The Greatest Russian, Japanese Books Since 2017

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 '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. 1. Other Russias by Victoria Lomasko

    "Other Russias" is a powerful and thought-provoking graphic novel that offers an intimate and unfiltered glimpse into the lives of marginalized individuals and communities in contemporary Russia. Through her stunning illustrations and poignant interviews, Victoria Lomasko sheds light on the struggles, hopes, and resilience of diverse groups such as LGBTQ+ activists, migrant workers, political dissidents, and the forgotten voices of rural communities. This eye-opening book challenges stereotypes and provides a humanizing portrayal of those who are often overlooked or silenced in Russian society.

    The 8503rd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Rock, Paper, Scissors And Other Stories by Maxim Osipov

    "Rock, Paper, Scissors And Other Stories" is a collection of captivating short stories that delve into the lives of ordinary people in a small Russian town. Through these interconnected tales, the author explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the human condition, the stories in this book offer a poignant and thought-provoking glimpse into the lives of individuals navigating the challenges of modern-day Russia.

    The 9012th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Russia Is Burning: Poems Of The Great Patriotic War by Maria Bloshteyn

    "Russia Is Burning: Poems Of The Great Patriotic War" is a poignant collection of poems that captures the raw emotions and experiences of the Russian people during World War II. Through powerful and vivid imagery, the author delves into the devastating impact of the war on both soldiers and civilians, painting a haunting portrait of loss, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of the Russian people in the face of unimaginable suffering.

    The 9165th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. F Letter: New Russian Feminist Poetry by Galina Rymbu, Eugene Ostashevsky, Ainsley Morse

    "F Letter: New Russian Feminist Poetry" is a captivating collection of contemporary Russian feminist poetry that challenges societal norms and explores themes of gender, identity, and power. Through the powerful and thought-provoking verses of Galina Rymbu, Eugene Ostashevsky, and Ainsley Morse, this anthology sheds light on the experiences and perspectives of women in Russia, offering a unique and refreshing voice in the world of literature.

    The 9286th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Future Is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia by Masha Gessen

    This book provides a deeply researched examination of the resurgence of totalitarianism in Russia, focusing on the lives of four individuals born at what promised to be the dawn of democracy. The book explores how, after the fall of the Soviet Union, instead of moving towards a democratic society, Russia has seen a rise in a new form of totalitarianism under its current leadership. It delves into the psychological shift in the Russian populace, the government's use of homophobia as a method of control, and how the internet and social media have been weaponized for political purposes.

    The 9620th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Honouring High Places by Junko Tabei

    "Honouring High Places" is a compelling collection of autobiographical stories chronicling the remarkable life of the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest. The book offers a deeply personal account of the challenges she faced, from societal expectations in Japan and the physical demands of climbing to the joys and tragedies encountered on her expeditions. Through her vivid storytelling, the author paints a picture of her groundbreaking climbs, her dedication to environmental issues, and her commitment to encouraging women to embrace adventure and challenge gender norms in the world of mountaineering.

    The 9747th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Jujutsu Kaisen by Gege Akutami

    In this dark fantasy manga series, a high school student is thrust into a hidden world of sorcery and spectral horrors when he swallows a cursed object to protect his friends. This act binds him to a powerful curse, and he must join a secret organization of Jujutsu Sorcerers to fight malevolent entities and collect the scattered pieces of the curse to prevent its malevolent power from wreaking havoc. As he undergoes rigorous training and battles, the student navigates a treacherous realm of sorcery, discovering his own latent abilities and the complex moral landscape of using curses to combat curses.

    The 10278th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Chainsaw Man by Tatsuki Fujimoto

    The book is a dark fantasy manga that follows the life of a young man burdened with crippling debt, who finds himself entangled in a brutal world of devil hunters after merging with a devil dog he names Pochita. This transformation grants him the ability to transform parts of his body into chainsaws, which he uses to fight malevolent devils in exchange for money. As he becomes more involved in this violent and morally ambiguous society, he navigates through complex relationships, his own desires for a better life, and the sinister machinations of those who seek to use his unique powers for their own ends.

    The 10278th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Beauty Of Everyday Things by Soetsu Yanagi

    The book is a reflective exploration of the philosophy and appreciation of craftsmanship, particularly in the context of Japanese folk art. It delves into the aesthetic and spiritual qualities of ordinary objects, emphasizing the beauty found in simplicity, imperfection, and the natural patina that comes with age and use. The author argues for the value of handcrafted items, suggesting that they possess an inherent life and character often absent in mass-produced goods. Through a series of essays, the work invites readers to reconsider their relationship with the everyday items that surround them, fostering a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of artisanal practices.

    The 10344th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Book Of Form And Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki

    "The Book of Form and Emptiness" follows the journey of a young boy named Benny Oh who discovers an extraordinary ability to hear the voices of inanimate objects. As Benny navigates his complicated family dynamics and copes with the loss of his father, he becomes entangled with a cast of eccentric characters and finds solace in the companionship of the objects around him. This thought-provoking novel explores themes of grief, identity, and the power of imagination, ultimately challenging readers to reconsider their relationship with the material world.

    The 10772nd Greatest Book of All Time

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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.

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