The Greatest Chilean, Japanese, Spanish "Fiction, Historical fiction" Books Since 1970

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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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Fiction

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. The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende

    "The House of the Spirits" is a multi-generational saga that explores the lives of the Trueba family, set against the backdrop of political upheaval in an unnamed Latin American country. The narrative is driven by the family's strong and magical women, including clairvoyant Clara and her granddaughter Alba. The story spans over three generations, weaving together personal, social, and political threads, and is rich in elements of magical realism. The novel explores themes of love, violence, social class, and the struggle for power.

    The 168th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

    The novel follows the story of a young boy in post-war Barcelona, who discovers a mysterious book in a hidden library that his father takes him to, which houses forgotten books. The boy becomes captivated by the book and its author, but as he grows older, he realizes that someone is destroying all books written by this author. As he delves deeper into the mystery, the boy's life becomes intertwined with the author's, revealing a dark and tragic past that someone wants to be kept hidden. The story is a mix of romance, mystery, and a historical narrative set against the turbulent backdrop of a city recovering from war.

    The 1062nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Twilight Years by Sawako Ariyoshi

    "The Twilight Years" is a poignant story revolving around the life of a middle-aged woman who is burdened with the responsibility of taking care of her ageing and ailing father-in-law while trying to balance her work and personal life. The novel explores the themes of old age, family responsibilities, societal expectations, and the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. It offers a critical examination of the social, cultural, and personal issues related to aging and care-giving in post-war Japan.

    The 1491st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Of Love and Shadows by Isabel Allende

    Set against the backdrop of a South American country under a military dictatorship, this novel follows the story of a woman journalist and her lover, a photographer, who, while working together, uncover a hidden mass grave in a remote part of their country. Their discovery leads them into danger as they try to expose the truth about the brutal regime ruling their country, while also dealing with their own personal issues and their growing love for each other. The story is a blend of romance and political drama, showing the power of love and courage in the face of oppression and fear.

    The 2186th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Club Dumas by Arturo Pérez-Reverte

    The book follows Lucas Corso, a book detective who is hired to authenticate a rare manuscript by Alexandre Dumas. As he delves into the investigation, he finds himself entangled in a mystery involving two other books: a rare edition of "The Three Musketeers" and a satanic text, "The Book of Nine Doors of the Kingdom of Shadows". The narrative becomes a complex puzzle as Corso uncovers connections between the books, while also dealing with a seductive woman who seems to have stepped out of a Dumas novel, a mysterious killer, and a group of bibliophiles obsessed with Dumas. The lines between fiction and reality blur as he gets closer to the truth.

    The 2361st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. La Saga/ Fuga de J. B./ The Saga/ Escape of J.B. by Gonzalo Torrente Ballester

    "La Saga/ Fuga de J. B./ The Saga/ Escape of J.B." is a complex narrative that explores the themes of reality and fiction, and their intersection. The story revolves around a mysterious character, J.B., who escapes from a novel into the real world. As he navigates this new realm, the boundaries between the fictional world he came from and the reality he now inhabits become increasingly blurred, leading to a surreal and thought-provoking exploration of the nature of existence.

    The 3802nd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Deep River by Shūsaku Endō

    "Deep River" is a profound exploration of faith, suffering, and redemption, told through the intertwined narratives of four Japanese survivors of World War II. Each character carries their own personal trauma and guilt, leading them on separate spiritual journeys that converge at India's holy Ganges River. As they grapple with their pasts and seek forgiveness and meaning in their lives, the novel delves into themes of cultural clash, religious conflict, and the human capacity for love and understanding amidst pain.

    The 4061st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Heretic by Miguel Delibes

    "The Heretic" is a historical novel set during the Spanish Inquisition. It follows the life of a man born in 16th century Spain, who, despite being raised in a strictly Catholic environment, begins to question the teachings and practices of the Church. As he grows older, he becomes involved in the Protestant Reformation, risking his life in a society where heresy is punishable by death. This book explores themes of faith, religious persecution, and the struggle for freedom of thought.

    The 4770th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Requiem by Shizuko Gō

    "Requiem" is a poignant novel that delves into the emotional and psychological aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Through the eyes of its protagonist, a woman who survived the blast as a child, the narrative explores the enduring scars left by the tragedy, both on the city's landscape and its inhabitants' lives. As she grapples with her past trauma and the loss of her family, the story reveals the long-term effects of nuclear warfare and the struggle for healing and redemption amidst the pain of irrevocable loss. The novel serves as a powerful meditation on memory, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable devastation.

    The 4800th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Soldiers of Salamis by Javier Cercas

    This novel revolves around a true event during the Spanish Civil War, where a nationalist soldier spares the life of a famous poet who was about to be executed. The story is told from the perspective of a journalist who becomes obsessed with the incident and embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about what happened. As he delves deeper, he discovers the complexities of heroism, history, and memory, and is forced to question his own understanding of these concepts.

    The 5075th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. La Dama Número Trece by José Carlos Somoza

    This novel is a thrilling blend of mystery, horror, and fantasy, revolving around a struggling writer who becomes the target of a secret society known as "The Thirteen Ladies". These shadowy figures have the ability to manipulate reality through the power of words and storytelling. As he is drawn deeper into their world, he must uncover their secrets and find a way to survive their deadly games. The narrative is a rich exploration of the power of language and mythology, with a suspenseful plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

    The 5344th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Shipwrecks by Akira Yoshimura

    The novel is a haunting tale set in a remote medieval Japanese village where the impoverished inhabitants rely on the grim practice of salvaging goods from shipwrecks to survive. The story follows a young boy who eagerly awaits the next shipwreck in the hope that it will bring enough wealth to prevent his family from starving or having to sell his sister into prostitution. As he grapples with the moral dilemma of desiring a disaster for his own gain, the narrative explores themes of fate, survival, and the blurred lines between misfortune and fortune. The stark and somber atmosphere of the novel underscores the harsh realities of life in a community caught in a cycle of desperation and the complex emotions that come with their reliance on the misfortunes of others.

    The 6509th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Vagabond Volume 1 by Takehiko Inoue

    This graphic novel follows the journey of a young, unruly Japanese swordsman in the 17th century, who embarks on a quest to become "invincible under the sun" after surviving a brutal battle that left most of his companions dead. Inspired by the life of a legendary historical figure, the protagonist's path is one of intense duels, personal growth, and philosophical exploration. As he travels, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, each contributing to his understanding of what it means to live and fight with purpose. The story blends visceral action with deep introspection, set against the backdrop of a beautifully rendered feudal Japan.

    The 6598th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Mazurka For Two Dead Men by Camilo José Cela

    Set in the rugged landscape of Galicia in the early 20th century, the novel weaves a tale of vengeance and passion through the lives of the inhabitants of a small village. The narrative centers around the murder of a nationalist and the subsequent revenge killing of a local musician, exploring the impact of these deaths on their families and the community. Rich in folklore and the harsh realities of rural life, the story delves into themes of tradition, violence, and the haunting presence of history, all while capturing the deep-seated emotions and complexities of its characters.

    The 7105th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Harsh Cry Of The Heron by Lian Hearn

    "Harsh Cry of the Heron" is set in a mythical, feudal Japan-like setting and continues the tale of the Otori clan, focusing on Lord Takeo and his efforts to maintain peace across the Three Countries. Despite his commitment to a peaceful reign and the abolishment of violent practices like warfare and capital punishment, Takeo faces inevitable betrayal and threats from within his own ranks and from external enemies. As prophecies of doom surface, Takeo struggles with maintaining his ideals and the harsh realities of leadership, leading to a dramatic and poignant conclusion that tests the limits of loyalty, honor, and sacrifice.

    The 7836th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Daughter Of Fortune by Isabel Allende

    This novel is a sweeping tale of love, adventure, and discovery set against the backdrop of the California Gold Rush. It follows the journey of a young orphan raised in the British colony of Valparaíso, Chile, who embarks on a daring quest to find her lover in the goldfields of California. Along the way, she transforms from a naive girl into a strong and independent woman, encountering a diverse cast of characters who shape her destiny. The story delves into themes of freedom, identity, and the pursuit of fortune, offering a rich exploration of historical events through the eyes of a determined protagonist seeking her place in a rapidly changing world.

    The 8216th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Sepharad by Antonio Muñoz Molina

    "Sepharad" is a compelling tapestry of narratives that weaves together stories of displacement, loss, and memory across different times and geographies. The novel explores the experiences of various characters, some historical and others fictional, who face the consequences of exile and persecution. Through their interconnected tales, the book delves into the themes of identity, the enduring impact of the Spanish Inquisition, the Holocaust, and the broader human condition of searching for belonging. The title references the Hebrew word for Spain, invoking the Sephardic Jewish diaspora and the broader sense of longing for a homeland that resonates throughout the novel.

    The 8397th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Trust by Hernán Díaz

    "Trust" by Hernán Díaz is a novel that follows the journey of a young man named Rafael, who leaves his home in Mexico to pursue the American Dream in the 19th century. Rafael's journey takes him through the Wild West, where he encounters a diverse cast of characters and faces numerous challenges. Along the way, he learns about the complexities of trust and betrayal, and ultimately discovers the true meaning of home and belonging. The novel is a poignant exploration of identity, immigration, and the American experience.

    The 9492nd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Eva Luna by Isabel Allende

    "Eva Luna" is a magical realism novel that tells the story of the eponymous protagonist, an orphaned girl in a South American country who uses her gift of storytelling to navigate through life. As she grows, she becomes a servant, a lover, and a revolutionary, always using her stories to bring comfort, provoke thought, and incite change. The narrative is a rich tapestry of characters, politics, and history, all woven together with a touch of the fantastical.

    The 9816th 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