The Greatest Czech, 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. Eyeless in Gaza by Aldous Huxley

    This novel follows the life of Anthony Beavis, a British intellectual, from his childhood to his mid-thirties in the 1930s. As he navigates through life, he deals with the death of his mother, the suicide of his best friend, and his own philosophical and spiritual explorations. The narrative jumps back and forth in time, reflecting Beavis's memories and current experiences. The novel explores themes of pacifism, spirituality, and personal growth, culminating in Beavis's transformation into a pacifist following a spiritual awakening.

    The 2470th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Too Loud A Solitude by Bohumil Hrabal

    The narrative centers around an elderly man who has spent his life compacting paper and books into bales in a decrepit cellar, using a hydraulic press. Despite the menial nature of his job, he has cultivated a deep love and profound knowledge for literature, philosophy, and art from the books that pass through his hands, many of which he rescues from destruction. The story is a poignant exploration of the power and resilience of the human spirit in the face of a dehumanizing, totalitarian regime, and a meditation on the enduring value of art and the written word. The protagonist's intellectual journey and his resistance to the oppressive forces around him serve as a metaphor for the survival of culture and individuality under oppressive conditions.

    The 3082nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Mr. Fortune's Maggot by Sylvia Townsend Warner

    The book centers around a British missionary who travels to a remote South Sea island with the intent to convert the native population to Christianity. However, his efforts are met with indifference by the islanders, who are content with their own beliefs and way of life. As time passes, the missionary forms a close bond with a young boy from the island, which leads him to question the very foundations of his faith and purpose. The story explores themes of colonialism, spirituality, and personal transformation, ultimately revealing the complexities of cultural interactions and the profound impact of human connections.

    The 3114th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. 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 3441st Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. 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 3812th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. 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 5087th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Parables, Fragments, Aphorisms by Franz Kafka

    This book is a collection of philosophical and existential musings, presented in the form of parables, fragments, and aphorisms. The work delves into the human condition, exploring themes of alienation, guilt, and the search for meaning in a seemingly incomprehensible world. The pieces are characterized by their brevity and depth, often leaving the reader with a sense of the uncanny and the profound. Through metaphor and succinct, thought-provoking statements, the author challenges readers to reflect on their own lives and the larger social and metaphysical systems that govern them.

    The 7191st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. 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 7983rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Largo Desolato by Vaclav Havel

    "Largo Desolato" is a play that delves into the psychological turmoil of a dissident intellectual living under an oppressive regime. The protagonist, who has gained notoriety for a political essay, faces the paralyzing fear of being constantly watched and the possibility of arrest. As various friends, admirers, and government officials visit him, he grapples with the moral and existential dilemma of whether to stand by his beliefs or succumb to the pressures of the authorities. The play explores themes of identity, responsibility, and the nature of freedom, capturing the protagonist's struggle with his conscience and the surreal experience of living in a society where personal integrity is under siege.

    The 8413th 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 9855th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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