The Greatest Hungarian, Russian "Coming of age" Books of All Time

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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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Coming of age

The "Coming of age" category of books typically refers to stories that explore the transition from adolescence to adulthood. These books often focus on the challenges and experiences that young people face as they navigate the complexities of growing up, including issues such as identity, relationships, sexuality, and personal growth. Coming of age stories can be set in any time period or cultural context, and may feature protagonists of any gender, race, or background. Overall, the genre offers readers a glimpse into the universal struggles and triumphs of youth, and the process of becoming a fully realized adult.

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  1. 1. First Love by Ivan Turgenev

    This classic Russian novel explores the intense and passionate first love of a 16-year-old boy named Vladimir. While staying at his family's country estate, he becomes infatuated with a 21-year-old princess named Zinaida. Despite her engagement to another man, Vladimir's youthful ardor and naivety lead him to believe he can win her love. The story is a poignant examination of unrequited love, youthful idealism, and the painful transition into adulthood.

    The 1542nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Steppe by Anton Chekhov

    The novella depicts the journey of a young boy named Yegorushka who is traveling across the vast, desolate steppe of Russia to enroll in a distant school. Accompanied by his uncle and a group of traders, Yegorushka experiences the harsh realities of the nomadic life, the beauty and terror of nature, and the diverse array of people who inhabit the steppe. Throughout the journey, the boy is exposed to a series of encounters and events that contribute to his coming-of-age, as he grapples with feelings of loneliness, fear, and wonder in the face of the immense and unforgiving landscape.

    The 3733rd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Childhood by Leo Tolstoy

    The book is a classic coming-of-age story that delves into the inner world of a young boy as he experiences the joys, sorrows, and confusions of his early years. Through the protagonist's eyes, readers explore the complexities of family life, the challenges of growing up, and the profound impact of personal relationships on one's development. The narrative captures the innocence of childhood and the gradual loss of that innocence as the boy confronts the realities of the world around him, painting a poignant and introspective portrait of the transition from childhood to adolescence in 19th-century Russia.

    The 3772nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Paul Street Boys by Ferenc Molnár

    The book is a classic coming-of-age tale set in Budapest, Hungary, at the turn of the 20th century. It follows a group of adolescent boys who are engaged in a territorial battle over a vacant lot they call the "grund," which they use as their playground. The story highlights themes of loyalty, camaraderie, and the struggles of youth as the boys defend their cherished space against a rival group. The narrative focuses on the experiences of the protagonist, who is faced with difficult moral choices and the harsh realities of growing up, as the boys' conflict mirrors the larger social and economic tensions of their time.

    The 4122nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Be Faithful Unto Death by Zsigmond Móricz

    The novel is a poignant coming-of-age story set in a Hungarian boarding school at the turn of the 20th century. It follows the life of a young boy from a poor family who earns a scholarship to attend the prestigious institution. His journey is marked by the struggle to fit in among wealthier peers, the harsh discipline of school authorities, and the challenges of adolescence. When a valuable violin goes missing, he is unjustly accused of theft, leading to a profound examination of morality, integrity, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of injustice and hardship.

    The 4142nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Vuk: The Little Fox by István Fekete

    The book is a captivating tale of a young fox named Vuk who, after the tragic loss of his family, embarks on a journey of survival and discovery in the wild. Under the guidance of his wise uncle Karak, Vuk learns the ways of the forest, hones his hunting skills, and navigates the perils of the natural world. As he grows, he encounters various challenges and adventures, including confrontations with hunters and other animals. The story is a poignant exploration of the circle of life, the importance of family and mentorship, and the coming-of-age of a clever and resilient protagonist.

    The 4143rd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

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