The Best Translated Fiction
This is one of the 488 lists we use to generate our main The Greatest Books list.
-
January by Sara Gallardo
The novel follows the journey of a young, pregnant indigenous woman named Nefer who embarks on a solitary trek across the harsh and unforgiving landscapes of rural Argentina. As she navigates the physical and emotional challenges of her journey, Nefer reflects on her past, grapples with her identity, and confronts the societal and personal forces that have shaped her life. Through her introspective and resilient character, the story explores themes of survival, self-discovery, and the intersection of personal and cultural identity in a world marked by isolation and adversity.
The 2942nd Greatest Book of All Time -
Pedro Páramo by Juan Rulfo
This novel transports readers to the ghost town of Comala, where the protagonist, Juan Preciado, ventures in search of his estranged father, Pedro Páramo. Upon arrival, he encounters a realm where the living and the dead coexist, and through fragmented narratives and spectral encounters, the story of Pedro Páramo's life, his love, tyranny, and the curses that plague the town unfolds. The novel's innovative structure, blending memory and reality, has cemented its status as a pioneering work of magical realism, offering a haunting exploration of power, guilt, and the inescapable echoes of the past.
The 110th 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 1034th Greatest Book of All Time -
Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin
"Fever Dream" is a gripping and unsettling narrative that unfolds as a conversation between a woman named Amanda, who is lying in a rural hospital bed, and a young boy named David, who urgently prompts her to recount the events leading up to her illness. Through their dialogue, a sense of dread builds as Amanda recalls the strange occurrences and the sense of impending doom she felt while vacationing in the countryside. Central to the story is the theme of maternal love and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child, as well as the mysterious connection between Amanda's daughter and David. The novel's fragmented and hallucinatory style creates a disorienting experience, reflecting the title's suggestion of a dream-like state where reality blurs with nightmare, leaving the reader to piece together the haunting puzzle.
The 4478th Greatest Book of All Time -
The Wall by Marlen Haushofer
The book is a profound exploration of isolation and survival, following a woman who finds herself unexpectedly cut off from the rest of the world by an invisible, impenetrable wall. With the rest of humanity seemingly vanished, she must come to terms with her solitary existence in a remote forested area, accompanied only by a few animals. As she adapts to her new reality, tending to the land and the creatures that become her companions, the narrative delves into themes of self-reliance, the intrinsic connection between humans and nature, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable circumstances. Through her introspective journey, the protagonist examines the essence of her being and the meaning of life when stripped of society and its constructs.
The 1033rd Greatest Book of All Time -
A Horse Walks Into A Bar by David Grossman
In this novel, a stand-up comedian, during a performance in a small Israeli city, veers from his routine into a confessional monologue. Throughout the evening, he reveals layers of his troubled past, including childhood traumas and a complex relationship with his parents, to a mixed audience that includes figures from his own history. The narrative unfolds as a blend of dark humor and poignant drama, exploring themes of memory, pain, and the redemptive power of storytelling. As the comedian's act progresses, the audience's reactions shift from amusement to discomfort to intense engagement, mirroring the emotional journey he compels them to take with him.
The 5188th Greatest Book of All Time -
Carnality by Lina Wolff
The novel explores the complexities of human desire and the moral ambiguities that accompany it, set against the backdrop of a politically unstable Spain. The protagonist, a Swedish writer, travels to Madrid to interview a controversial film director, only to become entangled in a web of lust, power, and existential questioning. As she navigates the city's vibrant yet chaotic atmosphere, she encounters a cast of eccentric characters, each grappling with their own inner conflicts and societal pressures. Through these interactions, the narrative delves into themes of identity, freedom, and the often blurred lines between reality and illusion.
The 7037th Greatest Book of All Time -
They Will Drown In Their Mother’s Tears by Johannes Anyuru
In this gripping and thought-provoking novel, a young woman becomes embroiled in a terrorist attack at a comic book store in Sweden, only to be captured and interrogated by authorities. As she recounts her story, it becomes clear that she is from a dystopian future where society is plagued by surveillance and xenophobia. Her narrative weaves between past and future, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of radicalization. The novel delves into the complexities of cultural integration and the haunting consequences of societal fear, ultimately questioning the nature of reality and the possibility of redemption.
The 6676th Greatest Book of All Time -
Dreams And Stones by Magdalena Tulli
The book is a poetic and allegorical exploration of the transformation of a city, blending elements of reality and imagination. It delves into the intricate processes of urban development, reflecting on themes of creation, destruction, and the passage of time. Through vivid imagery and a lyrical narrative, it examines the interplay between human ambition and the natural world, capturing the essence of a city's evolving identity and the dreams and memories embedded within its stones.
The 4046th Greatest Book of All Time -
The Story Of The Lost Child by Elena Ferrante
Maturity, Old Age
In the final installment of the Neapolitan Novels, the complex and evolving friendship between Elena and Lila reaches its culmination against the backdrop of a changing Naples. As both women navigate personal and professional challenges, their lives intertwine in unexpected ways, revealing deep-seated emotions and long-held secrets. The narrative explores themes of identity, ambition, and the enduring impact of their bond, ultimately portraying a poignant and intricate portrait of female friendship and the passage of time.
The 3349th Greatest Book of All Time -
In Memory Of Memory by Maria Stepanova
A Family Memoir
The book is a reflective exploration of memory, history, and identity, as the narrator delves into her family's past through letters, photographs, and personal artifacts. It weaves together personal anecdotes with broader historical events, creating a tapestry that examines the nature of memory and how it shapes our understanding of the past. The narrative is both intimate and expansive, blending memoir, essay, and cultural criticism to explore themes of loss, nostalgia, and the passage of time. Through this journey, the narrator seeks to understand her place within the continuum of her family's history and the larger world.
The 5809th Greatest Book of All Time -
Cursed Bunny by Bora Chung
The book is a collection of surreal and haunting short stories that blend elements of horror, fantasy, and folklore to explore themes of human suffering, societal norms, and the darker aspects of human nature. Each story delves into the bizarre and the macabre, often featuring characters who encounter strange and unsettling phenomena that challenge their perceptions of reality. Through its imaginative and often unsettling narratives, the book offers a poignant commentary on the complexities of life and the human condition.
The 6654th Greatest Book of All Time -
The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni
I Promessi Sposi
"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 441st Greatest Book of All Time -
Deliver Us by Luigi Meneghello
A Memoir of Italy's War of Liberation
The book is a poignant and evocative memoir that captures the essence of a small Italian village during the early 20th century. Through a series of vivid and nostalgic vignettes, the author reflects on his childhood experiences, the local customs, and the close-knit community that shaped his formative years. The narrative intertwines personal anecdotes with broader historical and cultural observations, offering a rich tapestry of life in rural Italy. The prose is both lyrical and introspective, providing a deeply personal yet universally resonant exploration of memory, identity, and the passage of time.
The 2723rd Greatest Book of All Time -
Time Shelter by Georgi Gospodinov
The novel explores the concept of time as a refuge, where a mysterious clinic offers an escape into meticulously recreated past decades for patients suffering from Alzheimer's and other memory-related conditions. As the clinic's popularity grows, it begins to attract healthy individuals seeking solace from the uncertainties of modern life, leading to unexpected societal consequences. The narrative delves into themes of memory, identity, and the human desire to find comfort in nostalgia, while questioning the implications of living in a constructed past. Through a blend of poignant storytelling and philosophical reflection, the book examines the complexities of time and the impact of collective memory on personal and national identity.
The 7435th Greatest Book of All Time -
Deep Rivers by José María Arguedas
"Deep Rivers" is a novel that follows the life of a young boy who is caught between the Spanish and indigenous cultures of Peru. The protagonist is sent to a Catholic boarding school, where he experiences the harsh realities of social and racial divisions within the country. As he navigates these challenging circumstances, he develops a deep connection with the indigenous Andean culture and its spiritual relationship with nature. The novel is a profound exploration of identity, culture, and the struggle of indigenous peoples in a colonized society.
The 1010th Greatest Book of All Time -
A Cup Of Rage by Raduan Nassar
The book explores the intense and tumultuous relationship between a reclusive farmer and his younger lover during a single day at his isolated estate. Their passionate connection quickly devolves into a fierce and destructive argument, revealing deep-seated resentments and vulnerabilities. Through a stream-of-consciousness narrative, the story delves into themes of power, desire, and the raw, often volatile nature of human emotions, capturing the complexity and fragility of intimate relationships.
The 3135th Greatest Book of All Time
The Booker Prize, 17 Books
The Booker Prize asked the authors and translators longlisted for the International Booker Prize 2024 to recommend their favourite works of global fiction that have been translated into English
This list was originally published in 2024 and was added to this site 3 months ago.
This list has a weight of 56%. 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: 1 person selects/nominates each book on the list
- List: only covers translated or foreign books than where voters are from
- Voters: are mostly from a single country/location
If you think this is incorrect please contact us.