The Greatest Czech, Bulgarian, Chilean "Fiction" Books Since 1970

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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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  1. 1. The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

    Set against the backdrop of the Prague Spring period of Czechoslovak history, the novel explores the philosophical concept of Nietzsche's eternal return through the intertwined lives of four characters: a womanizing surgeon, his intellectual wife, his naïve mistress, and her stoic lover. The narrative delves into their personal struggles with lightness and heaviness, freedom and fate, love and betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships, all while offering a profound meditation on the nature of existence and the paradoxes of life.

    The 114th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende

    "The House of the Spirits" is a multi-generational saga that explores the lives of the Trueba family, set against the backdrop of political upheaval in an unnamed Latin American country. The narrative is driven by the family's strong and magical women, including clairvoyant Clara and her granddaughter Alba. The story spans over three generations, weaving together personal, social, and political threads, and is rich in elements of magical realism. The novel explores themes of love, violence, social class, and the struggle for power.

    The 167th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Franz Kafka: The Complete Stories by Franz Kafka

    This collection of stories offers a comprehensive look at the work of a renowned author, known for his surreal and often unsettling depictions of modern life. The stories explore themes of existential anxiety, guilt, and absurdity, often through narratives in which ordinary people face extraordinary, inexplicable circumstances. The collection showcases the author's unique style and his profound influence on 20th-century literature.

    The 170th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolaño

    "The Savage Detectives" is a novel that follows the lives of two Latin American poets, Arturo Belano and Ulises Lima, who are founders of a literary movement called "visceral realism." The book is divided into three parts and is narrated by multiple characters, providing different perspectives on the protagonists. The narrative spans over 20 years, following the poets' journey from Mexico City to Europe, Israel, and Africa, as they search for a mysterious poetess and navigate through the world of literature, sex, drugs, and the complexities of life.

    The 452nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. 2666 by Roberto Bolaño

    The novel is a sprawling, ambitious work that spans continents and time periods, centering around an elusive, reclusive German author. It intertwines five different narratives: a group of European academics searching for the author, a professor in Mexico dealing with his own personal crises, a New York reporter sent to cover a boxing match in Mexico, an African-American journalist in Detroit, and the horrifying and unsolved murders of hundreds of women in a Mexican border town. The narratives are linked by themes of violence, mystery, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

    The 488th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Book of Laughter and Forgetting by Milan Kundera

    This novel is a blend of fiction, autobiography, and philosophical musings that explores the nature of forgetting, the power of laughter, and the struggle for personal and political freedom. Set against the backdrop of the political turmoil in Czechoslovakia in the 20th century, it follows the interconnected stories of various characters, including a man who is expelled from the Communist Party, a young woman in love with a man whose father was a political prisoner, and a couple who flee to America. Throughout, the book delves into the ways in which personal and collective memories shape identity and history.

    The 783rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. A Ballad for Georg Henig by Viktor Paskov

    "A Ballad for Georg Henig" is a narrative that explores the life of a Jewish craftsman and violin maker, Georg Henig, in the 18th century. The story is set in Bulgaria and delves into the historical events and cultural dynamics of the time, including the Ottoman rule and the social status of Jews. The protagonist's life is filled with love, loss, and the quest for artistic perfection, all against the backdrop of a society marked by religious and ethnic tensions.

    The 1886th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. I Served The King Of England by Bohumil Hrabal

    "I Served The King Of England" is a captivating novel that follows the life of a young Czech waiter named Ditie, who dreams of becoming a millionaire and serving the highest-ranking clientele. Set against the backdrop of World War II and the Communist regime, the story takes readers on a journey through Ditie's experiences in various hotels and restaurants, his encounters with eccentric characters, and his pursuit of love and success. With humor, wit, and a touch of satire, the book explores themes of ambition, identity, and the impact of historical events on an individual's life.

    The 1916th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Of Love and Shadows by Isabel Allende

    Set against the backdrop of a South American country under a military dictatorship, this novel follows the story of a woman journalist and her lover, a photographer, who, while working together, uncover a hidden mass grave in a remote part of their country. Their discovery leads them into danger as they try to expose the truth about the brutal regime ruling their country, while also dealing with their own personal issues and their growing love for each other. The story is a blend of romance and political drama, showing the power of love and courage in the face of oppression and fear.

    The 2175th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Engineer of Human Souls by Josef Škvorecký

    The novel is a semi-autobiographical narrative of a Czechoslovakian writer who has become a professor at a Canadian university, teaching American literature. The narrative switches between his current life in Canada and his memories of the past in Czechoslovakia, including the Nazi occupation and the Communist regime. The book presents a complex portrayal of the life of an intellectual in exile and the challenges of cultural assimilation, while also exploring themes of love, politics, and the power of literature.

    The 2739th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Natural Novel by Georgi Gospodinov

    "Natural Novel" is a thought-provoking and imaginative work that seamlessly weaves together various narratives and perspectives. The book explores the concept of storytelling and its power to shape our understanding of reality. Through a blend of fiction, memoir, and philosophical musings, the author delves into the complexities of human existence, the interconnectedness of life, and the search for meaning in a world filled with both beauty and tragedy. With its poetic prose and profound insights, "Natural Novel" invites readers to contemplate the boundaries between truth and fiction, ultimately challenging conventional notions of storytelling.

    The 2748th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Too Loud A Solitude by Bohumil Hrabal

    The narrative centers around an elderly man who has spent his life compacting paper and books into bales in a decrepit cellar, using a hydraulic press. Despite the menial nature of his job, he has cultivated a deep love and profound knowledge for literature, philosophy, and art from the books that pass through his hands, many of which he rescues from destruction. The story is a poignant exploration of the power and resilience of the human spirit in the face of a dehumanizing, totalitarian regime, and a meditation on the enduring value of art and the written word. The protagonist's intellectual journey and his resistance to the oppressive forces around him serve as a metaphor for the survival of culture and individuality under oppressive conditions.

    The 3061st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Cutting It Short by Bohumil Hrabal

    Set in a small Czech town during the 1920s, the narrative follows the life of a vivacious and free-spirited young woman married to the town's brewery manager. Her playful and unconventional behavior often leads to humorous and sometimes scandalous situations, as she navigates through the social norms and expectations of the time. The story captures the charm and eccentricities of rural life through a series of anecdotes, reflecting on the themes of freedom, tradition, and the joy of the everyday. The protagonist's zest for life and her interactions with the colorful cast of characters create a whimsical and endearing portrait of a community on the brink of modernization.

    The 3061st Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Avalanche by Blaga Dimitrova

    The novel explores the psychological and emotional landscapes of its characters against the backdrop of a natural disaster. It delves into the lives of a group of people trapped in a mountain hotel by an avalanche, examining their personal stories, relationships, and the societal structures that define them. As they confront the possibility of death and the breakdown of social order, the characters are forced to reevaluate their lives, revealing the complex interplay of human nature and the forces beyond our control. The narrative weaves together themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for meaning, all while questioning the very essence of existence and human connection amidst the chaos of the avalanche.

    The 4041st Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Waiting for the Dark, Waiting for the Light by Ivan Klíma

    The novel is set in the twilight of Communist rule in Czechoslovakia and follows the life of a television cameraman named Pavel. Despite his dreams of becoming a filmmaker and capturing the truth, he is trapped in a job that requires him to distort it. As the regime starts to crumble, Pavel grapples with the opportunities and challenges that freedom brings. He is forced to confront his past, his moral choices, and his dreams, leading to a deep exploration of the human condition and the struggle for personal and artistic freedom.

    The 4050th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Солунският чудотворец by Fani Popova-Mutafova

    The book is a historical novel set in the early 20th century, revolving around the life of a revered monk known for his miraculous healing powers in the city of Thessaloniki. The narrative delves into the complexities of the Balkan Wars and the socio-political turmoil of the era, as seen through the eyes of various characters whose lives intersect with the monk's. As they seek solace and miracles, the story explores themes of faith, hope, and the human struggle, painting a vivid picture of the period's cultural and historical landscape.

    The 4094th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. City, Sister, Silver by Jáchym Topol

    This novel follows the journey of a young Czech man, Potok, as he navigates the tumultuous period of the Velvet Revolution and its aftermath. The story is filled with surreal and often disturbing imagery as it explores themes of chaos, transformation, and the struggle for identity in a rapidly changing world. Potok's adventures take him from the crumbling infrastructure of post-communist Czechoslovakia to the burgeoning world of Western Europe, and his experiences reflect the larger societal upheaval of the time.

    The 4105th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Wolf Hunt by Ivaylo Petrov

    "Wolf Hunt" is a historical novel set in the early 20th century in a rural Bulgarian village, where the lives of peasants are depicted with stark realism. The narrative revolves around a group of villagers who are tasked with hunting down a wolf that has been terrorizing their livestock. As the hunt progresses, the story delves into the complex relationships and social dynamics within the community, revealing the struggles, hardships, and resilience of the human spirit in the face of poverty, oppression, and the changing tides of history. The novel serves as a metaphor for the political and social upheavals of the time, exploring themes of survival, morality, and the human condition.

    The 4539th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. City of the Beasts by Isabel Allende

    A 15-year-old boy is forced to move in with his eccentric grandmother after his mother falls ill. Together, they embark on a journey to the Amazon rainforest in search of a legendary, healing beast. Along the way, they encounter various challenges, including dangerous animals, harsh environments, and a group of indigenous people with mystical powers. The boy learns to overcome his fears and prejudices, forming a strong bond with the indigenous people and the rainforest itself.

    The 5369th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. We, The Sparrows by Yordan Radichkov

    This novel is a poignant exploration of human nature and the complexities of life in a small Bulgarian village, where the lives of the villagers are deeply intertwined with the natural world around them. Through the lens of a sparrow's perspective, the narrative delves into themes of freedom, survival, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. The story is rich with folklore, humor, and philosophical insights, offering a unique and whimsical yet profound reflection on existence and the interconnectedness of all living beings. The author masterfully weaves together the fates of his characters, both human and animal, to create a tapestry of life that is both enchanting and deeply moving.

    The 5811th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Войната на таралежите by the Mormarev Brothers

    This book is a satirical novel that delves into the absurdities of war and the human condition through the lens of an allegorical conflict between hedgehogs and other forest animals. Set in a fictional world, the narrative explores themes of power, greed, and the folly of blind allegiance, using the animal kingdom to mirror human society. The hedgehogs, armed with their spines and a fierce sense of independence, find themselves embroiled in a series of skirmishes that escalate into a full-blown war, reflecting on the inherent absurdity and tragedy of such conflicts. Through humor and satire, the novel critiques the senselessness of war and the cyclical nature of violence, making a poignant statement on the universal quest for peace and understanding.

    The 5855th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Ние, мушмороците by Viktor Samuilov

    The book is a satirical exploration of the human condition, set in a dystopian society where the ruling class, known as "mushmoroks," exercises absolute control over the lives of the citizens. Through a blend of dark humor and sharp social commentary, the narrative delves into themes of power, conformity, and the loss of individuality, presenting a bleak yet insightful reflection on the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of resisting oppression. The story, while fictional, serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to question authority and the structures that seek to diminish the human spirit.

    The 5886th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Identity: A Novel by Milan Kundera

    "Identity: A Novel" is a philosophical exploration of the complexities of love, identity, and the human psyche. It revolves around the lives of two lovers, Chantal and Jean-Marc, who are living in Paris. As their relationship progresses, they grapple with existential questions, the nature of identity, and the fear of oblivion. The novel delves into their individual and shared insecurities, their perceptions of each other, and how these perceptions shape their identities. The narrative offers a profound reflection on the intricacies of human relationships, the concept of self, and the role of memory and imagination in identity formation.

    The 6211th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. The Old Man Who Read Love Stories by Luis Sepúlveda

    The book tells the story of an elderly man who, having settled in a remote Amazonian village, develops a passion for reading romance novels to escape the monotony of his daily life. His peaceful existence is disrupted when he is called upon to track down an ocelot that has been killing the local villagers' animals. As he ventures into the jungle, his journey becomes both a physical and emotional adventure, intertwining his love of literature with his deep respect for nature, and ultimately leading him to confront not only the wild cat but also the complexities of human nature and love.

    The 6402nd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Internal Ecology Morals For Xxi Century by Dario Salas Sommer

    This book delves into the intricate relationship between individual moral development and the broader ecological balance of our planet, proposing that the environmental crises of the 21st century are deeply intertwined with the moral and ethical decay observed in contemporary society. The author argues that by fostering a deeper understanding of our internal ecology—our thoughts, emotions, and spiritual well-being—we can cultivate a more harmonious relationship with the external world. Through a blend of philosophical insight and practical guidance, the text invites readers to embark on a journey of personal transformation as a foundational step towards addressing the global environmental challenges of our time, emphasizing the critical role of individual responsibility and ethical conduct in shaping a sustainable future.

    The 6568th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

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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.

Download