The Greatest Russian, British "Humor, Fiction" Books Since 1980

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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. 26. There But For The by Ali Smith

    There But For The is a novel that explores the interconnectedness of people's lives through the story of a man who locks himself in a room of a house he was invited to for dinner, and refuses to come out. The man's actions cause a media frenzy and bring together four individuals who have links to him, each revealing their own stories and perspectives. The book is a commentary on contemporary life, exploring themes of identity, memory, time, and the nature of connection and disconnection in society.

    The 3664th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Riders by Jilly Cooper

    "Riders" is a racy novel set in the competitive world of show jumping. The story revolves around a handsome, ambitious protagonist who is determined to reach the top of the sport, even if it means bending the rules. His life becomes complicated when he falls in love with a beautiful woman who is also a talented rider. The novel is filled with passion, rivalry, and the glamorous, high-stakes world of international show jumping.

    The 3725th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. The Emperor's Babe by Bernardine Evaristo

    This novel tells the story of a young Sudanese girl, Zuleika, who is married off at the age of 11 to a rich, older Roman businessman in Londinium, 211 AD. Despite the luxuries her marriage affords her, Zuleika feels trapped and yearns for real love and freedom. The narrative takes a turn when she meets and falls in love with the Roman Emperor, a relationship that brings her joy but also puts her in grave danger. The book is a vivid portrayal of ancient Rome, with its mix of cultures, and explores themes of love, freedom, and the struggles of a woman in a patriarchal society.

    The 4049th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. The Zone by Sergei Dovlatov

    "The Zone" is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the life of a writer who is confined to a Soviet labor camp. Through a series of vignettes, the protagonist reflects on his experiences in the camp, the absurdities of the Soviet system, and the struggles of maintaining his identity and integrity in the face of oppression. With dark humor and sharp observations, the book offers a poignant and satirical portrayal of life in the Soviet Union.

    The 4082nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Pushkin Hills by Sergei Dovlatov

    The book is a tragicomic novel that follows the story of an unsuccessful writer and divorced father who takes a summer job as a tour guide at the rural estate of a famous Russian poet. As he immerses himself in the petty concerns and daily life of the museum staff and local villagers, the protagonist grapples with his own literary ambitions, the complexities of his personal life, and the cultural legacy of the poet whose memory he is charged with preserving. The narrative is infused with sharp wit and a deep sense of irony as it explores themes of artistic integrity, cultural heritage, and the absurdities of Soviet life.

    The 4790th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Out Of Sheer Rage by Geoff Dyer

    In this unconventional work, the author grapples with his own writer's block and the overwhelming challenge of articulating his thoughts on a literary figure he admires. Oscillating between a travelogue, memoir, and a study in procrastination, the narrative takes the reader on a journey through various locations and states of mind. The author candidly shares his struggles with the creative process, his distractions, and his personal life, all the while reflecting on the nature of writing and the difficulties of completing a project. The book is as much an exploration of the author's internal landscape as it is an homage to the elusiveness of the artistic endeavor.

    The 4822nd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. A Good Man In Africa by William Boyd

    This novel is a darkly comedic tale set in the fictional West African country of Kinjanja, where we follow the misadventures of Morgan Leafy, a morally ambiguous British diplomat. Struggling with his own vices, bureaucratic absurdities, and the complexities of colonial politics, Leafy's life spirals out of control as he attempts to navigate a series of personal and professional crises. Through a blend of satire and tragedy, the narrative explores themes of corruption, power, and the human condition, presenting a vivid, if not always flattering, picture of life in post-colonial Africa.

    The 4887th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Going Postal by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, a notorious con artist is given a second chance at life by being forced to revive the defunct Ankh-Morpork Post Office. As the new Postmaster, he must contend with outdated mail systems, a haunted post office, and the competition from a powerful, unscrupulous clacks communication company. Using his wits and a motley crew of postal employees, he embarks on a madcap journey to restore the postal service, outmaneuver the corporate villains, and ultimately redefine the meaning of communication in a city teeming with magic and mayhem.

    The 5417th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Titmuss Regained by John Mortimer

    This novel is a satirical continuation of the life of Leslie Titmuss, a character who has risen from humble beginnings to a position of power as a Conservative Member of Parliament. Set in the idyllic English countryside, the story delves into Titmuss's personal and professional challenges as he navigates the complexities of political life, social change, and romantic entanglements. The narrative humorously critiques the social and political landscape of Britain, exploring themes of power, class, and the clash between traditional values and modern realities. Through the protagonist's endeavors to maintain his status and influence, the book offers a witty examination of ambition, morality, and the intricacies of human relationships in the context of 20th-century British society.

    The 5659th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Mort by Terry Pratchett

    In this comedic fantasy novel, a young, clumsy boy named Mort is taken on as an apprentice by Death, the grim reaper himself. As Mort learns the ropes of the family business, he struggles with the responsibilities of ushering souls into the afterlife. His compassion leads him to interfere with fate, causing a rift in reality that he must repair. Along the way, Mort encounters a colorful cast of characters, explores the peculiarities of the Discworld, and ultimately discovers his own place within it. The book combines wit, satire, and a deep exploration of the nature of humanity and destiny.

    The 5875th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett

    In a fantastical realm where witches hold sway over the common folk's superstitions and destinies, three eccentric crones find themselves entangled in royal intrigue after a throne is usurped by a power-hungry duke. The trio, guided by their own peculiar brand of wisdom and the manipulative hands of fate, must navigate the treacherous waters of politics and prophecy to restore the rightful heir to the crown. With a cauldron bubbling with satire and wit, the story cleverly subverts the tropes of Shakespearean drama, fairy tales, and fantasy conventions, all while exploring themes of power, destiny, and the nature of storytelling itself.

    The 6099th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett

    In a satirical twist on the fantasy genre, the story unfolds in a chaotic city where the inept and often ignored Night Watch finds itself facing an unexpected challenge when a secret society summons a dragon to achieve their political ambitions. The motley crew of guards, including a naive new recruit, a cynical captain, and a nobleman in disguise, must navigate through absurdity, corruption, and incompetence to save the city from fiery destruction. Along the way, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, including a formidable lady librarian and a magical swamp dragon, all while poking fun at the tropes of fantasy novels and exploring themes of duty, heroism, and the nature of power.

    The 6123rd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, Death finds himself unexpectedly unemployed when the universe decides that even the Grim Reaper needs a replacement. As he explores the meaning of life from a mortal perspective, taking on the guise of a farmhand named Bill Door, the world struggles with the consequences of a reality where the dead are no longer being collected. Meanwhile, a surplus of life force leads to a series of bizarre and comedic events, including the rise of a sentient mall and the mischief of poltergeists. As the fabric of reality begins to unravel, it's up to Death, with his newfound humanity, to confront his replacement and restore the natural order.

    The 6279th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Witches Abroad by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, three witches embark on a journey to a distant land to prevent a fairy godmother from forcibly creating a "happy ending," regardless of the consequences. The witches, each with their own distinct personality and approach to magic, navigate through a world filled with twisted fairy tale tropes, encountering talking animals, voodoo, and the power of stories along the way. As they travel, they grapple with the nature of destiny and the importance of free will, ultimately aiming to subvert the godmother's manipulative narrative and allow the people to shape their own lives. The novel humorously explores themes of fate, storytelling, and the subversion of traditional fairy tale conventions.

    The 6292nd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett

    This charming novella explores the whimsical scenario in which the Queen of England becomes an avid reader, a hobby that begins quite by accident when she stumbles upon a mobile library parked at Buckingham Palace. Her newfound passion for books leads her on a journey of self-discovery, changing her outlook on life and her role as a monarch. As her reading list grows, so does her questioning of the status quo, much to the dismay of her courtiers. The narrative humorously and poignantly examines the transformative power of literature and its ability to inspire introspection, empathy, and an insatiable curiosity about the world.

    The 6302nd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. The Restraint Of Beasts by Magnus Mills

    This darkly comic novel follows the misadventures of an unnamed English foreman tasked with supervising two Scottish fence builders, Tam and Richie, in rural England. The trio's mundane job of erecting high-tension fences takes a series of bizarre and increasingly grim turns, leading them on a journey across the British countryside and eventually to mainland Europe. The narrative is marked by the author's minimalist style, blending deadpan humor with an undercurrent of menace, as the mundane reality of manual labor collides with surreal and unsettling events. The story explores themes of freedom, the absurdity of modern life, and the thin veneer of civilization that masks humanity's darker impulses.

    The 6438th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Men At Arms by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, the city of Ankh-Morpork's Night Watch faces a period of change and expansion, as it is forced to open its ranks to a diverse group of new recruits, including a troll, a dwarf, and a werewolf, due to a new affirmative action policy. The motley crew of guardsmen must navigate the intricacies of their own interpersonal dynamics while simultaneously unraveling a plot that threatens the city's very existence. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they encounter a lethal weapon with a mind of its own, and the group must overcome prejudice and personal shortcomings to prevent chaos from consuming the city they are sworn to protect.

    The 6454th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. The Mighty Walzer by Howard Jacobson

    This novel is a coming-of-age story set in 1950s Manchester, revolving around the life of Oliver Walzer, a shy Jewish boy with a prodigious talent for table tennis. Growing up in a close-knit community, Oliver navigates the complexities of adolescence, family dynamics, and cultural identity, all while trying to perfect his game. His journey is filled with humor, heartache, and the pursuit of personal and athletic excellence. As he moves from the safety of his family's home to the broader world, Oliver's experiences reflect the universal challenges of growing up and finding one's place in the world.

    The 6504th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman, Lenny Henry, Mónica Faerna

    "Anansi Boys" is a fantastical novel that follows the life of Fat Charlie Nancy, a mild-mannered man who is shocked to discover that his estranged father was the African spider god, Anansi. After his father's death, Fat Charlie's life is turned upside down when he meets his charming and charismatic brother, Spider, who has inherited their father's powers. As Spider begins to wreak havoc on Fat Charlie's life, the two brothers embark on a wild adventure through the spirit world, encountering gods, ghosts, and other supernatural beings along the way. With humor, heart, and a touch of magic, "Anansi Boys" is a thrilling and imaginative tale about family, identity, and the power of storytelling.

    The 6513th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Soul Music by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, the world of Discworld is introduced to rock and roll—or "Music with Rocks In"—when a young harpist's life is forever changed after his guitar is imbued with a soul of its own. As the music feverishly spreads across the land, it brings with it a wave of rebellious youth culture, shaking the foundations of society. Meanwhile, Death, one of the book's central characters, goes through an existential crisis, leading to his temporary abdication of duties and the subsequent chaos in the natural order. The story humorously explores themes of fame, destiny, and the transformative power of music, all while parodying the real-world music industry and its icons.

    The 6517th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. The Good Life Elsewhere by Vladimir Lorchenkov

    "The Good Life Elsewhere" is a darkly humorous and satirical novel that follows a group of Moldovan villagers who embark on a chaotic journey to Italy in search of a better life. Through their misadventures, the author exposes the harsh realities of poverty, corruption, and the desperate measures people are willing to take in pursuit of a brighter future. With a blend of absurdity and poignant social commentary, the novel offers a compelling exploration of the human condition and the universal desire for a better life.

    The 6723rd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, a member of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch is sent as an ambassador to the politically unstable region of Überwald, where he must navigate the complex social dynamics of werewolves, dwarves, and vampires. The mission is to secure peace and trade agreements, but the situation quickly escalates when a sacred artifact goes missing, threatening to ignite a civil war. With his unique blend of diplomacy and detective skills, the protagonist must solve the mystery, recover the artifact, and prevent chaos in a land where tradition clashes with progress and dark secrets lurk beneath the surface.

    The 6850th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Thief Of Time by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, the concept of time is personified and at risk as a young clockmaker is tricked into creating a time-stopping clock, which could bring about the end of the world. Meanwhile, the history monks, guardians of time, along with the anthropomorphic personification of Death and his granddaughter, work to prevent this temporal catastrophe. The narrative weaves through multiple storylines filled with quirky characters, including a martial arts monk with a talent for baking, as they confront the nature of time, the importance of living in the moment, and the challenge of managing an increasingly unstable reality. The book combines humor, philosophy, and a richly detailed world to explore the complexities of time and human existence.

    The 7021st Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. White Man Falling by Mike Stocks

    This novel is a darkly comedic exploration of life in a small Indian town, where the unexpected fall of a white man from a balcony sets off a series of events that entangle the lives of the local residents. Through this incident, the book delves into the complexities of Indian society, touching on themes of corruption, tradition, and the clash of cultures. The narrative weaves together the perspectives of various characters, from police officers to politicians, offering a satirical look at the absurdities of life and the universal human condition. Through its vivid portrayal of India and its people, the novel provides a poignant commentary on the intricacies of social hierarchy and the challenges of understanding across cultural divides.

    The 7065th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Absurdistan by Gary Shteyngart

    "Absurdistan" is a satirical novel by Gary Shteyngart that follows the story of Misha Vainberg, a wealthy and overweight Russian-American who finds himself stuck in the fictional country of Absurdistan after his father's death. The country is on the brink of a civil war, and Misha must navigate his way through the corrupt and absurd political landscape to get back to America and reunite with his love interest. Along the way, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters and experiences the absurdity of life in a country where everything seems to be falling apart.

    The 7065th 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