Books That Shaped an Era

This is one of the 743 lists we use to generate our main The Greatest Books list.

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  • Kokoro by Natsume Sōseki

    The Heart of Things

    "Kokoro" is a novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the changing cultural climate of Japan at the turn of the 20th century. The story is narrated by a young university student who forms an unlikely friendship with an older man, referred to only as "Sensei". As their bond deepens, the young man learns of Sensei's tragic past, his feelings of guilt and regret, and his struggle to find peace. The novel explores themes of loneliness, betrayal, and the moral dilemmas of modern life.

    The 1486th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Breaking The Ties by Nhat Linh

    Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Vietnam, this poignant narrative delves into the complexities of love, tradition, and personal freedom. The story follows a young couple torn between their deep affection for each other and the rigid societal expectations that bind them. As they navigate the turbulent waters of familial duty and personal desires, they are forced to confront the harsh realities of their world, ultimately leading to a heart-wrenching decision that challenges the very essence of their identities and the ties that bind them.

    The 15786th Greatest Book of All Time
  • Quotations from Chairman Mao by Mao

    The Little Red Book

    This book is a collection of speeches and writings by the former leader of the People's Republic of China. It covers a wide range of topics including communism, revolution, class struggle, and the correct handling of contradictions among the people. The book was published with the intention of promoting the leader's ideology and was widely distributed during the Cultural Revolution. It was considered an essential guide to life and politics in China during this period.

    The 786th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie

    The novel tells the story of Saleem Sinai, who was born at the exact moment when India gained its independence. As a result, he shares a mystical connection with other children born at the same time, all of whom possess unique, magical abilities. As Saleem grows up, his life mirrors the political and cultural changes happening in his country, from the partition of India and Pakistan, to the Bangladesh War of Independence. The story is a blend of historical fiction and magical realism, exploring themes of identity, fate, and the power of storytelling.

    The 64th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Buru Quartet by Pramoedya Ananta Toer

    Set against the backdrop of Dutch colonial rule in Indonesia, this epic narrative unfolds through the eyes of Minke, a young Javanese student who becomes increasingly aware of the social injustices and political tensions surrounding him. As he navigates the complexities of love, identity, and resistance, Minke's journey is intertwined with the lives of influential figures and the burgeoning nationalist movement. The story captures the struggle for independence and the quest for self-discovery, offering a poignant exploration of cultural and personal transformation in a rapidly changing world.

    The 12109th Greatest Book of All Time
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About this list

TIME, 5 Books

This list, titled 'Books That Shaped an Era,' is curated by TIME and aims to highlight significant literary works that have had a profound impact on different societies and eras. The selection criteria seem to focus on the historical and cultural influence of each book, as well as their lasting popularity and contribution to literary traditions. While the exact methodology or number of contributors involved in the selection process is not explicitly stated, the list appears to be an editorial choice by TIME, reflecting the magazine's perspective on influential literature.

This list was originally published in 1999 and was added to this site over 1 year ago.

How Good is this List?

This list has a weight of 1%. 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:

  • Voters: unknown count
  • List: criteria is not just "best/favorite"
  • Voters: are mostly from a single country/location
  • Voters: Unknown Names

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List Information

Voter Count Unknown:
Yes
Voter Names Unknown:
Yes
High Quality Source:
No
Location Specific:
No
Category Specific:
No