The Greatest Greek Fiction and Friendship Books of All Time

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 488 '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

Fiction

Friendship

The "Friendship" category of books focuses on the relationships between individuals who share a deep bond of mutual affection, trust, and support. These books explore the complexities of friendship, including the challenges and rewards of maintaining close connections over time. They often depict the joys and struggles of navigating the ups and downs of life with the help of loyal companions, and may touch on themes such as loyalty, forgiveness, and the power of human connection. Whether exploring the dynamics of childhood friendships or the complexities of adult relationships, books in this category offer readers a heartwarming and insightful look into the power of friendship.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Greek

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. The Iliad by Homer

    This epic poem focuses on the final weeks of the Trojan War, a conflict between the city of Troy and the Greek city-states. The story explores themes of war, honor, wrath, and divine intervention, with a particular focus on the Greek hero Achilles, whose anger and refusal to fight have devastating consequences. The narrative also delves into the lives of the gods, their relationships with humans, and their influence on the course of events.

    The 37th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis

    In this novel, a young intellectual who is immersed in books and ideas embarks on a journey with a passionate and adventurous older man named Zorba. The two men have contrasting personalities, which leads to a series of philosophical discussions and adventures. The story is set in Crete and explores themes of life, death, friendship, love, and the struggle between the physical and intellectual aspects of existence. Zorba's zest for life and his fearlessness in the face of death inspire the young man to embrace a more physical and spontaneous way of living.

    The 214th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Philoctetes by Sophocles

    "Philoctetes" is a Greek tragedy that tells the story of a skilled archer abandoned on a deserted island by the Greeks during the Trojan War, due to a foul-smelling wound on his foot. Years later, the Greeks discover a prophecy that they will need Philoctetes and his magical bow to win the war. They send Odysseus and Neoptolemus to retrieve him, leading to a moral dilemma as they must decide whether to deceive the bitter and mistrustful Philoctetes or to persuade him to willingly join their cause. The play explores themes of suffering, deceit, and the struggle between personal integrity and duty.

    The 811th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Drifting Cities by Stratis Tsirkas

    Set against the backdrop of World War II and the subsequent civil war in Greece, this novel weaves together the lives of a diverse group of characters who find themselves in Jerusalem, Cairo, and Alexandria. Through their interconnected stories, the narrative explores themes of identity, displacement, and the quest for personal and political freedom. The cities, each with their own unique atmosphere and challenges, serve as more than mere settings; they are integral to the characters' experiences, reflecting the broader historical and cultural shifts of the mid-20th century. As these individuals navigate love, betrayal, and the struggle for a sense of belonging, the book offers a rich tapestry of human resilience and the complexities of home in times of turmoil.

    The 984th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Aesop's Fables by Aesop

    This book is a collection of short tales, often featuring animals as characters, which convey moral lessons. The fables, attributed to a storyteller from ancient Greece, are known for their brevity and poignant messages. The stories cover a wide range of themes such as honesty, wisdom, greed, vanity, and humility, and are often concluded with a simple, yet profound, moral lesson. The narratives have been passed down through generations and continue to be relevant in modern times.

    The 1003rd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Poems of Sappho by Sappho

    An Interpretative Rendition into English

    This book is a collection of lyric poetry by an ancient Greek female poet, known for her passionate verses on love and relationships. The poems, often composed in the first person, offer a unique insight into the life and emotions of women in antiquity, touching on themes such as desire, jealousy, and personal introspection. Despite many of her works being lost over time, the surviving fragments continue to be celebrated for their vivid imagery and emotional depth.

    The 1227th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Life In The Tomb by Stratis Myrivilis

    This novel is a harrowing account of the experiences of Greek soldiers during the Balkan Wars, specifically focusing on their life in the trenches. Through the eyes of its protagonist and his letters home, the narrative vividly portrays the brutal realities of war, including the camaraderie among soldiers, the constant threat of death, and the struggle to maintain humanity in the face of inhuman conditions. Set against the backdrop of the conflict between Greece and Bulgaria, it not only explores the physical hardships of war but also delves into the psychological toll it takes on individuals, making it a poignant study of the impact of war on the human spirit.

    The 2174th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Eroica by Kosmas Politis

    The Sub-title of Eroica by Kosmas Politis is not widely recognized or documented in available resources. It is possible that the book does not have a sub-title, or it may not be prominently featured in its publications.

    This novel is a poignant exploration of youth, focusing on the lives of a group of students in the early 20th century. It delves into their dreams, aspirations, and the intense emotions that characterize the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Through a narrative rich in lyrical prose, the story captures the essence of youthful idealism and the inevitable confrontation with the complexities of the real world. Set against the backdrop of a society on the brink of change, the novel offers a timeless reflection on the nature of friendship, love, and the pursuit of beauty in a transient world.

    The 2174th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Στου Χατζηφράγκου by Kosmas Politis

    Μια ιστορία της Σμύρνης

    This novel is a poignant exploration of youth, focusing on the life of a young boy named Manolis during his summer holidays in the early 20th century Greek countryside. Set in a small village, the narrative delves into Manolis' experiences and the vibrant cast of characters he encounters, including his family and the titular character, a local figure who adds depth to the boy's understanding of life and humanity. Through a blend of innocence, adventure, and the gradual loss of innocence, the story captures the universal journey of growing up, set against the backdrop of a changing Greek society. The novel is celebrated for its lyrical prose, rich characterization, and the evocative portrayal of rural Greece, making it a significant work in the country's literary canon.

    The 2174th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Η Χαμένη Άνοιξη by Stratis Tsirkas

    This novel unfolds in the turbulent era of World War II, exploring the lives of individuals caught in the whirlwind of global conflict and personal turmoil. Set against the backdrop of Alexandria, a melting pot of cultures and nationalities, the narrative delves into the complexities of human relationships, political intrigue, and the quest for identity amidst the chaos of war. Through the eyes of its diverse characters, the story captures the essence of a lost spring, symbolizing both the literal and metaphorical loss experienced by those living through the war and its aftermath. The novel is a poignant reflection on the cost of conflict and the enduring hope for renewal and peace.

    The 2174th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Alcestis by Euripides

    "Alcestis" is a Greek tragedy that tells the story of a queen who voluntarily chooses to die in place of her husband, the king, when he is fated to die early. The king's friend, Heracles, visits them and, unaware of the queen's death, is offended that he is not being properly entertained. Upon learning the truth, he fights and defeats Death to bring the queen back to life, restoring happiness to the royal household. The play explores themes of love, sacrifice, death, and the power of friendship.

    The 4074th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Orestes by Euripides

    The play centers around Orestes, who, after obeying the god Apollo's command to avenge his father Agamemnon's murder by killing his mother Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus, is tormented by the Furies and rejected by his community. Facing execution, Orestes, along with his sister Electra and friend Pylades, concocts a desperate plan for survival that includes the potential murder of Helen, the wife of his absent brother Menelaus, and the taking of her daughter Hermione as a hostage. The play explores themes of justice, revenge, and the complexities of familial loyalty, culminating in a divine intervention that offers a resolution to Orestes' plight.

    The 11140th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Idylls by Theocritus

    "Idylls" is a collection of pastoral poems that offer a romanticized view of rural life in ancient Greece. The work is composed of short, lyrical pieces that celebrate the beauty of nature, the simplicity of country living, and the loves and sorrows of shepherds and nymphs. Through vivid dialogues and songs, the poems depict various scenes, from idyllic landscapes to rustic festivals and competitions, capturing the essence of Hellenistic culture. The bucolic tradition established by these poems would go on to influence later poets in both the classical and modern eras, setting the standard for the pastoral genre.

    The 13497th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Satires by Lucian

    "Satires" is a collection of witty and critical dialogues and essays that lampoon the pretensions and follies of the author's contemporary society. Using sharp humor and irony, the work targets various subjects, including philosophers, poets, historians, and orators, exposing their hypocrisy and vanity. The author employs a range of fictional scenarios, fantastical journeys, and dialogues with gods and historical figures to satirize the intellectual and social conventions of the day, challenging the reader to question the nature of truth, the value of tradition, and the role of intellectuals in society. Through its engaging and often humorous critiques, the book invites reflection on human behavior and the pursuit of knowledge.

    The 13497th 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