The Greatest Nigerian, British "Family, Fiction" Books Since 2000

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Family

The "Family" category of books encompasses stories that revolve around the dynamics, relationships, and experiences of families. These books explore the complexities of familial bonds, including love, loyalty, conflict, and forgiveness. They may focus on different types of families, such as nuclear families, blended families, or extended families, and may cover a range of themes, from coming-of-age tales to domestic dramas. Overall, the "Family" category offers a rich and diverse collection of books that delve into the joys and challenges of family life.

Fiction

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Nigerian

British

Add additional country filters

Date Range

Filter

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
  1. 1. Atonement by Ian McEwan

    Atonement is a powerful novel that explores the consequences of a young girl's false accusation. The narrative follows the lives of three characters, the accuser, her older sister, and the sister's lover, who is wrongly accused. This false accusation irrevocably alters their lives, leading to the accused's imprisonment and eventual enlistment in World War II, while the sisters grapple with guilt, estrangement, and their own personal growth. The novel is a profound exploration of guilt, forgiveness, and the destructive power of misinterpretation.

    The 209th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. White Teeth by Zadie Smith

    This novel follows the lives of two friends, a working-class Englishman and a Bangladeshi Muslim, living in London. The story explores the complex relationships between people of different races, cultures, and generations in modern Britain, with themes of identity, immigration, and the cultural and social changes that have shaped the country. The narrative is enriched by the characters' personal histories and the historical events that have shaped their lives.

    The 216th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon

    This novel follows a 15-year-old boy with autism as he tries to solve the mystery of who killed his neighbor's dog. Along the way, he uncovers other secrets about his family and must navigate the world using his unique perspective and abilities. The book offers an insightful look into the mind of a character with autism, highlighting his struggles and triumphs in a compelling and empathetic way.

    The 818th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Small Island by Andrea Levy

    "Small Island" is a historical novel that explores the intertwined histories of Jamaica and the UK, as well as the themes of race, empire, and migration. The story is set in 1948 and is told from four different perspectives: two Jamaican immigrants, Hortense and Gilbert, who move to England after World War II, and an English couple, Queenie and Bernard. The narrative explores the racial tension, discrimination, and culture shock that the immigrants face in their new home, while also delving into the complexities of war, identity, and the British Empire.

    The 1285th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. On Beauty by Zadie Smith

    This novel is a contemporary, multicultural exploration of family life, love, and identity. It follows the lives of two mixed-race families, the Belseys and the Kipps, who are linked by their shared professions in academia and a complex web of marital and extramarital relationships. The story is set against the backdrop of Wellington, a fictional New England town, and explores themes of race, class, and cultural clash. It also delves into the world of academia, examining the politics and conflicts that arise in that environment.

    The 1458th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Children's Book by A. S. Byatt

    "The Children's Book" is a historical novel that explores the lives of several families, primarily the Wellwoods, from the end of the Victorian era through World War I. The story delves into the complex relationships between parents and children, the influence of storytelling, and the impact of political and social changes on personal lives. It also portrays the struggles of women's suffrage, socialism, and the arts and crafts movement. The narrative is intricately woven with fairy tales and myths, reflecting the characters' inner lives and the era's cultural milieu.

    The 2354th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Old Filth by Jane Gardam

    The novel follows the life of Sir Edward Feathers, a successful but emotionally stunted barrister, who is known by the nickname "Old Filth" (Failed in London, Try Hong Kong). The protagonist's life is traced from his birth in Malaya, his upbringing in Wales, to his successful law career in Hong Kong, and retirement in England. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the lasting effects of the British Empire, while revealing the personal history and emotional landscape of a man who has spent his life avoiding introspection and emotional connections.

    The 3002nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

    The novel is a vibrant portrayal of the lives of twelve different characters, primarily black British women, spanning over a century. Each character has their own unique story, tackling issues such as feminism, politics, sexuality, and identity. The narrative is a blend of poetry and prose, exploring the interconnected lives of these women and their personal struggles and triumphs. It is a powerful exploration of race, gender, and the changing face of Britain.

    The 3044th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    "Purple Hibiscus" follows the story of a 15-year-old Nigerian girl, Kambili, and her older brother Jaja, who live a privileged life in Enugu. However, their father is a religious fanatic and a domestic tyrant. The siblings are sent to their Aunty Ifeoma's home, a university professor, who provides them a taste of freedom and shows them a different way of life outside their father's oppressive rule. The novel explores themes of colonialism, religious fanaticism, and the post-colonial political situation in Nigeria.

    The 3045th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Brick Lane by Monica Ali

    This novel tells the story of a Bangladeshi woman named Nazneen who moves to London at the age of 18 for an arranged marriage to a man 20 years her senior. The narrative explores her life in the city, her struggles with her unhappy marriage, her affair with a young radical, and her attempts to reconcile her traditional upbringing with her new surroundings. The book also explores the lives of immigrants in the UK, the clash of cultures, and the struggle for identity.

    The 4079th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. At Last by Edward St Aubyn

    "At Last" is the final installment in a five-part series that follows the life of a man from a dysfunctional, upper-class English family. The protagonist attends his mother's funeral, where he reflects on his traumatic childhood, filled with abuse and neglect, and his subsequent struggles with drug addiction. Throughout the day, he interacts with a host of characters from his past and present, leading to introspection and revelations about his life and relationships. The book presents a scathing critique of the British aristocracy, while also exploring themes of recovery, redemption, and the possibility of change.

    The 4101st Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell

    "Hamnet" is a deeply moving and beautifully written historical novel that reimagines the life of a young boy, Hamnet, who is the son of a glovemaker in Stratford-upon-Avon. The boy tragically dies at the age of 11, which leaves a profound impact on his family, particularly his father, who is inspired to write one of the world's most famous plays. The narrative alternates between the time leading up to Hamnet's death and the aftermath, providing an intimate portrait of grief, love, and the power of art.

    The 4461st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie

    "Home Fire" is a contemporary reimagining of Sophocles' Antigone set against the backdrop of modern-day London and Syria. The novel explores the lives of five characters caught in a complex web of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. The story revolves around two British-Pakistani families, each struggling with their own dilemmas related to identity, radicalism, and loyalty. One family is headed by a powerful politician who disowns his jihadist son, while the other consists of three orphaned siblings whose lives are turned upside down when their brother is accused of joining ISIS. The novel explores the consequences of their actions, questioning the extent to which one can go for love and loyalty.

    The 4840th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Future Homemakers Of America by Laurie Graham

    The novel centers on a group of American military wives stationed with their husbands at an Air Force base in England during the 1950s. It follows their lives, friendships, and the challenges they face as they navigate cultural differences, personal dreams, and the shifting social landscape of the 20th century. Despite the varied paths their lives take over the years, the women share a bond that endures through love affairs, family strife, and societal changes, capturing the essence of an era and the enduring power of friendship.

    The 5641st Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Any Human Heart by William Boyd

    This novel unfolds as the intimate journal of Logan Mountstuart, chronicling his life from the early 20th century through to the end of the 1980s. Through the eyes of Mountstuart, readers experience the defining historical, cultural, and personal events of the century. From his youth in Uruguay to his education in England, his experiences in war, love, and loss, and his encounters with the century's great artists, writers, and thinkers, the narrative captures the essence of human experience. The protagonist's journey through the highs and lows of life, his successes and failures, and his reflections on the human condition, make this a deeply personal and universally resonant story.

    The 6666th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

    In this darkly comedic novel, a nurse named Korede finds herself repeatedly cleaning up after her sister Ayoola, who has a disturbing habit of killing her boyfriends. As Ayoola's murderous tendencies escalate, Korede is torn between her loyalty to her sister and her growing concern for the next potential victim. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, the sisters' bond is put to the ultimate test, leading to a gripping and unexpected conclusion.

    The 6710th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. I'll Go To Bed At Noon by Gerard Woodward

    This novel delves into the complex and turbulent lives of the Jones family, living in London during the 1970s. Through exquisite prose, it explores themes of addiction, familial bonds, and the struggle for redemption amidst personal turmoil. The narrative focuses particularly on Colette Jones and her efforts to hold her family together as they navigate through a series of personal crises, including her husband's alcoholism and her son's destructive behavior. The story is a poignant examination of the challenges of love, the impact of addiction, and the resilience required to face life's adversities, all set against the backdrop of a changing Britain.

    The 6856th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Dustbin Baby by Jacqueline Wilson

    The book follows the emotional journey of April, a teenage girl who was abandoned in a dustbin as a baby. On her fourteenth birthday, she decides to skip school and embark on a quest to uncover her past. April's search for her biological mother and understanding of her identity leads her through various experiences, from her time in foster care to living with her adoptive mother. Throughout her day, she confronts the challenges of her past and the complexities of her feelings, ultimately seeking a sense of belonging and acceptance in a world where she has often felt discarded.

    The 7000th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson

    "A God in Ruins" is a novel that tells the story of Teddy Todd, a World War II bomber pilot, and his life before, during, and after the war. The narrative alternates between different time periods, exploring Teddy's childhood, his experiences in the war, and his later life as a husband, father, and grandfather. The book delves deep into the effects of war, the passage of time, and the complexities of family relationships, offering a poignant exploration of a man's life and the historical events that shape it.

    The 7126th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Lola Rose by Jacqueline Wilson

    The book follows the tumultuous life of a young girl who, after her mother wins a substantial amount of money in a lottery, adopts the name Lola Rose. Their windfall allows them to escape an abusive home environment and start anew. However, their fresh start is threatened when her mother becomes seriously ill, leaving Lola Rose to care for her younger brother and confront adult responsibilities far beyond her years. The story is a poignant exploration of family, resilience, and the challenges of navigating unexpected hardships through the eyes of a child forced to grow up too quickly.

    The 7152nd Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The Road Home by Rose Tremain

    "The Road Home" is a poignant and heartwarming novel that follows the journey of Lev, a middle-aged Eastern European immigrant who leaves his impoverished homeland to seek a better life in London. Struggling to navigate the unfamiliar language, culture, and job market, Lev encounters a diverse cast of characters who shape his experience, from kind-hearted strangers to exploitative employers. Through Lev's determination and resilience, the novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the universal human desire for a place to call home.

    The 7915th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Accidental by Ali Smith

    The novel centers around a woman named Amber who unexpectedly arrives and disrupts the lives of the Smart family while they are on summer holiday in Norfolk. Each family member - Eve, a writer, Michael, a university professor, and their children Astrid and Magnus - experience unique interactions with Amber, causing them to question their own realities. The mysterious woman's influence forces the family to confront their secrets, insecurities, and the false narratives they've created about themselves.

    The 8109th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi

    Mr. Fox is a novel about a writer who is challenged by his imaginary muse to stop killing off his female characters. This leads to a series of stories within stories, where reality and fantasy blur. The writer, his wife, and the muse navigate through these narratives, exploring themes of love, identity, and the power of storytelling. The novel is a mix of fairy tale, romance, and mystery, with a metafictional twist.

    The 8480th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi

    The novel unfolds the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of a young Nigerian named Vivek Oji. Through a non-linear narrative and multiple perspectives, the story delves into Vivek's complex identity and the struggles with gender, family expectations, and societal norms in a contemporary Igbo community. As the characters grapple with their grief and the secrets Vivek left behind, the novel explores themes of love, acceptance, and the liberating power of embracing one's true self. The poignant tale reveals the transformative impact Vivek had on the lives of those around him, even as they come to terms with the enigmatic nature of his life and untimely death.

    The 9552nd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. After You’d Gone by Maggie O'Farrell

    The novel revolves around a young woman named Alice Raikes, who, after an unexpected and traumatic event, slips into a coma. As she lies unconscious in a hospital, the narrative delves into her past, unraveling the complexities of her relationships with her family and her intense love affair. Through a series of flashbacks and the perspectives of different characters, the story explores themes of love, loss, and the intricate tapestry of human emotions that bind and separate us. The reader is taken on a poignant journey through Alice's life, uncovering the secrets and memories that led up to the fateful moment that changed everything.

    The 9604th 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