The Greatest Canadian, Dutch, Japanese "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 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. 26. Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay

    In a land where a ruthless sorcerer has erased the name and history of a once-proud province, a group of rebels fights to reclaim their identity and homeland. The story unfolds in a richly detailed fantasy world where magic and political intrigue intertwine, and the power of memory and the resilience of the human spirit are central themes. The rebels, each with their own personal vendettas and dreams, must navigate complex alliances and confront their own pasts as they strive to restore the name of their province and free it from the grip of tyranny. Their quest is fraught with challenges, as they face not only the sorcerer's formidable powers but also the difficulties of uniting a fractured people under a forgotten banner.

    The 4039th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Twins by Tessa De Loo

    "The Twins" is a poignant narrative about twin sisters, separated at a young age due to the Second World War. One sister grows up in the Netherlands under Nazi occupation, while the other is raised in Germany as part of the Hitler Youth. After six decades of separation, they meet again and begin to share their experiences, discovering the impact of the war on their lives and the stark differences in their upbringing. The book explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the long-lasting effects of war on individuals and families.

    The 4061st Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Deep River by Shūsaku Endō

    "Deep River" is a profound exploration of faith, suffering, and redemption, told through the intertwined narratives of four Japanese survivors of World War II. Each character carries their own personal trauma and guilt, leading them on separate spiritual journeys that converge at India's holy Ganges River. As they grapple with their pasts and seek forgiveness and meaning in their lives, the novel delves into themes of cultural clash, religious conflict, and the human capacity for love and understanding amidst pain.

    The 4061st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. De Niro's Game by Rawi Hage

    The novel delves into the lives of two childhood friends navigating the treacherous landscape of war-torn Beirut. As the city crumbles under the weight of the Lebanese Civil War, the young men find themselves drawn into the violence and chaos that surrounds them. One chooses the path of emigration, seeking a new life abroad, while the other becomes embroiled in the militia warfare that dominates the streets. Their friendship is tested by the brutality of their environment, as they grapple with the moral complexities of survival, loyalty, and the devastating impact of conflict on the human spirit.

    The 4096th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Fall On Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald

    "Fall On Your Knees" is a multi-generational saga set in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, that explores themes of family, love, betrayal, and secrets. The story revolves around the Piper family, specifically four sisters, their father James, and their mother Materia. The narrative weaves through time, revealing the family's complex relationships, the impact of racial and cultural tensions, and the dark secrets that have shaped their lives. This novel is a deep exploration of family dynamics, love, and the power of secrets.

    The 4485th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. The Love of a Good Woman by Alice Munro

    "The Love of a Good Woman" is a collection of eight short stories, each delving into the complex nature of relationships, particularly focusing on women. The narratives explore various themes such as love, betrayal, death, and the often overlooked intricacies of everyday life. Set in small-town Canada, the stories are filled with characters grappling with their desires, secrets, and the unexpected turns of life, offering a profound and nuanced exploration of human behavior and emotions.

    The 4532nd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. The Beauty Of The Husband by Anne Carson

    "The Beauty of the Husband" is a poetic exploration of a failing marriage. Told in 29 tangos, the narrative unfolds the story of a woman who remains in love with her husband despite his numerous infidelities. The husband, a charming and deceitful character, is portrayed as a figure of magnetic attraction and revulsion, with his wife drawn to his charisma and repelled by his dishonesty. The book is a profound examination of love, betrayal, and the complex dynamics of relationships.

    The 4568th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Friend Of My Youth: Stories by Alice Munro

    The book is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships, memory, and the passage of time, often through the lens of women's experiences. Set primarily in small-town Canada, the narratives explore the lives of characters who confront personal betrayals, moral dilemmas, and the subtle yet profound moments that shape their identities. With a keen eye for detail and a masterful use of language, the author weaves tales that reveal the depth and nuance of ordinary life, capturing the universal truths that lie within the particularities of individual stories.

    The 4747th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Crossfire by Miyuki Miyabe

    Crossfire is a suspenseful novel that follows the life of a young woman who possesses pyrokinetic abilities, allowing her to start fires with her mind. She uses her powers to avenge victims of violent crimes, but her actions attract the attention of a determined detective. As she continues her vigilante justice, she becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving a religious cult and must confront her own past and the consequences of her actions.

    The 4770th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. The Cunning Man by Robertson Davies

    The novel follows the life of a Toronto doctor who uses his knowledge of medicine and his understanding of human nature to treat his patients. He believes in the healing power of the human spirit and often uses unconventional methods to treat his patients. The narrative is filled with his interesting patients and their stories, as well as his own personal journey. The book also explores themes of spirituality, love, and the complexities of human nature.

    The 5083rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Disappearing Moon Cafe by Sky Lee

    The novel weaves a multi-generational tale centered around a Chinese-Canadian family in Vancouver, exploring the complexities of identity, gender, and history. As the family's story unfolds, secrets are uncovered, including a mysterious disappearance and a hidden affair, which reveal the intricate ways in which personal and collective histories are intertwined. The narrative delves into the struggles of immigration, the search for belonging, and the impact of past traumas on the present, all set against the backdrop of the eponymous café that serves as a focal point for the community's social and emotional exchanges.

    The 5123rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Child Of Her People by Anne Cameron

    "Child of Her People" is a poignant narrative that delves into the life of a young Indigenous girl who is taken from her family and community under the guise of education and assimilation. The story unfolds in Canada during a time when Indigenous children were forcibly placed in residential schools, a practice rooted in colonial policies aimed at eradicating Indigenous cultures and languages. The novel explores the girl's struggle to maintain her identity and the deep sense of loss and resilience that comes with being torn from one's heritage. Through her journey, the book sheds light on the broader impact of cultural genocide on Indigenous communities, while also celebrating the strength and survival of Indigenous peoples and their traditions.

    The 5192nd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Revenge: Eleven Dark Tales by Yoko Ogawa

    This collection delves into the unsettling corners of the human psyche through eleven interconnected stories that explore themes of desire, pain, and retribution. Each tale weaves a haunting narrative where characters confront peculiar incidents and twisted relationships, often finding themselves entangled in situations where the line between reality and the surreal blurs. The stories, set against the backdrop of everyday life in Japan, reveal the quiet horror lurking beneath the surface of ordinary encounters, as the protagonists grapple with the consequences of their dark obsessions and the inexorable pull of vengeance.

    The 5325th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Crow Lake by Mary Lawson

    "Crow Lake" is a compelling novel that explores the dynamics of a rural Canadian family dealing with tragedy. After the death of their parents, the Morrison children struggle to stay together and maintain their family farm. The story is narrated by the youngest daughter, who is now a successful zoologist, reflecting back on her childhood. The narrative delves into themes of love, loss, survival, and the power of education, all set against the backdrop of the harsh, yet beautiful, northern Ontario landscape.

    The 5389th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Family Matters by Rohinton Mistry

    This novel delves into the complexities of family life in Bombay, exploring the challenges and emotional turmoil within a small, crowded apartment that becomes a battleground of generational conflict. At the heart of the story is an elderly patriarch whose declining health necessitates care, leading to tensions and revealing the deep-seated resentments and secrets that threaten to tear the family apart. Through a rich tapestry of characters and meticulously detailed narrative, the book presents a poignant examination of duty, love, and the strains that familial obligations impose on individual desires and dreams, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Indian society.

    The 5506th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Chanda's Secrets by Allan Stratton

    Chanda's Secrets is a poignant story set in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the protagonist, a sixteen-year-old girl, grapples with the harsh reality of AIDS in her community. The novel explores the stigma and fear associated with the disease, as well as the courage and resilience of its characters. The protagonist's unwavering determination to keep her family together, despite societal pressures and personal tragedy, forms the crux of the narrative.

    The 5650th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. How Should a Person Be? by Sheila Heti

    This novel is a semi-autobiographical exploration of friendship, art, and the question posed by the title. The protagonist, a young playwright, struggles with her art and personal life, navigating complicated relationships and seeking answers about how to live a good and meaningful life. The narrative blends elements of fiction, memoir, self-help, and philosophy, resulting in a unique and thought-provoking exploration of identity, creativity, and the human condition.

    The 5701st Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Lady Joker by Kaoru Takamura

    "Lady Joker" is a gripping crime thriller set in Japan, where a mysterious woman named Yuriko becomes entangled in a dangerous game of deceit and revenge. As she navigates the seedy underbelly of Tokyo, Yuriko takes on various identities, using her cunning and intelligence to manipulate those around her. With a complex web of characters and a plot filled with unexpected twists, the book explores themes of power, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil.

    The 5843rd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Discerner Of Hearts by Olive Senior

    "Discerner of Hearts" is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of life in Jamaica, exploring themes of identity, tradition, and transformation. The stories are set against a backdrop of rich Jamaican landscapes and culture, capturing the unique blend of societal norms and the supernatural that characterize the local folklore. Through a variety of characters, from young children to old men and women, the narratives reveal the inner workings of human hearts and the external forces that shape personal destinies. The collection highlights the profound impact of heritage and the powerful role of the unseen in everyday life.

    The 5864th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Six Four by Hideo Yokoyama

    In this gripping crime thriller, a former detective turned press officer is haunted by a cold case from 14 years ago, the unsolved abduction of a young girl. As he navigates the complex world of police bureaucracy and media pressure, he becomes entangled in a web of secrets and corruption that threatens to unravel his career and personal life. With meticulous attention to detail and a deep exploration of the human psyche, this novel delves into the complexities of crime, guilt, and the lengths one will go to protect their reputation.

    The 6085th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. The Skystone (The Camulod Chronicles, Book 1) by Jack Whyte

    The novel is a historical fiction that reimagines the Arthurian legends, delving into the life of Publius Varrus, a Roman soldier, and his friend Caius Britannicus. Set during the decline of the Roman Empire, the story follows their efforts to establish a colony in Britain, Camulod, as a sanctuary against the chaos of the crumbling civilization. The narrative weaves together themes of loyalty, warfare, and the forging of Excalibur, the legendary sword, against a backdrop of political intrigue and the struggle to preserve knowledge and culture in a time of uncertainty and transition.

    The 6138th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Microserfs by Douglas Coupland

    This novel is a captivating exploration of the lives of a group of young tech workers in the 1990s, initially employed by a major software company in Silicon Valley, before venturing out to start their own company. Through the format of diary entries, the narrative delves into the personal and professional challenges they face, set against the backdrop of the rapidly evolving tech industry. The story offers a poignant look at the search for meaning amidst the bits and bytes of the digital age, touching on themes of friendship, love, and the quest for identity in a world dominated by technology.

    The 6154th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Anil's Ghost by Michael Ondaatje

    "Anil's Ghost" is a gripping tale of a forensic anthropologist who returns to her native Sri Lanka in the midst of its civil war. She partners with local archaeologist, Sarath, to investigate a skeleton discovered in an ancient burial site, which they believe might be a victim of the war. The narrative explores the horrors of war, the quest for truth, and the struggle for personal and national identity in a land where the past and present are inextricably intertwined.

    The 6186th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Abessijnse Kronieken by Moses Isegawa

    "Abessijnse Kronieken" is a powerful and captivating novel set in Uganda during the tumultuous era of Idi Amin's dictatorship. The story follows the life of Mugezi, a young man navigating through the complexities of love, family, and political upheaval. With richly drawn characters and vivid descriptions, the book explores themes of identity, cultural clash, and the struggle for freedom in a country torn apart by corruption and violence.

    The 6232nd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Somersault by Kenzaburō Ōe

    The novel explores the aftermath of a failed doomsday cult in Japan, led by two men who had prophesied an apocalypse that never occurred. After their prophecy fails, they attempt to disband the cult but struggle as their followers resist and violence ensues. The leaders try to rebuild their lives amidst the chaos, grappling with their guilt and the consequences of their actions. The book is a deep exploration of faith, redemption, and the power of belief.

    The 6283rd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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

Download

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