The Greatest Portuguese, Argentinian "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 300 '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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  1. 1. Blindness by José Saramago

    In this dystopian novel, an unexplained epidemic of "white blindness" sweeps through an unnamed city, causing chaos and panic. The government responds by quarantining the afflicted in an abandoned mental hospital, where conditions quickly deteriorate into violence and squalor. Amid the despair, one woman mysteriously retains her sight and guides a small band of the blind, including her husband, through the harrowing ordeal. The novel explores themes of loss, human nature, and the fragility of civilization.

  2. 2. The Gospel According To Jesus Christ by José Saramago

    This novel offers a provocative and humanized retelling of the life of Jesus Christ, diverging from traditional biblical narratives. It presents a Jesus who is all too human, grappling with the complexities of life, love, and a sense of destiny. Through a blend of biblical lore and imaginative fiction, the story explores themes of divinity, free will, and morality, challenging readers to reconsider the foundations of faith and the nature of storytelling itself. The narrative delves into Jesus's relationships, his encounters with figures such as God and the Devil, and ultimately portrays a deeply philosophical and introspective version of a figure central to Western civilization.

  3. 3. Santa Evita by Tomás Eloy Martínez

    "Santa Evita" is a fictionalized account of the life and death of Eva Peron, the beloved First Lady of Argentina. The book delves into the mysterious journey of her embalmed corpse which was moved around the world and hidden for 16 years after her death. The narrative, interwoven with historical facts, explores the cult-like fascination and devotion that surrounded her during her life and continues after her death.

  4. 4. Treaty Of The Soul's Passions by António Lobo Antunes

    "Treaty of the Soul's Passions" is a profound exploration of human emotions and the complexities of the inner self. Through a series of interconnected stories and reflections, the narrative delves into the depths of love, despair, joy, and suffering, painting a vivid picture of the human condition. The author masterfully weaves a tapestry of characters and experiences, each revealing different facets of the soul's journey through life. With poetic language and rich psychological insight, the book invites readers to confront their own passions and question the nature of existence itself.

  5. 5. Terra Sonâmbula by Mia Couto

    "Terra Sonâmbula" by Mia Couto is a captivating novel set in war-torn Mozambique, where two individuals, a young boy and an old man, cross paths and embark on a journey that intertwines their lives. Through their encounters with other characters and their shared experiences, the book explores themes of loss, displacement, and the power of storytelling to heal and provide hope in the face of adversity. The lyrical prose and magical realism elements create a rich and evocative narrative that immerses readers in the complex and haunting world of post-colonial Mozambique.

  6. 6. Cain by José Saramago

    The novel explores the biblical story of Cain and Abel from the perspective of Cain, after he murdered his brother. The author reimagines the Old Testament by having Cain time travel to key events and interact with biblical figures such as Noah and Abraham, challenging the traditional interpretations of morality, justice, and faith. Cain's journey reveals a critical view of God and the paradoxes of the human condition.

  7. 7. Things We Lost In The Fire by Mariana Enríquez

    "Things We Lost in the Fire" is a gripping collection of short stories set in contemporary Argentina, weaving together elements of horror, social commentary, and the supernatural. The stories delve into the lives of characters grappling with the country's dark history, poverty, and political unrest, while confronting personal demons and societal violence. Themes of addiction, inequality, and the resilience of women in the face of patriarchal oppression are explored through haunting narratives that challenge the boundary between reality and the macabre, leaving readers unsettled yet deeply moved by the raw humanity within each tale.

  8. 8. The Invented Part by Rodrigo Fresán

    The Invented Part is a novel that explores the life and mind of a renowned writer who is struggling with writer's block and feeling irrelevant in a rapidly changing world. As he grapples with his own existence, reality, and the nature of fiction, he embarks on a journey that takes him through his past, the lives of his friends and family, and even through the works of his literary heroes. The novel is a mix of science fiction, pop culture references, and philosophical musings, all woven together by the writer's desire to understand and redefine his place in the world.

  9. 9. Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin

    "Fever Dream" is a gripping and unsettling narrative that unfolds as a conversation between a woman named Amanda, who is lying in a rural hospital bed, and a young boy named David, who urgently prompts her to recount the events leading up to her illness. Through their dialogue, a sense of dread builds as Amanda recalls the strange occurrences and the sense of impending doom she felt while vacationing in the countryside. Central to the story is the theme of maternal love and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child, as well as the mysterious connection between Amanda's daughter and David. The novel's fragmented and hallucinatory style creates a disorienting experience, reflecting the title's suggestion of a dream-like state where reality blurs with nightmare, leaving the reader to piece together the haunting puzzle.

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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