The Greatest Singaporean, Indian, South African "Fiction, Speculative Fiction" Books Since 1990

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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

Speculative Fiction

Speculative fiction is an umbrella genre encompassing narrative fiction with supernatural or futuristic elements. This includes genres such as science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history. The unifying factor of speculative fiction is its departure from the narrative constraints of reality, exploring imaginative and often profound questions that challenge our understanding of the world and our place within it. These stories often delve into themes like the human condition, social commentary, and the exploration of philosophical and ethical dilemmas through the lens of the fantastical or the yet-to-be-possible. By pushing the boundaries of the known, speculative fiction invites readers to consider the myriad possibilities of existence and the potential consequences of our actions in worlds that are, at once, vastly different from and eerily similar to our own.

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  1. 1. A River Sutra by Gita Mehta

    The book weaves together a series of interconnected stories set along the Narmada River in India, exploring themes of love, loss, and spirituality. Through the eyes of a retired bureaucrat who becomes the manager of a guesthouse by the river, the narrative delves into the lives of various pilgrims, ascetics, and seekers who visit the sacred site. Each character's tale reflects the diverse cultural and spiritual tapestry of India, revealing the profound impact of the river on their personal journeys and inner transformations.

    The 1867th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Black Tides Of Heaven by Neon Yang

    In a fantastical Asian-inspired world where the forces of magic and technology intertwine, two twins are born to the Protector, a tyrannical ruler with a powerful grip over the realm. The twins, Mokoya and Akeha, are gifted with prophetic and magical abilities, respectively, and are sent to a monastery to hone their skills. As they grow older, they find themselves at the heart of a rebellion against their mother's oppressive regime. The story explores themes of destiny, freedom, and the complex bonds of family, all while the twins grapple with their identities and the paths they choose to take in a society where gender is fluid and self-determined.

    The 9029th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Raavan & Eddie by Kiran Nagarkar

    "Raavan & Eddie" is a captivating coming-of-age story set in the bustling streets of Mumbai. The book follows the lives of two young boys, Raavan and Eddie, who grow up in the same chawl and share a unique bond. As they navigate the challenges of poverty, family dynamics, and societal expectations, their friendship is tested, and their dreams take them on unexpected paths. With humor, heart, and a vivid depiction of Mumbai's vibrant culture, this novel explores themes of identity, love, and the pursuit of dreams in a rapidly changing world.

    The 9730th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Zoo City by Lauren Beukes, Philibert-Caillat Laurent Beukes Lauren

    "Zoo City" by Lauren Beukes is a gripping urban fantasy novel set in a gritty Johannesburg where people who have committed a crime are magically bonded with an animal familiar. The story follows Zinzi December, a former journalist with a sloth on her back, as she becomes embroiled in a dangerous mystery involving a missing pop star and a dark conspiracy that threatens her newfound stability. With its unique blend of crime, magic, and social commentary, "Zoo City" explores themes of redemption, identity, and the consequences of our actions in a captivating and thought-provoking way.

    The 9812th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. When Dreams Travel by Githa Hariharan

    "When Dreams Travel" is a thought-provoking novel that explores the complex themes of identity, memory, and the power of dreams. Set in India, the story follows the lives of three individuals from different backgrounds who are brought together by a shared dream. As they embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind their dreams, they are confronted with their own pasts and the interconnectedness of their lives. Hariharan's lyrical prose and vivid descriptions create a captivating narrative that delves into the depths of the human psyche and the universal longing for self-discovery.

    The 9955th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Sorcerer To The Crown by Zen Cho

    "Sorcerer To The Crown" is a captivating fantasy novel set in a magical version of Regency England. The story follows Zacharias, the first African Sorcerer Royal, as he navigates the treacherous world of politics and magic. With the help of his bold and resourceful assistant, Prunella, they uncover a dark secret threatening the balance of power between humans and magical beings. As they embark on a dangerous journey, they must confront prejudice, unravel mysteries, and challenge the norms of society to restore harmony in the magical realm.

    The 10043rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Calcutta Chromosome by Amitav Ghosh

    "The Calcutta Chromosome" by Amitav Ghosh is a captivating science fiction novel that intertwines the stories of Antar, a computer programmer in New York, and Murugan, a former employee of the British Indian Medical Service in Calcutta. As Antar delves into the mysterious disappearance of Murugan, he becomes immersed in a complex web of history, science, and conspiracy. The book explores themes of time travel, medical research, and the pursuit of knowledge, taking readers on a thrilling journey through the streets of Calcutta and the depths of the human mind.

    The 10566th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes

    This novel is a gripping thriller that intertwines the lives of a time-traveling serial killer and one of his survivors, who is determined to bring him to justice. Set against the backdrop of Depression-era Chicago, the narrative follows the killer as he uses a mysterious house to travel through time and target young women with bright futures—his "shining girls." After one victim survives a brutal attack, she embarks on a relentless quest to find her assailant, uncovering a trail of similar murders stretching across decades. The story masterfully blends elements of crime, horror, and science fiction, creating a chilling and suspenseful tale of resilience and retribution.

    The 11064th 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.

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