21 books for the XXI century

This is one of the 394 lists we use to generate our main The Greatest Books list.

  • Men In The Off Hours by Anne Carson

    The book is a thought-provoking collection that blends poetry, essays, and classical references to explore themes of time, gender, and the human condition. Through a series of fragmented yet interconnected pieces, the author delves into the lives of historical and mythical figures, juxtaposing their experiences with contemporary reflections. The work challenges traditional narrative forms, inviting readers to engage with its rich intertextuality and philosophical inquiries, ultimately offering a meditation on the intersections of art, history, and personal identity.

    The 4678th Greatest Book of All Time
  • Austerlitz by W. G. Sebald

    The novel follows the story of Jacques Austerlitz, an architectural historian who was brought to England on a Kindertransport from Czechoslovakia during World War II. As an adult, Jacques embarks on a journey to uncover his past, including his original identity, his parent's fate, and his own lost history. The narrative is a haunting exploration of memory, identity, and the lasting impact of the Holocaust.

    The 370th Greatest Book of All Time
  • Chwila by Wislawa Szymborska

    This collection of poems delves into the fleeting nature of moments and the profound impact they have on human experience. Through her characteristic wit and keen observation, the poet explores themes of time, memory, and existence, capturing the beauty and complexity of everyday life. The poems reflect on the transient yet significant instances that shape our understanding of the world, inviting readers to pause and appreciate the subtle intricacies of their surroundings. With a blend of humor and philosophical insight, the work offers a contemplative journey through the ephemeral aspects of life.

    The 5037th Greatest Book of All Time
  • Gulag by Anne Applebaum

    A History

    "Gulag: A History" provides an in-depth historical account of the Soviet Union's forced labor camp system, known as the Gulag. The book explores the inception of these camps during the reign of Vladimir Lenin, their expansion under Joseph Stalin, and their eventual decline and closure. It also delves into the daily lives of the prisoners, their hardships, and the brutal conditions they endured. The book is based on a wealth of archival material, personal interviews, and memoirs, offering a comprehensive understanding of one of the darkest periods in human history.

    The 3190th Greatest Book of All Time
  • 2666 by Roberto Bolaño

    The novel is a sprawling, ambitious work that spans continents and time periods, centering around an elusive, reclusive German author. It intertwines five different narratives: a group of European academics searching for the author, a professor in Mexico dealing with his own personal crises, a New York reporter sent to cover a boxing match in Mexico, an African-American journalist in Detroit, and the horrifying and unsolved murders of hundreds of women in a Mexican border town. The narratives are linked by themes of violence, mystery, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

    The 294th Greatest Book of All Time
  • El Metall Impur by Julia de Jodar

    Proses de la Memòria

    The novel delves into the complexities of identity and memory through the lens of a protagonist grappling with the socio-political changes in post-Franco Spain. As the character navigates personal and collective histories, the narrative explores themes of transformation and the enduring impact of the past on the present. The story intricately weaves together elements of personal introspection and broader societal shifts, creating a rich tapestry that examines the interplay between individual experiences and historical forces.

    The 2788th Greatest Book of All Time
  • Gomorrah by Roberto Saviano

    A Personal Journey into the Violent International Empire of Naples' Organized Crime System

    The book delves into the inner workings of the Camorra, a powerful and ruthless Neapolitan crime syndicate in Italy. Through investigative journalism, it exposes the extensive reach and influence of the organization, detailing its involvement in various illegal activities such as drug trafficking, money laundering, and toxic waste disposal. The narrative is a harrowing account of the pervasive corruption and violence that permeates the region, affecting the lives of ordinary citizens and illustrating the challenges faced by those who dare to confront the criminal empire.

    The 4068th Greatest Book of All Time
  • The Vegetarian by Han Kang

    This novel tells the story of Yeong-hye, a dutiful Korean wife who, after having a disturbing dream, becomes a vegetarian, a decision that disrupts her marriage and sets into motion an increasingly grotesque chain of events at home. As her rebellion manifests in ever more bizarre and frightening forms, Yeong-hye spirals further and further into her fantasies of abandoning her fleshly prison and becoming - impossibly, ecstatically - a tree. The book is a darkly allegorical, Kafkaesque tale of power, obsession, and one woman’s struggle to break free from the violence both without and within her.

    The 1277th Greatest Book of All Time
  • To The End Of The Land by David Grossman

    The novel follows Ora, an Israeli mother, who embarks on a journey through the Galilee to avoid the potential news of her son Ofer's death during his military service. Accompanied by her estranged friend and former lover Avram, who is also Ofer's biological father, Ora confronts the complexities of her past relationships and the haunting realities of living in a war-torn country. As they traverse the landscape, their shared memories and deep conversations reveal the emotional scars left by conflict and the enduring power of love and hope amidst uncertainty.

    The 3458th Greatest Book of All Time
  • Summertime by J. M. Coetzee

    Scenes from Provincial Life

    The book is a fictionalized memoir that explores the life of a deceased South African writer through a series of interviews conducted by a biographer. These interviews with people who knew him—former lovers, colleagues, and family members—paint a complex and often unflattering portrait of the writer, revealing his struggles with personal relationships, his sense of alienation, and his quest for artistic authenticity. The narrative blurs the lines between reality and fiction, offering a multifaceted examination of identity, memory, and the nature of storytelling.

    The 3345th Greatest Book of All Time
  • The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

    The Story of an African American Woman Whose Cells Changed the Course of Medicine

    The book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor African American tobacco farmer whose cells, taken without her knowledge in 1951, became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, and more. Henrietta's cells have been bought and sold by the billions, yet she remains virtually unknown, and her family can't afford health insurance. The book explores the collision between ethics, race, and medicine; of scientific discovery and faith healing; and of a daughter consumed with questions about the mother she never knew.

    The 764th Greatest Book of All Time
  • Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari

    A Brief History of Humankind

    This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the history of the human species, tracing back from the earliest forms of Homo Sapiens to the modern day. It delves into evolutionary biology, the development of cultures and societies, and the rise of major ideologies and technologies. The book also discusses the future of the species, posing thought-provoking questions about our roles and responsibilities in a rapidly changing world.

    The 1134th Greatest Book of All Time
  • Secondhand Time by Svetlana Alexievich

    The Last of the Soviets

    "Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets" is a compilation of personal narratives from individuals who lived through the transformation of the Soviet Union to modern Russia. The book provides a vivid and emotional portrayal of the experiences of ordinary people during this period of significant societal and political change. The author uses these narratives to explore themes such as the impact of political ideology on individual lives, the nature of memory and history, and the enduring effects of trauma and loss.

    The 1059th Greatest Book of All Time
  • Hunger by Martin Caparros

    The Mortal Crisis of Our Time

    The book delves into the complex and pervasive issue of global hunger, exploring the socio-economic, political, and environmental factors that contribute to this persistent crisis. Through a combination of investigative journalism, personal narratives, and historical analysis, it highlights the stark realities faced by millions of people worldwide who suffer from food insecurity. The narrative challenges readers to confront the moral and ethical implications of hunger in a world where there is enough food to feed everyone, urging a reevaluation of global priorities and policies to address this urgent humanitarian concern.

    The 6581st Greatest Book of All Time
  • Solenoid by Mircea Cărtărescu

    The novel follows a disillusioned Romanian schoolteacher who grapples with the mundanity of his existence and the haunting memories of his past. As he delves into his own writings and dreams, he uncovers a hidden, surreal world beneath the surface of everyday life, filled with bizarre occurrences and metaphysical mysteries. Through a labyrinth of introspection and fantastical elements, the protagonist seeks to understand the deeper truths of his reality, ultimately questioning the nature of existence and his place within it.

    The 3949th Greatest Book of All Time
  • A Girl's Story by Annie Ernaux

    The book is a poignant exploration of a young woman's journey through a transformative summer in 1958, where she experiences a profound awakening of her identity and sexuality. Set against the backdrop of a summer camp, the narrative delves into themes of desire, vulnerability, and the societal expectations placed on women. Through introspective and evocative prose, the author reflects on the lasting impact of these formative experiences, capturing the complexities of memory and the enduring quest for self-understanding.

    The 6871st Greatest Book of All Time
  • Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders

    The novel is set in a graveyard over the course of a single night and is narrated by a dazzling chorus of voices. The story is centered around the death of President Lincoln's 11-year-old son Willie, who resides in the Bardo, a transitional state between life and rebirth in Tibetan tradition. As Willie interacts with the other spirits stuck in this realm, his father visits the crypt to mourn, causing a struggle among the ghosts over the boy's soul. The narrative explores themes of grief, the impermanence of life, and the unresolved issues that keep us from moving on.

    The 956th Greatest Book of All Time
  • Binti by Nnedi Okorafor

    "Binti" is a science fiction novella that follows the journey of a young Himba girl named Binti, who defies her family's wishes and leaves her home to attend the prestigious Oomza University. As the first of her people to be accepted, Binti faces various challenges and cultural clashes as she navigates the complexities of interstellar travel and encounters an alien race known as the Meduse. Through her unique abilities and determination, Binti becomes a bridge between two civilizations, ultimately transforming her own identity and challenging societal norms.

    The 4388th Greatest Book of All Time
  • Lost Children Archive by Valeria Luiselli

    "Lost Children Archive" by Valeria Luiselli is a novel that follows a family on a road trip from New York to Arizona. The parents are documentarians and are working on separate projects, while the children are preoccupied with their own interests. As they travel, the family becomes increasingly aware of the migrant crisis and the children's obsession with finding lost things takes on a new meaning. The novel explores themes of family, identity, and the power of storytelling.

    The 2418th Greatest Book of All Time
  • The Annual Banquet Of The Gravediggers' Guild by Mathias Enard

    The novel explores the life of a young ethnologist who arrives in a small French village to study its unique customs and traditions. As he immerses himself in the community, he becomes entangled in the lives of its eccentric inhabitants, uncovering a tapestry of stories that blend the mundane with the mystical. The narrative weaves together themes of history, folklore, and the passage of time, revealing the interconnectedness of human experiences and the enduring impact of cultural heritage. Through his journey, the protagonist gains a deeper understanding of the village's identity and the universal quest for meaning.

    The 7681st Greatest Book of All Time
About this list

Cultura/s, 20 Books

In a reflection on the turn from the second to the third decade of this century, Cultura/s has selected 21 books that are particularly representative of those published since the year 2000. This list, compiled at the close of 2020—a year likely to be remembered as historically pivotal—offers an international perspective based on the publication date of the books in their original language.

note: even though it says 21 books, the list seems to only have 20

This list was originally published in 2020 and was added to this site about 1 month ago.

How Good is this List?

This list has a weight of 60%. To learn more about what this means please visit the Rankings page.

Here is a list of what is decreasing the importance of this list:

  • List: only covers 25 years
  • Voters: specific voter details are lacking
  • Voters: are mostly from a single country/location

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