The Greatest Italian, Norwegian "Drama, Historical fiction" 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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Genres

Drama

Drama is a genre of literature that typically deals with serious and emotional themes, often exploring the complexities of human relationships and the struggles individuals face in their lives. These books often feature intense character development and intricate plotlines, delving into the depths of human experience and the challenges of navigating the world around us. From family dramas to political intrigue, the drama genre encompasses a wide range of stories that aim to captivate readers with their raw and powerful storytelling.

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

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  1. 1. House with the Blind Glass Windows by Herbjørg Wassmo

    "House with the Blind Glass Windows" is a poignant tale of a young girl growing up in Norway during the 1950s. The narrative explores her struggles with family secrets, abuse, and the oppressive nature of her small, rural community. The protagonist's journey towards understanding and overcoming her traumatic past forms the crux of the story, which is set against the backdrop of post-war Europe.

    The 1094th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Silk by Alessandro Baricco

    "Silk" is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of a 19th-century French silkworm merchant who travels to Japan for business. During his travels, he becomes enamored with a mysterious woman. His unrequited love for her haunts him for the rest of his life, even as he returns to France and continues his life there. The novel explores themes of love, longing, and the profound impact that brief encounters can have on one's life.

    The 1880th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Bébo's Girl by Carlo Cassola

    "Bébo's Girl" is a poignant tale set in the backdrop of World War II, focusing on the relationship between a young partisan, Bebo, and Mara, a simple and innocent country girl. Their love story unfolds amidst the grim realities of war, where Bebo's commitment to his cause often conflicts with the peaceful life he desires with Mara. The narrative explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the devastating impact of war on personal lives, ultimately leading to a tragic end.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Half Brother: A Novel by Lars Saabye Christensen

    "The Half Brother" is a compelling narrative that follows the life of a young man named Barnum Nilsen. Born into a Norwegian family with a mysterious past, Barnum navigates through life with a half-brother, Fred, who is both his best friend and his rival. As Barnum grows older, he becomes a successful writer, but his personal life is marked by loss, loneliness, and the weight of his family's secrets. The book is a profound exploration of identity, love, and the bonds of family.

    The 6464th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Emperor And Galilean by Henrik Ibsen

    "Emperor and Galilean" is a historical drama that centers on the life of the Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate, who reigned in the 4th century. The play explores Julian's internal conflict as he attempts to revive pagan worship in the face of the growing influence of Christianity. As Julian becomes increasingly disillusioned with Christian doctrine, he seeks to establish a new world order based on a synthesis of Greek philosophy and pagan gods. His quest for spiritual and political transformation leads him on a tragic journey, culminating in his ultimate failure and realization of the futility of his ambitions. The narrative delves into themes of power, faith, and the human struggle between the divine and earthly realms.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Women Of Messina by Elio Vittorini

    The novel explores the lives of a group of Sicilian villagers who return to their hometown after it was destroyed during World War II. As they rebuild their community amidst the ruins, they form a utopian society based on principles of equality and cooperation. However, their idealism is tested by internal conflicts and external pressures, including the influence of a mysterious woman who arrives in their midst. The narrative delves into themes of social reconstruction, the power of human solidarity, and the challenges of creating a new society while grappling with the scars of the past.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Born Twice by Giuseppe Pontiggia

    The novel centers around a father's profound journey as he navigates the complexities of raising a son with cerebral palsy. The narrative delves into the emotional and social challenges they face, exploring themes of acceptance, resilience, and the redefinition of fatherhood. Through his son's condition, the father confronts his own vulnerabilities and the societal prejudices against disability, ultimately experiencing a profound transformation that leads him to a deeper understanding of love, identity, and the human experience.

    The 8305th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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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