The Greatest Australian, French "Fiction, Romance" Books Since 1950

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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

Romance

The Romance category of books typically involves stories that revolve around romantic relationships between two or more characters. These stories often explore themes of love, passion, and intimacy, and may include elements of drama, suspense, or humor. Romance novels can range from sweet and innocent to steamy and erotic, and may be set in a variety of time periods and locations. Overall, the Romance genre offers readers a chance to escape into a world of love and romance, where anything is possible.

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  1. 1. The Lover by Marguerite Duras

    "The Lover" is a poignant exploration of forbidden love, power dynamics, and colonialism. Set in 1930s French Indochina, it tells the story of a tumultuous and passionate affair between a 15-year-old French girl and her wealthy, older Chinese lover. The narrative delves into the complexities of their relationship, the societal norms they defy, and the inevitable heartbreak that follows. The protagonist's struggle with her family's poverty and her mother's mental instability further complicates the story, making it a compelling exploration of love, desire, and societal constraints.

    The 299th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough

    "The Thorn Birds" is a sweeping family saga that spans three generations of the Cleary family, set against the backdrop of the Australian outback. It focuses on the forbidden love between the beautiful Meggie Cleary and the family's priest, Father Ralph de Bricassart. The novel explores themes of love, religion, and ambition, as Meggie and Ralph struggle with their feelings for each other and the choices they must make.

    The 482nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Oscar and Lucinda by Peter Carey

    "Oscar and Lucinda" is a novel that tells the story of two unconventional individuals, Oscar and Lucinda, who meet on a ship going to Australia in the mid-19th century. Oscar, a young English clergyman, and Lucinda, a teenage Australian heiress, bond over their shared love of gambling. Their mutual obsession leads to a high-stakes wager that will have lasting consequences for both of them. The novel explores themes of love, faith, and obsession against the backdrop of Victorian-era England and Australia.

    The 852nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Transit of Venus by Shirley Hazzard

    The novel follows the lives of two orphaned Australian sisters, Caroline and Grace Bell, who move to England in the post-World War II era. The story revolves around their relationships, particularly Caroline's complex and often tragic love life. The narrative is filled with themes of love, fate, time, and the intricate complexities of human relationships, all set against the backdrop of significant historical events.

    The 1196th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. A Little Sun In Cold Water by Francoise Sagan

    This novel explores the complex and tumultuous life of a Parisian journalist who, feeling disillusioned and weary of his superficial existence in Paris, seeks solace and meaning in the provincial town of Limoges. There, he embarks on a passionate affair with a younger woman, hoping to find in this relationship the warmth and authenticity his life has been lacking. However, as the narrative unfolds, the protagonist is confronted with the harsh realities of love, the constraints of societal expectations, and the relentless pursuit of personal fulfillment. Through elegant prose and insightful character development, the story delves into themes of love, despair, and the eternal search for happiness in a world that often seems cold and unforgiving.

    The 3257th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Betty Blue: The Story of a Passion by Philippe Djian

    Betty Blue: The Story of a Passion is a tragic love story set in rural France. The novel follows the passionate and tumultuous relationship between a handyman and a free-spirited, mentally unstable woman named Betty. As their relationship deepens, Betty's mental health deteriorates, leading to a series of dramatic and heartbreaking events. The story is a raw and poignant exploration of love, mental illness, and the devastating consequences of passion.

    The 4018th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Great Fire by Shirley Hazzard

    "The Great Fire" is a historical novel set in the aftermath of World War II. The story follows a British war hero, Aldred Leith, who is sent to occupied Japan to research the effects of the war on the country's culture. During his stay, he falls in love with a young girl, Helen, who is the daughter of the Australian camp commander. Despite the age difference and societal expectations, the two form a deep bond. The book explores themes of love, war, cultural change, and personal transformation.

    The 5847th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Salt On Our Skin by Benoîte Groult

    The novel explores the passionate and tumultuous love affair between a Parisian intellectual and a Breton fisherman, which spans decades and continents. Despite their vastly different lives and backgrounds, the protagonists are drawn together by an irresistible attraction and a profound connection that defies societal norms and personal circumstances. Their intermittent encounters are marked by intense emotion and physical desire, as they navigate the complexities of love, longing, and the sacrifices they must make to remain true to themselves and each other. The story delves into themes of feminism, sexuality, and the enduring nature of love.

    The 6068th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. A Spy In The House Of Love by Anaïs Nin

    Set in the bohemian high society of 1950s New York, the novel follows the life of Sabina, a woman trapped in a loveless marriage who seeks fulfillment and identity through a series of passionate love affairs. As she navigates the complexities of love and sexuality, Sabina struggles with her own self-deception and the societal expectations that confine her. The story is a psychological exploration of a woman's quest for self-discovery and liberation.

    The 6170th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. A Very Long Engagement by Sebastien Japrisot

    The novel is a poignant exploration of love and perseverance set against the backdrop of World War I. It follows a young Frenchwoman who refuses to accept the official story that her fiancé has died on the battlefield. Despite being told he was executed for self-mutilation to escape military service, along with four other condemned soldiers, she embarks on a relentless quest to discover the truth. Her journey reveals a tangled web of deceit, cover-ups, and unexpected alliances, as she holds onto hope that her beloved is still alive. Through her unwavering determination, the narrative delves into the horrors of war and the enduring power of love.

    The 6502nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Lovers by Alice Ferney

    "The Lovers" explores the complexities of love and the intricate dynamics of family life through the lens of a passionate affair. The novel delves into the lives of a married man and his lover, examining the consequences of their illicit relationship not only on their own emotional well-being but also on their spouses and children. Set against a backdrop that spans several decades, the narrative poignantly addresses themes of fidelity, happiness, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught between duty and desire, ultimately questioning whether true love can justify the upheaval it often causes.

    The 6620th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Dirt Music by Tim Winton

    The novel explores the entangled lives of a small, tight-knit community in Western Australia, where the past and personal grief weigh heavily on the present. It centers on the illicit romance between Georgie Jutland, a woman feeling trapped in her relationship with a local fisherman, and Lu Fox, a poacher with a troubled history. Their connection sets off a chain of events that disrupts the community and sends Lu on a transformative journey into the remote Australian wilderness. As the narrative unfolds, the characters grapple with their inner demons, the harsh realities of love and survival, and the redemptive power of nature and music.

    The 6879th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Just Like Heaven by Marc Levy

    "Just Like Heaven" is a romantic and whimsical tale that follows the life of a successful architect who, after a near-death experience, gains the ability to see and communicate with the spirit of a comatose woman. As he helps her to uncover the events that led to her condition, they form an unlikely bond that transcends the boundaries between life and death. Their growing connection and the quest to save her life take them on a heartwarming journey that challenges the very notions of love, fate, and what it means to be truly alive.

    The 6894th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. L'éducation D'une Fée by Didier van Cauwelaert

    In this contemporary novel, a man finds his life turned upside down when his wife leaves him, entrusting him with the care of her six-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. As he navigates the challenges of single parenthood, he discovers that the little girl believes she is a fairy with magical powers. Through their shared journey, the man learns about love, responsibility, and the power of belief, as he strives to protect the child's innocence and imagination while also confronting the practical realities of life. The story is a touching exploration of the bonds that form between a stepfather and his stepdaughter, and the transformative impact of love and trust.

    The 7114th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Bye Bye Blondie by Virginie Despentes

    The novel revolves around the tumultuous love story of Gloria and Eric, two individuals from vastly different social backgrounds who reconnect after a passionate but turbulent teenage romance. Gloria, now in her thirties and struggling with the mundanity of her life and a history of mental health issues, finds her world turned upside down when Eric, who has since become a famous television personality, re-enters her life. Their intense and destructive relationship is rekindled, challenging the societal norms and expectations that have shaped their lives. Set against a backdrop of punk rock and disenchantment with the conventional, the narrative delves into themes of love, class conflict, and the search for identity in a world that often demands conformity.

    The 8147th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

    The novel centers around Don Tillman, a brilliant yet socially awkward genetics professor who has never been on a second date. Convinced he is simply not wired for romance, he embarks on the Wife Project - a scientific test to find the perfect partner. Enter Rosie Jarman, who is everything Don is not looking for: she's impulsive, fiery, and working as a barmaid while searching for her biological father. When Don agrees to help Rosie with her own project, his orderly, evidence-based approach to life is turned upside down. Through a series of unconventional encounters, the pair embarks on an endearing journey that challenges Don's perceptions of love, partnership, and what it means to be "normal."

    The 9504th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

    In this delightful romantic comedy, Lucy and Joshua are co-workers who despise each other. Constantly engaged in a battle of wits and pranks, their intense rivalry begins to blur the lines between love and hate. As they compete for a promotion, their relationship takes unexpected turns, revealing hidden feelings and a deeper connection. With a mix of humor, chemistry, and undeniable attraction, "The Hating Game" explores the thin line between love and hate in a workplace setting.

    The 10225th 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