time, highlighting Pozzi's interactions with prominent figures and his contributions to medicine and society. The narrative intertwines personal anecdotes with broader historical context, offering insights into the complexities of human nature and the interplay between science, art, and politics during a transformative period in European history.

9. 9. The Only Story

   

   The novel explores the complexities of love and memory through the eyes of Paul, a young man who embarks on a passionate affair with Susan, a woman nearly thirty years his senior. Set in suburban England, the story delves into the transformative power of their unconventional relationship, examining how it shapes Paul's life and perceptions over the decades. As Paul reflects on the past, the narrative weaves between the innocence of youthful love and the inevitable disillusionment that follows, ultimately questioning the nature of happiness and the stories we tell ourselves.