The Greatest Russian, British "Allegorical, Fiction" Books Since 1910

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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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Allegorical

Allegorical books are a genre of literature that use symbolic characters, events, and settings to convey a deeper meaning or message. These stories often have a moral or philosophical lesson that is meant to be interpreted by the reader. Allegories can be found in many different types of literature, including novels, short stories, and poetry. They are a powerful tool for exploring complex ideas and emotions, and can be used to comment on social, political, or religious issues. Overall, allegorical books are a thought-provoking and engaging genre that challenges readers to think critically and reflect on the world around them.

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  1. 26. Monsignor Quixote by Graham Greene

    "Monsignor Quixote" is a modern take on the classic Don Quixote tale, set in post-Franco Spain. The story follows a village priest who is elevated to the rank of monsignor through a clerical error, and his friend, the town's ex-mayor who is a staunch communist. The unlikely pair embarks on a journey across Spain, engaging in philosophical debates about faith, politics, and life. The journey and their friendship mirror the adventures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, with the narrative exploring the absurdities and contradictions of life, religion, and politics.

    The 3426th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Goat Song by Konstantin Vaginov

    "Goat Song" is a satirical novel that delves into the life of a disillusioned intellectual in post-revolutionary Russia. The protagonist, a poet, grapples with the banality and absurdity of his existence in a society undergoing rapid and disorienting change. Through a series of allegorical and often surreal episodes, the narrative critiques the cultural and spiritual decay of the time, juxtaposing classical references and modernist sensibilities to explore themes of artistic integrity, societal collapse, and the search for meaning in a world that seems increasingly hostile to the individual's quest for identity and purpose.

    The 3652nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Chevengur by Andrey Platonov

    The book is a complex and philosophical tale set in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, exploring the lives of various characters in a small town as they grapple with the utopian ideals of communism and the harsh realities of its implementation. Through the experiences of these characters, including a young revolutionary and a disenchanted wanderer, the narrative delves into themes of human nature, societal transformation, and the search for meaning in a world undergoing radical change. The story's blend of surrealism, poetic language, and political commentary creates a unique and often disquieting examination of the Soviet dream and the disillusionment that followed its pursuit.

    The 3655th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. The Twelve by Alexander Blok

    "The Twelve" is a controversial and symbolist Russian poem that weaves together the chaotic and transformative energy of the 1917 Russian Revolution with mystical and religious elements. Set against the backdrop of a blizzard in Petrograd, the narrative follows twelve Red Army soldiers as they march through the city's streets, grappling with their purpose and the violent upheaval of the old order. The poem is renowned for its vivid imagery, complex allegories, and the provocative inclusion of a Christ-like figure amidst the revolutionary fervor, challenging readers to interpret the convergence of spiritual and political themes.

    The 3689th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. A Poem Without A Hero by Anna Akhmatova

    The book is a profound reflection on the nature of memory, history, and the enduring impact of war. Through a series of interconnected poems, the work weaves together personal and collective experiences, focusing on the tumultuous events of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent Stalinist era. The poet grapples with the themes of loss, betrayal, and the search for redemption, while also paying homage to the artists and thinkers who suffered under repressive regimes. Rich in allusions and steeped in a complex interplay of voices and time periods, the narrative serves as a poignant meditation on the role of the poet and the power of poetry to bear witness to the tragedies of the past.

    The 3731st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Briefing For A Descent Into Hell by Doris May Lessing

    In this novel, a man found wandering the streets of London with no memory is admitted to a psychiatric hospital, where doctors attempt to diagnose and treat his condition. As he remains in a comatose state, the narrative delves into his complex inner world, blending reality with fantastical visions. Through his journey, the book explores themes of identity, the human psyche, and the boundaries between sanity and madness. The narrative challenges the conventional understanding of mental illness and the nature of reality, inviting readers to question the structures of society and the mind.

    The 3796th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. A School For Fools by Sasha Sokolov

    The novel presents a fragmented and surreal narrative that delves into the mind of a young boy with a learning disability, attending a special school in the Soviet Union. Through a stream-of-consciousness style, the book explores the boy's experiences and perceptions, blending reality with fantasy, and time with memory. The protagonist's inner world is rich with poetic language and vivid imagery, reflecting his struggle to find his place in a society that marginalizes those who are different. The narrative structure defies conventional storytelling, offering a unique and challenging perspective on the nature of sanity, the power of institutions, and the complexity of the human psyche.

    The 4019th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Lady into Fox by David Garnett

    A man's wife suddenly transforms into a fox, testing the boundaries of their love and marriage. The husband attempts to continue their relationship as normally as possible, treating his fox wife with the same affection and respect as before. However, as she becomes more fox-like in behavior and less human, their relationship becomes increasingly strained and complex. Ultimately, the story explores themes of love, transformation, and the human-animal divide.

    The 5072nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. The Root And The Flower by L. H. Myers

    "The Root And The Flower" is a captivating novel that explores the life of a young Englishman named Richard Anger who travels to India in search of his identity. Set against the backdrop of the British Raj, the story delves into themes of cultural identity, love, and the clash between Eastern and Western values. As Richard navigates the complexities of Indian society, he becomes entangled in a web of relationships and encounters a diverse cast of characters that challenge his beliefs and force him to confront his own prejudices. This thought-provoking and beautifully written novel offers a profound exploration of self-discovery and the transformative power of love.

    The 7972nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Perelandra by C. S. Lewis

    "Perelandra" is a science fiction novel that follows the protagonist, Dr. Elwin Ransom, on a journey to the planet Perelandra. There, he encounters a new Eden-like world inhabited by a beautiful and innocent woman named Tinidril. As Ransom tries to protect Tinidril from the temptations of a malevolent force, he must confront his own inner struggles and make choices that will determine the fate of Perelandra and its inhabitants. With thought-provoking themes of good versus evil and the nature of temptation, "Perelandra" explores the complexities of human nature and the consequences of our actions.

    The 9840th 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.

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