The Greatest French, Spanish "Fiction, Historical 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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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. 26. A Change Of Heart by Michel Butor

    This novel delves into the psychological and emotional journey of a Frenchman who takes up a teaching position in Manchester, England. Struggling with the bleakness of the post-war English landscape and the cultural dissonance he experiences, the protagonist embarks on a profound internal journey. Through his interactions with the city, its architecture, and its inhabitants, he undergoes a transformation that challenges his preconceptions and alters his perception of life. The narrative, rich in introspection and vivid descriptions, explores themes of alienation, the search for identity, and the possibility of personal renewal amidst the ruins of the past.

    The 2777th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Song Of The World by Jean Giono

    This novel is a lyrical exploration of the natural world and human emotions, set in the rugged landscape of the French Alps. It tells the story of a young man's journey through this majestic terrain, where he encounters love, friendship, and the raw forces of nature. The narrative is deeply imbued with poetic descriptions of the countryside and philosophical reflections on humanity's place within the natural world. Through its vivid portrayal of the characters' lives and the environment that shapes them, the book celebrates the profound connection between humans and the earth, offering a powerful message about the importance of living in harmony with the natural world.

    The 2863rd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Dear Departed by Marguerite Yourcenar

    "Dear Departed" is a reflective and poignant exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of mortality, memory, and the enduring impact of the past on the present. Through a series of letters and personal narratives, the book weaves together the lives of various characters, each grappling with the loss of loved ones and the quest for meaning in the face of death. The narrative serves as a meditation on the ways in which individuals cope with grief and seek to preserve the essence of those they have lost, ultimately offering a profound commentary on the universal experience of mourning and the delicate balance between holding on and letting go.

    The 3480th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Silence de la Mer by Vercors

    The novel is set during the German occupation of France in World War II and tells the story of an older man and his niece who are forced to host a German officer in their home. The pair respond to their unwanted guest by maintaining a strict silence, refusing to engage in conversation with him. Despite their resistance, the German officer, who is cultured and sophisticated, shares his love of French culture and his hopes for a peaceful Europe. The story explores themes of resistance, occupation, and the power of silence.

    The 3623rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Suns of Independence by Ahmadou Kourouma

    "Les Soleils Des Indépendances" is a satirical novel that explores the post-independence struggles of an African nation through the lens of a dysfunctional family. Set in the fictional country of Katana, the story follows Fama, the patriarch, as he grapples with the loss of his wealth and influence in the wake of independence. Through vivid characters and dark humor, the book delves into themes of corruption, cultural clashes, and the disillusionment of a nation striving for progress.

    The 3812th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Le Pauvre Christ De Bomba by Mongo Beti

    "Le Pauvre Christ De Bomba" is a satirical novel set in colonial Cameroon, highlighting the cultural clash between the indigenous people and the French colonizers. The story follows the life of a young boy named Christophe, who is sent to a Catholic mission school and becomes the subject of ridicule due to his poverty and African heritage. Through Christophe's experiences, the author exposes the hypocrisy and injustices of the colonial system, shedding light on the destructive effects of colonization on African society.

    The 3812th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Soundjata Ou L'épopée Mandingue by Djibril Tamsir Niane

    "Soundjata Ou L'épopée Mandingue" is a historical novel that tells the captivating story of Soundjata Keita, the legendary founder of the Mali Empire. Set in 13th-century West Africa, the book follows Soundjata's journey from a crippled and exiled prince to a powerful warrior king. Through battles, alliances, and encounters with mystical beings, Soundjata's determination and leadership skills are tested as he strives to unite the Mandinka people and reclaim his rightful throne. This epic tale explores themes of courage, destiny, and the enduring power of legends.

    The 3812th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Climbié by Bernard Dadié

    "Climbié" is a powerful and poignant novel that delves into the life of a young boy named Climbié, who is born into a world of poverty and oppression in colonial Africa. Through his eyes, the reader is exposed to the harsh realities of a society plagued by racism, exploitation, and inequality. As Climbié navigates his way through life, he encounters various individuals who shape his understanding of the world and ignite a desire for change within him. With vivid imagery and lyrical prose, the author masterfully depicts the struggles and triumphs of a young boy's journey towards liberation and self-discovery.

    The 3812th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. 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 3812th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. The Family Of Pascual Duarte by Camilo José Cela

    The book is a harrowing narrative of a man from rural Spain, chronicling his life marked by violence and hardship in the early 20th century. Written as a series of letters from prison, the protagonist recounts his tumultuous journey through a series of misfortunes, familial strife, and brutal personal impulses that lead him down a path of murder and eventual execution. The novel delves into themes of fate, existential despair, and the brutal realism of peasant life, offering a stark portrayal of a man struggling against the inexorable pull of his own tragic nature.

    The 4631st Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Tree Of Knowledge by Pío Baroja

    "The Tree of Knowledge" is a philosophical novel that delves into the life of Andrés Hurtado, a young man who struggles with the meaning of life and the search for truth in a society filled with hypocrisy and superficiality. As he pursues a career in medicine, Hurtado becomes increasingly disillusioned with the human condition and the limitations of scientific understanding. His journey is one of intellectual and emotional turmoil, as he grapples with existential questions and the complexities of love, family, and societal expectations. The narrative is a reflection on the challenges of reconciling the pursuit of knowledge with the quest for personal happiness and moral integrity.

    The 4639th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. 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 4779th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Segu by Maryse Condé

    "Segu" is a historical novel that delves into the lives of the Traore family, a noble lineage within the Bambara Empire of Segu (present-day Mali) during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. As the region faces the pressures of colonialism, the slave trade, and religious upheaval from both Islam and Christianity, the family members experience profound transformations in their personal identities and loyalties. Through their diverse and often conflicting paths, the novel explores the complex interplay of social, political, and cultural forces shaping West Africa during a period of intense turmoil and change.

    The 4867th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Fantasia: An Algerian Cavalcade by Assia Djebar

    "Fantasia: An Algerian Cavalcade" is a multifaceted novel that intertwines personal narratives with the history of Algeria's resistance against French colonialism. Through a blend of autobiography, historical documentation, and fictional reimaginings, the book explores the complex layers of identity, memory, and struggle from the perspective of Algerian women. The narrative shifts across time, recounting both the 19th-century French invasion and the 20th-century war for independence, while delving into the author's own experiences and the broader cultural and linguistic challenges faced by Algerian society. The novel stands out for its poetic style and its innovative use of language to capture the voices of those often silenced in historical discourse.

    The 4937th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. 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 5084th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Silence Of The Sea by Jean Bruller

    The book is a poignant wartime novella that tells the story of a German officer who is billeted in the house of a Frenchman during the Nazi occupation of France. The French family chooses a powerful form of resistance: complete silence. They never speak to the officer, who is cultured and refined, and who struggles with his role in the war and the occupation. Despite the lack of verbal communication, the officer opens up about his feelings and thoughts, revealing his humanity and the tragedy of war. The narrative explores themes of resistance, the human condition, and the profound impact of nonviolent defiance.

    The 5260th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. The Sea Wall by Marguerite Duras

    The novel explores the struggles of a widowed mother and her two children as they try to survive in the colonial Indochina of the 1930s. They are fighting against the encroaching sea that threatens their rice fields with a futile sea wall, while also grappling with the pervasive corruption and exploitation of the colonial administration. The family's plight is further complicated by the daughter's emotional entanglement with a wealthy lover, which brings temporary relief but also new tensions. The narrative delves into themes of colonialism, poverty, and the harsh realities of a woman's role in society, painting a vivid picture of the era and the landscape that shapes their lives.

    The 5265th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. La Dernière Harde by Maurice Genevoix

    The book is a poignant narrative that delves into the life of a deer herd in the forests of Sologne, France. Through the changing seasons, the story follows the herd's struggles for survival against natural elements, hunters, and the encroachment of civilization. The author masterfully portrays the beauty and brutality of nature, as well as the complex relationships within the herd, led by their majestic leader. The novel is a reflection on the themes of life, death, and the relentless cycle of nature, offering a rich exploration of the animal psyche and the impact of human activity on wildlife.

    The 5269th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. The Accursed Kings Series by Maurice Druon

    The series is a historical drama set in the early 14th century, weaving a narrative rich with political intrigue, betrayal, and the curse that befalls the French monarchy. It begins with the execution of the Knights Templar and follows the precipitous downfall of the Capetian kings, as they grapple with scandal, vengeance, and the complex web of power struggles within their court. The series is renowned for its meticulously researched portrayal of medieval history, bringing to life the tumultuous period that ultimately leads to the Hundred Years' War between France and England.

    The 5277th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. The Island by Robert Merle

    The novel is a historical fiction set in the 18th century, following a group of mutineers who, after seizing a ship, find themselves on a deserted island. Striving to create a utopian society free from the constraints of their previous lives, the castaways establish a community with egalitarian principles. However, their attempts at an idealistic life are challenged by the complexities of human nature, power struggles, and the difficulties of survival in an isolated environment. As the narrative unfolds, the island becomes a microcosm for the broader human experience, exploring themes of freedom, governance, and morality.

    The 5287th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Mangeclous by Albert Cohen

    "Mangeclous" is a satirical novel that follows the misadventures of a group of Jewish friends from the Greek island of Cephalonia, who are bound by their shared dreams and follies. The central character, a cunning and comical figure known for his voracious appetite, leads his companions on a quixotic journey to 1930s Geneva with the aim of securing funds they believe are owed to them by a wealthy relative. Throughout their journey, the novel delves into themes of identity, exile, and the human condition, all while painting a humorous and poignant portrait of a community grappling with its place in the world amidst the rise of European anti-Semitism.

    The 5291st Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. 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 5352nd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. The World Is Not Enough by Zoe Oldenbourg

    The novel is a historical fiction that delves into the complexities of medieval life, exploring the intricate tapestry of love, power, and faith during the time of the Crusades. Through the eyes of a noble family, the narrative weaves a rich depiction of 12th-century Europe, capturing the tensions between Christian kingdoms and the Muslim world. The story portrays the struggles of individuals caught in the grand sweep of history, as they navigate the challenges of their era, from the intricacies of court politics to the brutal realities of warfare, all while confronting their own personal ambitions, desires, and the ever-present influence of the Church.

    The 5541st Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Desert by J. M. G. Le Clezio

    "Desert" is a sweeping narrative that spans across time and continents, telling the story of a young nomadic woman from the North African desert and her tribe's struggle against the encroaching forces of modernization and colonialism. Intertwined with her tale is the story of a descendant living in France, grappling with his own sense of identity and belonging. The novel paints a vivid picture of cultural erosion and the loss of traditional ways of life, while also exploring themes of resilience, memory, and the enduring connection to one's heritage amidst the relentless march of progress and change.

    The 5691st Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Small Lives by Pierre Michon

    The book is a profound exploration of the rural French landscape and the lives of those who inhabit it, delving into the biographies of several characters from the 19th and 20th centuries. Through a series of interconnected stories, the narrative weaves a tapestry of human experiences, reflecting on themes of obscurity, the passage of time, and the search for meaning. The author's lyrical prose and deep understanding of the human condition paint a vivid picture of small lives that resonate with universal truths, revealing the extraordinary within the seemingly ordinary and the enduring impact of our brief existence on the world.

    The 6099th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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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