The Greatest Irish, Unknown "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. Amongst Women by John McGahern

    "Amongst Women" is a novel that tells the story of Michael Moran, a bitter, aging Irish Republican Army (IRA) veteran, and his relationships with his wife and five children. The narrative explores themes of family, power, love, and the struggle between freedom and control. Moran's domineering personality and the effects of his past experiences in the IRA have a profound impact on his family, shaping their lives and relationships in complex and often destructive ways.

    The 835th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Good Behaviour by Molly Keane

    "Good Behaviour" is a darkly humorous and compelling novel that delves into the dysfunctional lives of the St. Charles family. Set in the early 20th century, the story is narrated by Aroon, the youngest daughter, who chronicles her family's eccentricities, secrets, and the complex dynamics that shape their relationships. As Aroon navigates her way through a world of privilege and societal expectations, she grapples with her own desires and the consequences of her actions. With sharp wit and keen observations, the novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to maintain appearances.

    The 2325th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Black List, Section H by Francis Stuart

    "Black List, Section H" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex themes of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of war. Set during World War II, the story follows a group of individuals who find themselves entangled in a web of espionage and betrayal. As they navigate the treacherous landscape of Nazi-occupied Europe, their loyalties are tested, and they must confront the moral dilemmas that arise when faced with impossible choices. With its rich character development and atmospheric setting, this book offers a compelling exploration of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

    The 2617th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín

    The novel tells the story of a young Irish woman, Eilis Lacey, in the 1950s who, unable to find work at home, is sent to Brooklyn by a helpful priest where she builds a new life. She finds work, studies to become a bookkeeper, and falls in love with an Italian plumber named Tony. However, a family tragedy forces her to return to Ireland, where she must choose between her new life in America and her old life at home.

    The 2618th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The White Ship by Chinghiz Aitmatov

    "The White Ship" by Chinghiz Aitmatov is a poignant and thought-provoking novella set in a remote village in Kyrgyzstan. The story follows a young shepherd named Mati, who embarks on a dangerous journey to rescue his fellow villagers after a devastating avalanche. Through Mati's experiences, the author explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. With beautiful prose and vivid descriptions, Aitmatov paints a vivid picture of the harsh yet enchanting landscapes of Kyrgyzstan while offering a powerful commentary on the strength of community bonds.

    The 3279th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Death And Nightingales by Eugene McCabe

    "Death and Nightingales" is a gripping and atmospheric novel set in 19th-century Ireland. The story follows Beth, a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage, who plans to escape with her lover, Liam. As the narrative unfolds over the course of a single day, tensions rise, secrets are revealed, and the characters' lives become entangled in a web of desire, betrayal, and violence. With its richly drawn characters and evocative prose, the book explores themes of love, power, and the consequences of one's choices in a society marked by oppression and turmoil.

    The 4023rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. A Small Country by Sian James

    "A Small Country" is a poignant novel set in a rural Welsh community, where the lives of the inhabitants are deeply intertwined with the land and each other. The narrative explores the complexities of human relationships, the challenges of change, and the enduring strength of family and tradition. As the characters navigate personal struggles and societal shifts, the story delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the bittersweet nature of progress. The novel paints a vivid portrait of a way of life that is at once resilient and vulnerable to the inexorable march of time.

    The 4073rd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. A Belfast Woman by Mary Beckett

    The book is a poignant collection of short stories that delve into the lives of women from Belfast, Northern Ireland, during the tumultuous times of the Troubles. Through a series of intimate narratives, the author explores the complex emotions, daily struggles, and the resilience of women as they navigate a society riven by political conflict. The stories offer a nuanced portrayal of the female experience, highlighting themes of family, love, loss, and the quest for personal identity against a backdrop of violence and social upheaval.

    The 4113th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Days Without End by Sebastian Barry

    "Days Without End" is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of an Irish immigrant who enlists in the U.S. Army in the 1850s. The protagonist's experiences include fighting in the Indian Wars and the Civil War, as well as falling in love with a fellow soldier. The novel explores themes of identity, love, and survival in a brutal and unforgiving era of American history.

    The 4378th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The House Of Splendid Isolation by Edna O'Brien

    The book tells the story of an old woman living in isolation in a grand but dilapidated house in rural Ireland. Her quiet life is disrupted when a fugitive on the run from the law invades her home. As she's forced to coexist with him, she begins to reflect on her own past and the history of the Irish people, leading to a complex exploration of themes such as loneliness, regret, and the struggle for national identity.

    The 4727th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Land Of Look Behind by Michelle Cliff

    The book is a poignant exploration of identity, history, and the enduring impact of colonialism in Jamaica. Through the eyes of its protagonist, a Jamaican woman who returns to her homeland after years in the United States, the narrative delves into the complexities of her personal journey and the island's tumultuous past. As she reconnects with her roots and confronts the ghosts of slavery and oppression that haunt the landscape, the story weaves a rich tapestry of memory, culture, and the search for belonging in a land marked by beauty and scarred by injustice.

    The 4742nd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

    This novel follows the story of a young boy who moves from Berlin to a house near a concentration camp during World War II. Unaware of the grim reality of his surroundings, he befriends another boy on the other side of the camp fence. The two develop a deep friendship despite the horrific circumstances, leading to a devastating and unforgettable ending.

    The 4775th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Threshing Floor by Barbara Burford

    "The Threshing Floor" is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of identity, sexuality, and the intersections of science and personal ethics. Set against the backdrop of a futuristic society, the narrative follows the journey of a geneticist who grapples with the moral implications of her work in genetic engineering. As she navigates the challenges of her profession, she also embarks on a quest for self-discovery, exploring her own desires and the nature of human connection. The book raises profound questions about the manipulation of life, the essence of individuality, and the price of progress, all while weaving a story of love, ambition, and the search for truth.

    The 4787th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Maps by Nuruddin Farah

    "Maps" by Nuruddin Farah is a compelling novel that delves into the complex themes of identity, exile, and the search for belonging. Set in Somalia during a time of political turmoil, the story follows Askar, a young boy who is caught between conflicting cultural and political forces. As he grows older, Askar becomes increasingly aware of the divisions within his society and struggles to navigate the shifting landscapes of his own identity. Through vivid storytelling and rich character development, Farah explores the power of maps as both physical representations of territory and metaphorical symbols of personal and national boundaries.

    The 5019th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Ualalapi by Ungulani Ba Ka Khosa

    "Ualalapi" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex history and cultural identity of Mozambique. Through a series of interconnected stories, the book explores themes of colonialism, war, and the struggle for independence, as well as the impact of these historical events on individuals and society. With lyrical prose and vivid imagery, the author skillfully weaves together folklore, mythology, and real-life experiences to create a captivating narrative that challenges readers to reflect on the legacy of the past and its influence on the present.

    The 5090th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. How Many Miles To Babylon? by Jennifer Johnston

    "How Many Miles To Babylon?" is a poignant and gripping novel set during World War I, exploring the complex friendship between two young Irishmen, Alec and Jerry. Born into different social classes, their lives intertwine as they navigate the harsh realities of war, family expectations, and their own desires for freedom and happiness. As they face the horrors of the trenches and the devastating consequences of their choices, the novel delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the futility of war, leaving readers with a profound reflection on the human condition.

    The 5163rd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. The Crowned Wanderer by Rahim Esenov

    "The Crowned Wanderer" is a captivating tale set in a fictional world where a young wanderer named Zahir embarks on a transformative journey. As he travels through enchanting landscapes and encounters diverse characters, Zahir learns profound lessons about love, loss, and the complexities of human nature. With poetic prose and rich imagery, the novel explores themes of self-discovery, destiny, and the eternal search for meaning.

    The 5310th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. The Captains And The Kings by Jennifer Johnston

    "The Captains And The Kings" is a poignant and introspective novel that delves into the complex dynamics of a wealthy Irish family. Set against the backdrop of political unrest and social change in Ireland, the story follows the lives of the dysfunctional King family as they navigate through personal tragedies, secrets, and the weight of their own expectations. With beautifully crafted prose and deeply flawed characters, the book explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of family bonds.

    The 5319th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Birchwood by John Banville

    "Birchwood" is a gothic novel that explores themes of decay, decline, and rebirth through the eyes of its young protagonist. Set on a decaying Irish estate, the story delves into the complexities of family legacy, madness, and the search for identity. As the protagonist returns to his ancestral home, he finds himself entangled in the chaotic lives of his eccentric relatives and the disintegration of the estate itself. The narrative weaves a haunting and surreal atmosphere, reflecting on the illusions of grandeur and the harsh realities of change and mortality.

    The 5392nd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. The Big Chapel by Thomas Kilroy

    "The Big Chapel" is a captivating novel that delves into the lives of a small Irish community in the 1950s. Set against the backdrop of religious and political tensions, the story follows the lives of two brothers, Brendan and Michael, as they navigate their way through a changing world. As they grow older, their paths diverge, with Brendan embracing the priesthood and Michael becoming involved in the political turmoil of the time. Through vivid storytelling and rich character development, the book explores themes of identity, faith, and the complexities of family relationships.

    The 5400th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Fools of Fortune by William Trevor

    "Fools of Fortune" is a tragic tale that follows the lives of the Quinton family, an Anglo-Irish family living in Ireland, during the early 20th century. The family's fortune takes a turn for the worse after a devastating fire, believed to be an act of revenge by Irish nationalists, claims the lives of several family members. The surviving members are left to grapple with their loss, guilt, and the political turmoil of their time, leading to a cycle of self-destruction and a desperate search for redemption.

    The 5653rd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The South by Colm Tóibín

    "The South" by Colm Toibin is a compelling novel that follows the journey of a young Irish woman named Katherine as she leaves her troubled marriage behind and embarks on a new life in Spain. Set against the backdrop of political unrest and cultural differences, Katherine's experiences in the vibrant and mysterious south of Spain shape her identity and challenge her perceptions of love, art, and self-discovery. With rich prose and nuanced characters, Toibin explores themes of longing, transformation, and the complexities of human relationships in this captivating tale.

    The 6498th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Reading In The Dark by Seamus Deane

    "Reading In The Dark" is a captivating novel that delves into the complex history of Northern Ireland through the eyes of an unnamed protagonist. Set against the backdrop of political turmoil and sectarian violence, the story follows the protagonist's journey of self-discovery as he unravels family secrets and confronts the ghosts of the past. Seamlessly blending personal and political narratives, the book explores themes of memory, identity, and the power of storytelling, ultimately offering a poignant reflection on the lasting impact of history on individuals and communities.

    The 6840th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. A Long Long Way by Sebastian Barry

    This novel vividly captures the harrowing experiences of a young Irish soldier caught in the brutal trenches of World War I. As he navigates the horrors of war, he also grapples with the complex political tensions of his homeland, torn between loyalty to the British forces and the rising call for Irish independence. Through his journey, the protagonist confronts the brutal realities of conflict, the bonds of camaraderie, and the personal quest for identity amidst the chaos of war and the shifting landscapes of early 20th-century Ireland. The narrative combines historical detail with profound emotional depth, exploring themes of loyalty, identity, and the devastating impact of war on the human spirit.

    The 6928th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. This Side Of Brightness by Colum McCann

    The novel delves into the lives of tunnel diggers beneath New York City at the turn of the 20th century, juxtaposing their stories with those of their descendants in the 1990s. It explores themes of racial tension, poverty, and the enduring human spirit through the interwoven narratives of a black sandhog who survives a harrowing tunnel collapse and his grandson, grappling with a life on the fringes of society. As the tale unfolds, it reveals the deep connections between past and present, and the invisible threads that bind the city's history to the fates of its inhabitants.

    The 6950th 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