The Greatest German Books Since 2010
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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 362 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.
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1. Memory Rose Into Threshold Speech by Paul Celan
The Collected Earlier Poetry
"Memory Rose Into Threshold Speech: The Collected Earlier Poetry" is a compilation of the early poetry works of Paul Celan. The book delves into themes of memory, language, and the human experience, showcasing Celan's unique style and exploration of complex emotions. Through his powerful and evocative language, Celan invites readers to reflect on the profound impact of memory and the transformative power of words.
The 6342nd Greatest Book of All Time -
2. The Invention Of Nature by Andrea Wulf
Alexander von Humboldt's New World
"The Invention of Nature" is a biographical account of Alexander von Humboldt, a 19th-century explorer, scientist, and naturalist who revolutionized the way we understand the natural world. Andrea Wulf chronicles Humboldt's travels across South America, his encounters with indigenous peoples, and his groundbreaking scientific discoveries that challenged prevailing notions of the natural world. Humboldt's ideas about interconnectedness and the unity of nature were ahead of their time and continue to influence environmentalism and conservation today. Wulf's book is a masterful exploration of one of history's most fascinating and influential figures.
The 6539th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. The Collini Case by Ferdinand Von Schirach
This gripping legal thriller delves into the complexities of the German legal system through the lens of a seemingly inexplicable murder case. When an elderly industrialist is found brutally murdered, the suspect, an Italian man with no apparent motive, confesses to the crime, sparking a sensational trial. The young defense attorney assigned to the case finds himself embroiled in a deep-seated legal conundrum that challenges his beliefs about justice and morality. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a dark chapter of German history that reveals the true motive behind the murder, forcing him to confront uncomfortable truths about the past and its impact on the present. This novel is a compelling exploration of guilt, redemption, and the quest for justice in the shadow of historical atrocities.
The 6687th Greatest Book of All Time -
4. Terror Y Utopía by Karl Schlögel
Moscú en 1937
The book delves into the tumultuous period of the Soviet Union during the 1930s, exploring the dual forces of terror and utopian aspirations that defined the era. It meticulously examines the lives of ordinary citizens and the impact of Stalinist policies, highlighting the stark contrasts between the regime's brutal repression and its visionary projects for societal transformation. Through a detailed narrative, the author provides a comprehensive analysis of how these conflicting dynamics shaped the Soviet experience, offering insights into the complexities of life under a totalitarian regime.
The 7303rd Greatest Book of All Time -
5. Go Went Gone by Jenny Erpenbeck
The novel follows Richard, a recently retired classics professor in Berlin, as he becomes increasingly involved with a group of African refugees protesting their treatment and seeking asylum in Germany. Through his interactions with the refugees, Richard confronts his own past and the complexities of identity, belonging, and the human condition. The story delves into themes of displacement, empathy, and the bureaucratic challenges faced by those in search of a new home, offering a poignant exploration of contemporary social and political issues.
The 7479th Greatest Book of All Time -
6. Kruso by Lutz Seiler
The novel follows the journey of Ed, a young dishwasher who arrives on the East German island of Hiddensee in the summer of 1989, seeking solace after a personal tragedy. There, he encounters Kruso, a charismatic and enigmatic figure who leads a group of misfits and drifters in a quasi-utopian community. As the political landscape of East Germany begins to crumble, Ed becomes deeply entwined in Kruso's world, grappling with themes of freedom, loss, and the search for meaning amidst the backdrop of impending historical change.
The 7473rd Greatest Book of All Time -
7. Why We Took The Car by Wolfgang Herrndorf
A Road Trip Novel
The story follows two teenage misfits, Mike and Tschick, who embark on an unexpected road trip across Germany in a stolen car. As they navigate through various adventures and encounters, they form a deep bond and discover more about themselves and the world around them. The journey becomes a transformative experience, filled with humor, danger, and moments of introspection, ultimately leading to a poignant understanding of friendship and self-discovery.
The 8038th Greatest Book of All Time -
8. Marzahn, Mon Amour by Katja Oskamp
A Novel of Berlin
"Marzahn, Mon Amour" is a reflective and poignant narrative that delves into the lives of ordinary people through the lens of a podiatrist working in the Marzahn district of East Berlin. The book offers a tapestry of human stories, as the protagonist encounters a diverse array of clients, each with their own unique backgrounds and experiences. Through the intimate setting of the treatment room, the author weaves together tales of the community's past and present, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the search for meaning in the day-to-day. This work serves as a touching exploration of the seemingly mundane aspects of life that, upon closer inspection, reveal the depth and complexity of the human condition.
The 8242nd Greatest Book of All Time -
9. Johann Holtrop by Rainald Goetz
A Reckoning
The book follows the rise and fall of Johann Holtrop, a ruthless and ambitious corporate executive in contemporary Germany. As Holtrop climbs the corporate ladder, his relentless pursuit of power and success leads to moral and ethical compromises, ultimately resulting in his downfall. The narrative delves into the corrupting influence of capitalism and the personal and societal costs of unchecked ambition, painting a bleak picture of modern corporate culture. Through Holtrop's story, the book offers a scathing critique of the dehumanizing effects of the corporate world and the hollow nature of success.
The 8437th Greatest Book of All Time -
10. Planet Magnon by Leif Randt
Set in a distant future where a utopian society thrives under the guidance of a collective consciousness known as The Hive, the story follows the journey of a young man named Marten Eliot. As he navigates the complexities of this seemingly perfect world, Marten begins to question the underlying principles and the true nature of happiness and freedom. His quest for understanding leads him to confront the darker aspects of the society he once believed in, ultimately challenging the very foundations of The Hive's control.
The 8732nd Greatest Book of All Time -
11. Fortune's Wheel by Rebecca Gablé
A Novel of the Middle Ages
"Fortune's Wheel" is a historical novel that transports readers to the tumultuous period of the Hundred Years' War and the Black Death in Europe. The story revolves around a young English craftsman who rises from the ashes of personal tragedy. As he navigates the complex social hierarchies and political turmoil of the 14th century, he finds himself caught between loyalty and ambition, love and duty. The protagonist's journey is one of resilience and transformation, set against the backdrop of a world where the whims of fate can uplift or destroy the fortunes of men. Through vivid storytelling, the novel explores themes of power, destiny, and the enduring human spirit.
The 9714th Greatest Book of All Time -
12. Tyll by Daniel Kehlmann
The novel is a reimagining of the legendary figure Tyll Ulenspiegel, set against the backdrop of the Thirty Years' War in 17th-century Europe. It follows Tyll, a cunning and enigmatic jester, as he navigates a world filled with chaos, violence, and superstition. Through his eyes, the reader encounters a diverse cast of historical and fictional characters, each grappling with the tumultuous realities of their time. The narrative weaves together themes of survival, power, and the enduring human spirit, all while exploring the blurred lines between reality and illusion in a war-torn landscape.
The 9890th Greatest Book of All Time -
13. Crusade and Jihad by Bassam Tibi
The Thousand-Year War Between the Muslim World and the Global North
This book explores the historical, ideological, and political aspects of the Crusades and Jihad, comparing and contrasting the two. It delves into the origins and evolution of the Crusades and Jihad, their impact on Christian and Islamic societies, and their relevance in today's world. The author also examines the role of religion in conflicts and the use of religious ideologies for political purposes, providing a comprehensive understanding of these complex issues.
The 11711th Greatest Book of All Time -
14. Alberta empfängt einen Liebhaber by Birgit Vanderbeke
"Alberta empfängt einen Liebhaber" is a German novel that explores the life of Alberta, a woman in her forties who lives a routine life with her husband and children. Her world is turned upside down when she begins an affair with a much younger man. The novel delves into her internal struggle as she tries to reconcile her traditional values with her newfound passion and freedom. The story is a profound exploration of middle age, femininity, and the complexities of desire.
The 11711th Greatest Book of All Time -
15. The Hidden Life Of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discoveries from a Secret World
This book offers a fascinating exploration into the complex life of forests, revealing the social networks and communication methods that trees use to survive and thrive. The author, a forester, draws on groundbreaking scientific discoveries to illustrate how trees are like human families: tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, support them as they grow, share nutrients with the sick and the weak, and even warn each other of impending dangers. With deep understanding and an eye for the wonder of these essential organisms, the narrative transforms the way we perceive trees, encouraging us to appreciate the intricate and interconnected life of the forest.
The 11711th Greatest Book of All Time
Reading Statistics
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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.
Download