The Greatest Australian, French "Science fiction, Fiction" 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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Science fiction

Science fiction is a genre of literature that explores the potential consequences of scientific and other innovations on society and individuals. It often features futuristic or imaginary settings, advanced technologies, and scientific concepts that are not yet fully understood or realized. Science fiction can encompass a wide range of themes, including space exploration, time travel, artificial intelligence, and alternate realities. It is a genre that allows authors to speculate on the future of humanity and the impact of scientific progress on our lives.

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  1. 1. Malevil by Robert Merle

    Set in the aftermath of a devastating nuclear war, the novel follows a group of survivors who find refuge in a medieval castle named Malevil. The survivors, led by the protagonist, must navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives in a drastically altered world. They grapple with issues of survival, community, morality, and leadership as they encounter other groups of survivors with different philosophies and intentions. The story is a gripping exploration of human resilience, the will to maintain civilization, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships in a post-apocalyptic setting.

    The 1907th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Sea And Summer by George Turner

    "The Sea and Summer" by George Turner is a dystopian novel set in a future Australia where climate change and economic disparity have created a stark divide between the rich and the poor. The story follows the lives of two families, the Kents and the Coulters, as they struggle to survive in a decaying city plagued by extreme weather conditions and social unrest. As tensions rise and the gap between social classes widens, the characters must confront the harsh realities of their world and make difficult choices to ensure their survival.

    The 4854th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Immortals by René Barjavel

    "The Immortals" is a science fiction novel that explores the consequences of a groundbreaking discovery: a serum that grants eternal youth. As the serum becomes a coveted resource, it drastically alters society, leading to a chasm between the immortal elite and the aging population. The narrative delves into themes of power, inequality, and the ethical dilemmas of immortality, while following the lives of those who seek to control the serum and those who are affected by its existence. The story raises profound questions about the nature of life, death, and the true cost of eternal life.

    The 5242nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Empire Of The Ants by Bernard Werber

    In this novel, readers are plunged into a fascinating and complex world beneath their feet, where an ant civilization thrives with its own sophisticated society, technology, and culture. The story intertwines the lives of these ants with the human world, particularly through the experiences of a family that inherits a mysterious apartment in Paris, which hides secrets linked to the ant empire. As the narrative unfolds, the book explores themes of coexistence, the nature of intelligence, and the intricate balance of ecosystems, challenging the reader to consider the world from an entirely different perspective and to question humanity's place within the grand scheme of life.

    The 6501st Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Ancient Future Trilogy by Traci Harding

    The series blends elements of fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction, following the journey of a young woman who is transported back in time to the age of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. With her knowledge of the future and her emerging psychic abilities, she becomes a pivotal figure in the ancient world, influencing historical events and intertwining her destiny with legendary characters. As she navigates the challenges of her new life, she also uncovers mysteries that link the past, present, and future, revealing a timeless battle between light and darkness. Her adventures across time explore themes of destiny, reincarnation, and the interconnectedness of all things.

    The 6561st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Les Thanatonautes by Bernard Werber

    The book explores the adventures of a group of pioneering scientists who embark on an experimental journey to map the realm of death, which they term "Thanatonautes." By inducing near-death experiences, they navigate through successive levels of the afterlife, each with its own challenges and landscapes, in an attempt to uncover the secrets of what lies beyond life. Their quest for knowledge pushes the boundaries of science and spirituality, leading to profound insights about the human soul and the mysteries of existence, while also raising ethical and philosophical questions about the consequences of tampering with the unknown.

    The 6654th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Les Racines Du Mal by Maurice G. Dantec

    The book is a dark and complex thriller set in the near future, where a series of gruesome murders has gripped Europe. The narrative follows a troubled detective with a cybernetically enhanced brain as he tracks a serial killer whose crimes are linked to a sinister biotechnology corporation. As the investigation deepens, the detective uncovers a web of conspiracy that challenges the boundaries of human nature and technology, leading to a chilling exploration of the roots of evil and the potential horrors of a post-human world.

    The 6700th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. La Horde Du Contrevent by Alain Damasio

    The book is a French science fiction novel that follows a group of intrepid explorers, known as the Horde, as they embark on an epic quest against a relentless, omnipresent wind to reach the mysterious source of the wind at the far end of their world. The narrative is uniquely structured, with each member of the Horde providing their own perspective, and the story delves into themes of camaraderie, human resilience, and the struggle against nature. As the characters face physical and existential challenges, the novel explores the depths of human experience and the bonds that form in the face of adversity.

    The 8118th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Possibility Of An Island by Michel Houellebecq

    The novel explores the life and thoughts of a successful comedian who, disillusioned with the superficiality and decay of human relationships in a hedonistic society, becomes involved with a cult that seeks immortality through cloning and genetic manipulation. As the narrative alternates between the comedian's experiences and the reflections of his future cloned descendants, it delves into themes of existential despair, the search for meaning, and the consequences of eternal life. The story weaves a bleak and satirical tapestry of humanity's obsession with youth, sex, and death, ultimately questioning the very nature of human progress and happiness.

    The 8203rd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Permutation City by Greg Egan

    "Permutation City" by Greg Egan is a science fiction novel set in a future where people can create digital copies of themselves, known as "copies," and upload their consciousness into virtual reality. The story follows a computer scientist named Paul Durham who is obsessed with creating a perfect copy of himself. As he delves deeper into the possibilities of digital existence, he uncovers profound philosophical questions about identity, consciousness, and the nature of reality. Egan's thought-provoking narrative explores the ethical and existential implications of creating and living as digital beings.

    The 9462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Planet Of The Apes by Pierre Boulle

    In this thought-provoking novel, a group of astronauts crash-land on a planet where apes are the dominant species and humans are primitive creatures. The story follows the protagonist as he struggles to survive and understand this upside-down world, ultimately challenging the reader's notions of civilization, intelligence, and the nature of humanity.

    The 9854th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. On The Beach by Nevil Shute

    "On The Beach" is a post-apocalyptic novel that takes place in Australia following a devastating nuclear war. The story follows a group of individuals living in the last remaining city, awaiting their inevitable demise as deadly radiation slowly makes its way towards them. As they confront their mortality, they grapple with the existential dread of living in a world without a future, while also finding solace and connection in their shared experiences.

    The 9870th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Dreaming Dragons by Damien Broderick

    In this science fiction novel, a group of scientists embarks on a groundbreaking journey into the Dreamtime, a realm that bridges the gap between the ancient past and the far future. As they explore this mysterious dimension, they encounter an advanced race of dragon-like beings who possess profound knowledge and technology. The narrative weaves together themes of time travel, consciousness, and the interconnectedness of all life, challenging the characters to confront the nature of reality and their own place within the cosmic tapestry. The story delves into the complexities of human evolution, the potential for alternate timelines, and the existential risks and rewards of encountering other intelligent life forms.

    The 10087th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Diaspora by Greg Egan

    "Diaspora" by Greg Egan is a thought-provoking science fiction novel set in a future where humanity has evolved into multiple forms of artificial intelligence. The story follows a group of these post-human beings as they embark on a journey across the universe, exploring the concepts of identity, consciousness, and the nature of existence itself. With its intricate world-building and philosophical undertones, the book challenges readers to ponder the boundaries of humanity and the possibilities of a post-biological future.

    The 10496th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Animals In That Country by Laura Jean McKay

    "The Animals In That Country" by Laura Jean McKay is a gripping and thought-provoking novel set in a near-future Australia. The story follows Jean, a foul-mouthed and alcoholic grandmother, who discovers she has the ability to understand the language of animals after contracting a mysterious virus. As a deadly pandemic spreads across the country, Jean embarks on a journey with a dingo named Sue to find her pregnant daughter and escape the chaos. McKay skillfully explores themes of communication, human-animal relationships, and the fragile nature of society, creating a compelling narrative that challenges our perception of the world around us.

    The 10841st Greatest Book of All Time

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