The Greatest Soviet, Austrian "Satire, 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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Satire

Satire is a genre of literature that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize and ridicule human vices, follies, and shortcomings. It is a form of social commentary that aims to expose the flaws and absurdities of society, politics, and culture. Satirical books often employ sarcasm, wit, and parody to challenge the status quo and provoke thought and reflection in readers. Satire can be both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it has been used throughout history as a powerful tool for social and political critique.

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  1. 1. Correction by Thomas Bernhard

    "Correction" is a complex narrative revolving around the life of a man named Roithamer, a genius obsessed with constructing an architectural masterpiece, the Cone, in the center of the Kobernausser forest. The story is told through the perspective of his friend who is reading Roithamer's notes after his suicide. The novel explores themes of obsession, isolation, and the pursuit of perfection, while also delving into the protagonist's troubled relationships with his family and society.

    The 1031st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Concrete by Thomas Bernhard

    The book is a darkly introspective narrative that delves into the mind of a reclusive, obsessive intellectual who is struggling to complete his scholarly work on the composer Mendelssohn. As he grapples with his own ailments and the perceived mediocrity of his surroundings, the protagonist's stream-of-consciousness monologue reveals his deep-seated anxieties, self-loathing, and profound isolation. The narrative is a relentless examination of the protagonist's psyche, showcasing his critical view of society and his own personal relationships, which are fraught with tension and dysfunction. Through this, the novel explores themes of artistic creation, intellectual elitism, and the suffocating nature of expectations and familial obligations.

    The 1733rd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Woodcutters by Thomas Bernhard

    Woodcutters is a darkly humorous critique of Vienna's artistic elite. The story takes place over the course of a single evening, as the narrator attends a dinner party in honor of a recently successful actor. As the evening progresses, he reflects on the pretentiousness and hypocrisy of the guests, the mediocrity of their artistic achievements, and the tragic suicide of his former lover. The novel is a scathing indictment of the vanity and self-delusion of the artistic community.

    The 1741st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Twelve Chairs by Ilya Ilf, Evgeniy Petrov

    In this satirical novel, a former nobleman and a con artist form an unlikely partnership in pursuit of hidden treasure. After the Russian Revolution, fortunes are overturned, and the nobleman learns that his family jewels were sewn into one of the twelve chairs from a dining room set. As the chairs have been scattered by the new Soviet regime, the duo embarks on a wild chase across the USSR, encountering a colorful cast of characters and navigating the absurdities of the communist system. Their quest for wealth is a humorous reflection on human greed and the ironies of fate in a society undergoing radical change.

    The 1744th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Little Golden Calf by Evgeniy Petrov, Ilya Ilf

    The book is a satirical novel that follows the adventures of a charming con artist in the Soviet Union during the 1920s. The protagonist, with a combination of wit, luck, and audacity, navigates through the absurdities of the Soviet bureaucracy and the remnants of the pre-revolutionary elite in pursuit of a mythical treasure. His journey is marked by a series of humorous episodes that expose the contradictions and ironies of the early Soviet society, ultimately offering a sharp critique of human greed and the folly of the era's political and social systems.

    The 1774th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Wittgenstein's Nephew by Thomas Bernhard

    "Wittgenstein's Nephew" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the friendship between the narrator and his friend Paul, who is the nephew of the famous philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. The story takes place in Vienna and is set against the backdrop of the Austrian mental health system. The novel delves into themes of sanity, insanity, and the fine line that separates the two, while also offering a critique of Austrian society. It is a meditation on the nature of illness, both physical and mental, and the impact it has on personal relationships and one's perception of the world.

    The 3003rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Vasili Tyorkin by Alexander Tvardovsky

    The book is a classic Soviet-era narrative poem that follows the eponymous character, an everyman soldier, through his experiences on the Eastern Front of World War II. With a blend of humor, pathos, and folk wisdom, the protagonist embodies the resilience and resourcefulness of the Soviet people during the war. Through a series of episodic adventures, the poem paints a vivid picture of life on the front lines, capturing the camaraderie among soldiers, the hardships of battle, and the indomitable spirit of the protagonist as he navigates the brutal realities of war with wit and cunning.

    The 3730th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Sandro From Chegem by Fazil Iskander

    The book is a satirical novel that follows the life and adventures of Sandro, a charismatic and larger-than-life character from the Abkhazian village of Chegem. Through a series of humorous and poignant anecdotes, the narrative explores the cultural and social dynamics of Soviet life, delving into themes of power, tradition, and the absurdity of bureaucratic systems. Sandro's escapades, which often challenge the status quo, offer a window into the complexities of life in the Caucasus region, blending folklore with political commentary and providing a rich tapestry of human experience that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression and change.

    The 3731st Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Lust by Elfriede Jelinek

    This book is a provocative exploration of the dynamics of power and desire within the confines of a loveless marriage. Set against the backdrop of the Austrian Alps, it delves into the life of a woman trapped in a relationship with her abusive and unfaithful husband, a powerful paper mill owner. The narrative dissects the commodification of sex, the objectification of women, and the societal structures that perpetuate these themes. Through a stark and unflinching examination of the protagonist's degradation and the pervasive corruption in her world, the novel presents a scathing critique of consumerism, the patriarchy, and the hollow nature of modern relationships.

    The 4367th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Last Days of Mankind by Karl Kraus

    "The Last Days of Mankind" is a satirical play that provides a critical commentary on the socio-political climate during World War I. The narrative presents a stark portrayal of the absurdity of war and the destructive forces of propaganda, bureaucracy, and nationalism. The author uses a variety of literary techniques, including parody, satire, and direct quotes from contemporary sources, to highlight the folly and tragedy of war. The play is known for its unique style, rich language, and its profound critique of society and culture during a time of great upheaval and conflict.

    The 4688th 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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