The Greatest Czech, French, Spanish "Humor, Fiction" Books Since 1900

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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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Humor

Humor is a category of books that is characterized by its ability to make readers laugh or feel amused. These books often contain witty dialogue, clever wordplay, and humorous situations that are designed to entertain and delight readers. Humor can be found in a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and graphic novels, and can range from light-hearted and silly to dark and satirical. Whether you're looking for a quick laugh or a more in-depth exploration of the human condition through humor, there is something for everyone in the world of humorous books.

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  1. 1. The Good Soldier Svejk by Jaroslav Hašek

    "The Good Soldier Svejk" is a satirical novel set during World War I, following the story of a Czech soldier in the Austro-Hungarian army. Svejk, the protagonist, is a simple-minded, good-natured man who is frequently arrested for bungling jobs due to his apparent idiocy. Despite his constant run-ins with authority, Svejk manages to maintain his cheerful disposition and even takes advantage of his perceived stupidity to manipulate the system. The book offers a humorous and critical perspective on the absurdity of war and the incompetence of military bureaucracy.

    The 217th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Zazie in the Metro by Raymond Queneau

    A young, precocious girl named Zazie comes to Paris to stay with her flamboyant uncle, a professional female impersonator. She is obsessed with riding the Metro, but a strike thwarts her plans. As she explores the city on her own, she encounters a variety of eccentric characters, gets into mischief, and ultimately causes chaos in the city. The novel is a humorous and satirical look at Parisian life, filled with word play and surreal elements.

    The 744th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Closely Watched Trains by Bohumil Hrabal

    "Closely Watched Trains" is a darkly humorous tale set in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia during World War II. It follows the life of a young, inexperienced railway worker who is struggling with his sexual awakening while dealing with the harsh realities of war. The novel is a poignant exploration of the absurdity of life, the tragicomedy of human existence, and the power of ordinary people to resist oppression.

    The 1632nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Penguin Island by Anatole France

    "Penguin Island" is a satirical novel that tells the story of a fictional land, Penguin Island, which is mistakenly baptized by a nearsighted missionary monk who believes the penguins are people. The novel then traces the history of this civilization, drawing parallels with French history and satirizing its politics, religion, and social mores. The narrative also incorporates elements of fantasy, such as penguins transforming into humans, and uses these elements to critique and lampoon human society and its institutions.

    The 1668th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Asterix the Gaul by Rene Goscinny

    In this comic book, a small Gaulish village in ancient France resists Roman occupation with the help of a magic potion that gives them superhuman strength. The story revolves around the adventures of a brave and clever warrior and his lovable, hefty sidekick. Their adventures are filled with humor, satire, and historical references, as they outwit their Roman adversaries and protect their village from various threats.

    The 1884th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. I Served The King Of England by Bohumil Hrabal

    "I Served The King Of England" is a captivating novel that follows the life of a young Czech waiter named Ditie, who dreams of becoming a millionaire and serving the highest-ranking clientele. Set against the backdrop of World War II and the Communist regime, the story takes readers on a journey through Ditie's experiences in various hotels and restaurants, his encounters with eccentric characters, and his pursuit of love and success. With humor, wit, and a touch of satire, the book explores themes of ambition, identity, and the impact of historical events on an individual's life.

    The 1944th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Little Nicholas by Rene Goscinny

    "Little Nicholas" is a collection of humorous and heartwarming stories that revolve around the mischievous adventures of a young boy named Nicholas and his group of friends. From pranks at school to family vacations, the book offers a delightful glimpse into the innocent and imaginative world of childhood, filled with relatable anecdotes that will resonate with readers of all ages.

    The 2143rd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Greguerias by Ramón Gómez de la Serna

    The book is a collection of witty, poetic, and often surreal aphorisms and reflections that blend humor, irony, and keen observation to capture the essence of everyday objects and experiences in a unique and thought-provoking way. These brief, imaginative musings offer a window into the author's playful mind, as he transforms the mundane into the extraordinary with his inventive use of language and metaphor. The work is a testament to the author's innovative spirit and his ability to see the world through a lens of whimsical creativity.

    The 2962nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Cutting It Short by Bohumil Hrabal

    Set in a small Czech town during the 1920s, the narrative follows the life of a vivacious and free-spirited young woman married to the town's brewery manager. Her playful and unconventional behavior often leads to humorous and sometimes scandalous situations, as she navigates through the social norms and expectations of the time. The story captures the charm and eccentricities of rural life through a series of anecdotes, reflecting on the themes of freedom, tradition, and the joy of the everyday. The protagonist's zest for life and her interactions with the colorful cast of characters create a whimsical and endearing portrait of a community on the brink of modernization.

    The 3082nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Gaston by André Franquin

    "Gaston" is a comic strip series that follows the humorous misadventures of a lazy and accident-prone office junior working at the fictional company Spirou. The series is known for its slapstick humor, but it also subtly satirizes the corporate world. Despite his lack of productivity and constant mistakes, Gaston never gets fired, highlighting the absurdity and inefficiency of bureaucracy.

    The 3686th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. A Light Comedy by Eduardo Mendoza

    "A Light Comedy" is a humorous tale set in Barcelona during the 1940s, centered around a middle-aged woman who, after losing everything in the Civil War, uses her wits and cunning to survive. She turns her apartment into a boarding house for single ladies, but when the business starts to falter, she decides to concoct a plan to marry a rich American. The novel is filled with a colorful cast of characters, and is a satirical commentary on the social and political climate of the time.

    The 4490th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. 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
  13. 13. Big Blondes by Jean Echenoz

    "Big Blondes" is a satirical novel that delves into the frenzied pursuit of a reclusive former pop star, Gloria Stella. After deciding to vanish from the public eye, Gloria becomes the target of a relentless documentary filmmaker determined to track her down for a career-defining exposé. The narrative unfolds as a humorous and thrilling chase across various countries, weaving through absurd situations and eccentric characters. The novel critiques celebrity culture and the media's obsessive fascination with public figures, all delivered with sharp wit and a playful tone.

    The 6729th 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