The Greatest "Surrealism, Fiction" Books From 1940 to 1949

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 290 '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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Surrealism

Surrealism is a genre of literature that explores the subconscious mind and the irrational aspects of human experience. It often features dreamlike imagery, unexpected juxtapositions, and a sense of the uncanny. Surrealist literature seeks to challenge conventional thinking and push the boundaries of reality, often blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. It is a genre that celebrates the power of the imagination and encourages readers to question their perceptions of the world around them.

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  1. 1. Fictions by Jorge Luis Borges

    "Collected Fiction" is a compilation of stories by a renowned author that takes readers on a journey through a world of philosophical paradoxes, intellectual humor, and fantastical realities. The book features a range of narratives, from complex, multi-layered tales of labyrinths and detective investigations, to metaphysical explorations of infinity and the nature of identity. It offers an immersive and thought-provoking reading experience, blurring the boundaries between reality and fiction, past and present, and the self and the universe.

  2. 2. Froth on the daydream by Boris Vian

    "Froth on the Daydream" is a tragic love story set in a surreal world. The protagonist is a wealthy young man who marries a woman he loves deeply. However, their bliss is short-lived when she develops a strange illness - a water lily growing in her lung. As her health deteriorates, so does their wealth and social standing, leading to a bleak and heartbreaking end. This novel is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the harsh realities of life, all set within a fantastical and dreamlike landscape.

  3. 3. Arcanum 17 by André Breton

    "Arcanum 17" is a surrealist exploration of love, loss, and resurrection set amidst the backdrop of World War II. Drawing inspiration from the legend of Melusina, the author uses the symbolism of this mythic figure to discuss the role of women in society and the destructive nature of war. The narrative also delves into themes of renewal, rebirth, and the power of the feminine, all while using the surrealist style to blend reality and dream in a poetic and philosophical discourse.

  4. 4. The Aleph And Other Stories by Jorge Luis Borges

    This collection of short stories delves into a world of philosophical puzzles, literary references, and metaphysical intrigue. The narratives, often presented as intellectual exercises, explore themes of infinity, reality, and the nature of language and thought. The centerpiece story features a point in space that contains all other points, providing the protagonist with a vision of the entire universe. The other tales similarly challenge the reader's perception of time and identity, weaving together myth, religion, and history into a complex tapestry that defies conventional storytelling and blurs the line between the real and the imagined.

  5. 5. The Invention Of Morel by Adolfo Bioy Casares

    This novel unfolds on a mysterious, deserted island where the protagonist, a fugitive, discovers a strange building and a group of tourists who appear and disappear inexplicably. As he observes them, he falls in love with a woman among the group, but soon realizes that these visitors are not what they seem. The narrative takes a turn into the surreal when he uncovers the workings of a machine invented by a man named Morel, which has the power to record and replay reality. The protagonist grapples with the implications of this invention on his perceptions of love, existence, and the desire for immortality, leading to a haunting exploration of the boundaries between reality and illusion.

  6. 6. The Red Grass by Boris Vian

    "The Red Grass" is a surreal and philosophical novel that delves into the life of a man obsessed with creating a machine that can record and alter human memories. Set in a bizarre and shifting world that defies the constraints of time and space, the protagonist navigates through a series of existential crises and encounters with eccentric characters, all while grappling with the implications of his invention. The narrative explores themes of reality, identity, and the nature of existence, challenging the reader to question the very fabric of their perceptions and the consequences of tampering with the human mind.

  7. 7. Poems Of André Breton by André Breton

    This collection is a compilation of works by a seminal figure in the surrealist movement, showcasing a series of poems that delve into the depths of the unconscious mind. The poems are characterized by their dreamlike imagery, unexpected juxtapositions, and free association, reflecting the author's revolutionary approach to literature. Through his verse, the poet seeks to liberate thought from rational constraints and explore the vast possibilities of human imagination, often blurring the lines between reality and dream, sanity and madness, in a quest to capture the essence of surrealist philosophy.

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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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