The 20 Best Books in Translation You've Never Read
This is one of the 743 lists we use to generate our main The Greatest Books list.
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The Box Man by Kobo Abé
"The Box Man" is a surreal narrative about a man who chooses to live as a homeless individual, inside a box, in Tokyo. The protagonist, a former doctor, narrates his experiences and observations from within the box, and the narrative often blurs the line between reality and hallucination. The book is a philosophical exploration of identity, anonymity, and the nature of existence, challenging the reader's perception of what it means to be an individual in society.
The 2345th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Act Of The Damned by António Lobo Antunes
Set against the backdrop of post-revolutionary Portugal, this novel delves into the chaotic and dysfunctional dynamics of a wealthy Lisbon family. As they gather to discuss the inheritance of their dying patriarch, long-buried secrets and resentments come to the surface, revealing the moral decay and corruption that have plagued them for generations. Through a series of fragmented narratives and shifting perspectives, the story paints a vivid picture of a society in turmoil, where personal and political betrayals intertwine, leaving the characters trapped in a cycle of greed, guilt, and despair.
The 10754th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Concrete by Thomas Bernhard
The book is a darkly introspective narrative that delves into the mind of a reclusive, obsessive intellectual who is struggling to complete his scholarly work on the composer Mendelssohn. As he grapples with his own ailments and the perceived mediocrity of his surroundings, the protagonist's stream-of-consciousness monologue reveals his deep-seated anxieties, self-loathing, and profound isolation. The narrative is a relentless examination of the protagonist's psyche, showcasing his critical view of society and his own personal relationships, which are fraught with tension and dysfunction. Through this, the novel explores themes of artistic creation, intellectual elitism, and the suffocating nature of expectations and familial obligations.
The 1411th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Dolly City by Orly Castel-Bloom
Set in a dystopian version of Tel Aviv, this novel follows the chaotic life of a deranged doctor who adopts a baby she finds in a garbage bag. As she navigates the surreal and violent landscape of her city, she becomes obsessed with protecting her child from the dangers she perceives around every corner. Her extreme measures and bizarre medical experiments reflect the absurdity and paranoia of her world, blurring the lines between sanity and madness. Through dark humor and vivid imagery, the narrative explores themes of motherhood, identity, and the human condition in a society on the brink of collapse.
The 2928th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Zero by Ignácio De Loyola Brandão
O silêncio da noite é que tem sido testemunha das minhas amarguras
Set in a dystopian society, the narrative unfolds through a series of fragmented, surreal episodes that reflect the oppressive atmosphere of a totalitarian regime. The protagonist, José, navigates a world where individual freedoms are stifled, and the state exerts control over every aspect of life. Through a blend of dark humor and stark realism, the story critiques the absurdity of authoritarianism and explores themes of identity, resistance, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of dehumanizing forces. The novel's nonlinear structure and vivid imagery create a haunting portrayal of a society on the brink of collapse.
The 5466th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Obscene Bird Of Night by José Donoso
This novel is a labyrinthine exploration of identity, madness, and the nature of reality, told through the fragmented narrative of a reclusive man who has lived his life in seclusion on a decrepit estate. As the protagonist delves into his past, he recounts his experiences among the deformed and the destitute, the aristocracy and the servants, while grappling with his own fears and illusions. The narrative weaves a tapestry of grotesque imagery, mythological allusions, and a collapsing social order, challenging the reader to distinguish between truth and fabrication in a world where the boundaries of sanity are blurred.
The 4394th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Zafarani Files by Jamal al- Ghitani
An Egyptian Novel
Set in a bustling neighborhood in Cairo, this novel intricately weaves together the lives of its diverse inhabitants, each grappling with their own struggles and dreams. The narrative unfolds through a series of interconnected stories, revealing the rich tapestry of human experience against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society. As the characters navigate the complexities of love, ambition, and tradition, the book offers a poignant exploration of the universal themes of identity and belonging, all while capturing the vibrant essence of Egyptian culture.
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Mysteries by Knut Hamsun
"Mysteries" is a psychological novel revolving around the enigmatic character, Johan Nilsen Nagel, who arrives in a small Norwegian town during the summer. Nagel's eccentric behavior and profound philosophical discussions bewilder the townspeople, as he oscillates between strange actions and profound, insightful observations about humanity. His interactions with the local people, especially his love interest Dagny Kielland, reveal layers of his complex personality. The book delves into themes of existentialism, loneliness, and the inherent mystery of human nature.
The 1839th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Blind Owl by Ṣādiq Hidāyat
"The Blind Owl" is a haunting narrative that delves into the psyche of a tormented artist who is grappling with love, loss, and existential dread. The protagonist is a reclusive painter of pen cases who is haunted by the image of a mysterious woman, leading him down a spiral of obsession and madness. The story unfolds in a dreamlike narrative, blurring the lines between reality and illusion, and is steeped in Persian mysticism and symbolism. The novel explores themes of alienation, death, and the fragility of the human condition.
The 604th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
That Smell by Sonallah Ibrahim
Set in post-revolutionary Egypt, this introspective narrative follows a recently released political prisoner as he navigates the alienating landscape of Cairo. Struggling to reconnect with society, he grapples with the oppressive weight of surveillance and censorship, reflecting on the disillusionment and stagnation that permeate his surroundings. The protagonist's internal monologue reveals a profound sense of isolation and disconnection, capturing the broader existential crisis faced by individuals in a repressive regime. Through sparse prose and vivid imagery, the story paints a haunting portrait of a man caught between the past and an uncertain future.
The 9331st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The True Deceiver by Tove Jansson
In a small, snowbound village, the lives of two women become intricately intertwined, leading to a subtle exploration of truth, deception, and the nature of art. One is a reclusive artist, living in solitude, and the other, a cunning young woman, determined to secure a better future for herself and her brother. As their relationship evolves, the boundaries between honesty and manipulation blur, revealing the complexities of human motives and the fragile nature of trust. Through their interactions, the narrative delves into the psychological depths of its characters, challenging perceptions of morality and the masks people wear to navigate their worlds.
The 6779th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Kassandra And The Wolf by Margarita Karapanou
This novel presents a surreal and disturbing journey through the eyes of a six-year-old girl named Kassandra. Through fragmented, dreamlike episodes, the narrative delves into her experiences of violence, sexuality, and the complexities of her inner world. The story oscillates between reality and fantasy, revealing the dark and often perplexing aspects of childhood and the process of coming of age. The protagonist's interactions with her surroundings and the people in her life are depicted with a stark, unsettling vividness, challenging the reader's perceptions of innocence and the nature of reality itself. This work is a provocative exploration of the darker sides of human nature and the intricacies of a child's imagination.
The 2832nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Satantango by László Krasznahorkai
"Satantango" is a bleak and atmospheric novel set in a small Hungarian village, where a group of desperate and disillusioned characters become entangled in a web of deception, corruption, and despair. As they navigate through the decaying landscape and their own inner demons, the novel explores themes of power, greed, and the human capacity for both cruelty and redemption. With its rich prose and intricate storytelling, "Satantango" offers a haunting and thought-provoking reflection on the human condition.
The 2386th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Stone Upon Stone by Wiesław Myśliwski
Set in post-war Poland, this poignant narrative follows the life of Szymek Pietruszka, a farmer who reflects on his past while building a family tomb. Through his vivid recollections, the story delves into themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time, painting a rich tapestry of rural life and the struggles of a community grappling with change. The protagonist's musings reveal a deep connection to the land and a profound understanding of human resilience, offering a meditation on the enduring nature of tradition and the inevitability of progress.
The 9052nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Life, a User's Manual by Georges Perec
Fictions
The novel explores the lives of the inhabitants of a Parisian apartment block through a complex, multi-layered narrative. It delves into the interconnected stories of the building's residents, revealing their secrets, desires, and disappointments. The narrative is structured like a puzzle, with the author employing a variety of literary styles and devices, making it a complex and intriguing exploration of human life.
The 274th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
A Broken Mirror by Merce Rodoreda
Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Barcelona, this poignant narrative intricately weaves the lives of three generations of a wealthy Catalan family, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the passage of time. The story unfolds through the eyes of Teresa, a woman whose marriage into affluence brings both joy and sorrow, as she navigates the complexities of family dynamics and societal expectations. As secrets unravel and relationships fracture, the novel paints a vivid portrait of the human condition, capturing the fragility of happiness and the enduring impact of past decisions.
The 9884th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Event by Juan José Saer
Set against the backdrop of a small town in Argentina, this narrative intricately weaves together the lives of its characters as they grapple with the aftermath of a mysterious event. Through a series of interconnected stories, the novel explores themes of memory, perception, and the passage of time, delving into the inner workings of human consciousness. As the characters reflect on their pasts and confront their present realities, the story unfolds with a lyrical and contemplative prose, inviting readers to ponder the nature of reality and the complexities of human experience.
The 10917th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Maidenhair by Mikhail Shishkin
In this intricate tapestry of narratives, the story weaves through the lives of disparate characters, each grappling with their own personal histories and the broader sweep of time. At its heart is a Russian interpreter working at a Swiss refugee camp, who becomes a conduit for the stories of those seeking asylum. Through letters to his estranged son and the tales of refugees, the narrative explores themes of identity, memory, and the search for meaning amidst the chaos of history. The novel's structure mirrors the complexity of human experience, blending myth, reality, and the timeless quest for understanding.
The 12725th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Museum of Unconditional Surrender by Dubravka Ugrešić
"The Museum of Unconditional Surrender" is a poignant and surreal narrative that explores the dislocation and fragmentation experienced by an unnamed narrator who has been exiled from her homeland, former Yugoslavia. The novel is presented as a collection of fragments, including letters, diary entries, and observations, which together portray a deep longing for a lost homeland and an exploration of memory, identity, and the power of art. The story is centered around a photograph of a walrus in a Berlin zoo, which serves as a metaphor for the narrator's own feelings of displacement and alienation.
The 2841st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Five Spice Street by Can Xue
Set in a bustling, unnamed Chinese city, this novel delves into the intricate lives of its residents, centering around the enigmatic Woman on Five Spice Street. Through a tapestry of gossip, rumors, and surreal events, the narrative explores themes of identity, desire, and the fluid nature of reality. As the community becomes increasingly obsessed with the Woman's mysterious allure and her rumored affair with a local man, the boundaries between truth and fiction blur, revealing the complexities of human relationships and the power of collective imagination.
The 10917th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
Publishers Weekly, 20 Books
This list, titled 'The 20 Best Books in Translation You've Never Read,' is curated by Chad W. Post, director of Open Letter Books and Three Percent, with input from Stephen Sparks of Green Apple Books. The list aims to spotlight outstanding translated works often overshadowed by more universally known authors. The selection criteria emphasize quality and uniqueness, avoiding the typical inclusion of well-known figures such as Garcia or Kafka. Instead, it highlights lesser-known yet critically acclaimed translations that are often overlooked in American publishing, which heavily favors English originals. The methodology involved selecting personal favorites from Post and Sparks's extensive experience with international literature, focusing on titles that expand the reader's understanding of global narratives.
This list was originally published in 2013 and was added to this site about 1 year ago.
This list has a weight of 18%. 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: Voter Count
- List: only covers translated or foreign books than where voters are from
If you think this is incorrect please contact us.
- Number of Voters:
- 2
- Voter Count Unknown:
- No
- Voter Names Unknown:
- No
- High Quality Source:
- No
- Location Specific:
- Yes
- Category Specific:
- No