The Greatest German, South African "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. 26. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

    The book revolves around a young girl named Meggie and her father Mo, who possesses a unique ability to bring characters from books to life by reading aloud. This gift, however, comes with a price, as they are entangled in a dangerous adventure when a villain from a fantasy book called "Inkheart" is accidentally summoned into the real world. As they struggle to fix the chaos caused by this crossover, they must navigate a treacherous world of magic and betrayal, while attempting to thwart the villain's sinister plans and protect the balance between reality and the fantastical realms of literature.

    The 3185th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Ancestral Voices by Etienne van Heerden

    "Ancestral Voices" is a haunting novel set in South Africa during the apartheid era. The story follows a young boy who grows up in a small rural town, navigating a complex web of familial relationships and secrets. As he matures, he becomes increasingly aware of the racial and social injustices that surround him. The book explores themes of identity, heritage, and the harsh realities of life under apartheid, all weaved together with a deep sense of the mystical and the supernatural.

    The 3219th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. The Pigeon by Patrick Suskind

    "The Pigeon" is a psychological drama about a man whose life is turned upside down by the presence of a pigeon in front of his apartment. The man, a meticulous and orderly bank security guard, has his life thrown into chaos when he encounters the bird, which triggers an existential crisis within him. The book explores themes of fear, isolation, and the fragility of human existence, as the protagonist grapples with his sudden and irrational fear of the pigeon.

    The 3270th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. The Conservationist by Nadine Gordimer

    The book is a character-driven novel set in South Africa during the apartheid era. The protagonist is a wealthy, white industrialist who buys a farm with the intention of using it as a weekend retreat. However, the farm proves to be unprofitable and difficult to manage, and the protagonist's life becomes intertwined with the lives of the black people who live and work on the land. The narrative explores themes of ownership, identity, and the struggle for meaning in a racially divided society.

    The 3455th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Vertigo by W. G. Sebald

    "Vertigo" is a complex narrative that combines elements of fiction, travelogue, biography, and autobiography. The novel is divided into four sections, each exploring the life and works of different historical figures such as Stendhal, Kafka, and Casanova, as well as the author's own experiences. The narrative is characterized by its exploration of themes such as memory, identity, and the past, often blurring the lines between fact and fiction. The book is also notable for its distinctive style, featuring long, meandering sentences and a lack of traditional plot structure.

    The 3605th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. The 13 1/2 Lives Of Captain Bluebear by Walter Moers

    The book is a whimsical fantasy novel that follows the adventures of a blue bear as he navigates a world filled with bizarre creatures and surreal landscapes. With half a life more than the usual allotment for his species, the protagonist recounts his experiences, which range from being raised by mini-pygmies to attending an academy for gifted creatures, and from escaping the clutches of a carnivorous island to befriending a sentient tornado. Each of his thirteen and a half lives is a unique tale of curiosity, learning, and survival, set in a richly imagined universe that defies the ordinary at every turn.

    The 3687th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr

    "When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit" is a poignant and autobiographical novel that follows the life of a young Jewish girl named Anna and her family as they flee Germany in the 1930s to escape the rise of the Nazi regime. Through Anna's eyes, the book explores the challenges and hardships faced by refugees, as well as the loss of identity and sense of belonging. It is a touching story of resilience, courage, and the power of family bonds in the face of adversity.

    The 3742nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. The Collected Stories of Heinrich Boll by Heinrich Böll

    This collection of stories provides a comprehensive view of post-World War II Germany and its people through the lens of a renowned author. The narratives, filled with irony, humor, and profound compassion, delve into the lives of ordinary individuals, exploring themes of war, poverty, and moral dilemmas. The author's keen observation and poignant storytelling offer a rich portrayal of human nature and the complexities of society in a changing world.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. The Invention of Curried Sausage by Uwe Timm

    The book is a fictional account of the creation of the popular German fast food, curried sausage. The story unfolds through the narration of a young journalist who visits an elderly woman, believed to be the inventor of the dish during World War II. It explores the woman's tumultuous love affair with a young sailor during the chaotic final days of the war, her struggle for survival, and the circumstances that led to the creation of the spicy sausage. The novel is a blend of romance, war-time survival, and culinary innovation.

    The 4050th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Die Swerdjare Van Poppie Nongena by Elsa Joubert

    "Die Swerdjare Van Poppie Nongena" is a powerful and poignant novel that tells the story of Poppie, a black South African woman, during the apartheid era. Set in the 1960s, Poppie faces immense challenges as she navigates the oppressive system that separates her from her family and forces her to endure constant discrimination and hardship. Through Poppie's experiences, the book explores themes of resilience, love, and the human spirit's ability to triumph in the face of adversity.

    The 4383rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Land Of Green Plums by Herta Müller

    The novel is a poignant exploration of life under a repressive regime, following a group of young friends in Romania during the totalitarian rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu. Through the eyes of the narrator, a young woman with aspirations of freedom and self-expression, the story delves into the oppressive atmosphere of surveillance, fear, and betrayal that permeates their existence. As they struggle to maintain their integrity and hope amidst the dehumanizing forces of the state, the friends are inexorably drawn towards tragic outcomes, illustrating the devastating impact of living under constant oppression and the indomitable spirit that resists it.

    The 4394th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. The Steam Pig by James McClure

    In this gripping crime novel, a tenacious detective navigates the complex social and racial landscape of 1970s South Africa to solve a perplexing murder case. The story begins when a body is discovered inside a clay pig sculpture, leading the detective on a trail through the seedy underbelly of the city. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he encounters a diverse cast of characters and uncovers a web of deceit and corruption. The detective's sharp instincts and unwavering commitment to justice drive him to unravel the mystery, despite the challenges posed by the apartheid-era setting.

    The 4660th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Fiela's Child by Dalene Matthee

    The book is a poignant tale set in 19th-century South Africa, where a young white boy, believed to be lost by his biological family, is found and raised by Fiela, a compassionate and strong-willed woman of the Khoikhoi community. The story unfolds as the boy, named Benjamin, grows up with a deep sense of belonging in Fiela's family, only to have his identity and future thrown into turmoil when government officials, enforcing racial classifications of the time, remove him from his home. He is then forced to live with a destitute white family in the dense Knysna Forest, leading to a profound exploration of identity, race, and the meaning of family, as both Fiela and Benjamin struggle to reclaim their lives and assert their rightful place in a society governed by strict racial divides.

    The 4742nd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Hitchhiking: Twelve German Tales by Gabriele Eckart

    This collection of short stories offers a vivid tapestry of life in East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall, exploring the everyday experiences, dreams, and struggles of ordinary people. Through a series of engaging narratives, the book delves into the complexities of life under a socialist regime, capturing the human spirit in a society rife with political tension and personal longing. Each tale serves as a poignant vignette, revealing the nuances of East German culture and the universal quest for identity, purpose, and connection amidst a backdrop of political oppression and social change.

    The 4787th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Another Country by Karel Schoeman

    "Another Country" is a historical novel set in 19th century South Africa, following the life of an Irish woman who immigrates to the country. The narrative explores her experiences and struggles as she adapts to the harsh realities of a new land, while also providing a vivid portrayal of the racial, political, and social tensions of the era. The book offers a deep insight into the complexities of colonialism and the formation of modern South Africa.

    The 4843rd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Krabat by Otfried Preußler

    The book is a dark fantasy novel set in 17th-century Germany, where a young orphan named Krabat is lured to a mysterious mill that he discovers is a school for black magic. The mill is run by a foreboding master who teaches Krabat and other boys the dark arts, but at a sinister cost. As Krabat becomes more skilled in sorcery, he realizes that the mill harbors dark secrets and that escape might be a matter of life and death. He must use his wits and newfound powers to break free from the master's malevolent grip and save his fellow apprentices from a doomed fate. The story is a blend of folklore, coming-of-age, and the struggle between good and evil.

    The 4875th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Tadellöser & Wolff by Walter Kempowski

    The book is a semi-autobiographical novel that paints a vivid portrait of middle-class family life in Germany during the interwar years and World War II. Through the lens of a young boy growing up in a provincial town, the narrative explores the everyday experiences, joys, and struggles of the Tadellöser and Wolff families. The story captures the innocence of childhood against the backdrop of historical upheaval, as the protagonist observes the changing world around him, including the rise of National Socialism, with a mix of naivety and acute perception. The novel is both a personal coming-of-age tale and a broader commentary on the societal transformations of the era.

    The 4909th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Between Two Worlds by Miriam Tlali

    "Between Two Worlds" is a compelling narrative that explores the harsh realities of apartheid in South Africa through the eyes of its protagonist, Muriel. The story delves into Muriel's life as she navigates the oppressive societal structures that enforce racial segregation and discrimination. Working in a Johannesburg store, she encounters a microcosm of apartheid's broader societal impacts, including the complexities of interracial relationships and the struggle for dignity and identity amidst pervasive racism. The novel poignantly captures the personal and political conflicts faced by those trapped between the traditional and the modern, the rural and the urban, in a time of profound injustice.

    The 4911th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Coming Home And Other Stories by Farida Karodia

    "Coming Home And Other Stories" is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of individuals grappling with the complexities of identity, displacement, and belonging, primarily within the context of South African society. The narratives explore themes of apartheid, racial discrimination, and the struggle for liberation, as well as the personal challenges of family dynamics, love, and loss. Through a variety of characters and settings, the stories offer a poignant reflection on the human condition and the search for home, both in a literal and metaphorical sense, highlighting the resilience of the spirit amidst social and political turmoil.

    The 4969th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Jauche Und Levkojen by Christine Brückner

    The book is a historical novel that delves into the life of a young woman navigating the complexities of her existence in post-World War II Germany. Set against the backdrop of a country struggling to rebuild and come to terms with its recent past, the narrative follows the protagonist's journey through personal growth, love, and loss. As she grapples with the societal changes and the scars left by the war, the story paints a vivid picture of the era's social dynamics, the challenges faced by women, and the resilience required to forge a new path in a world forever altered by conflict.

    The 5001st Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Measuring the World by Daniel Kehlmann

    "Measuring the World" is a historical novel that reimagines the lives of two brilliant and driven men, German mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss and German geographer Alexander von Humboldt. The narrative alternates between the two protagonists, exploring their individual quests to quantify and understand the world. Gauss, a child prodigy from a poor family, rises to become one of the greatest mathematicians in history, while Humboldt, a wealthy and ambitious explorer, embarks on a five-year journey across South America. Their paths converge in a humorous and touching manner, highlighting the contrast between their approaches to knowledge and discovery.

    The 5006th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Floating In My Mother's Palm by Ursula Hegi

    The book is a poignant coming-of-age story set in a post-war German town, where a young girl navigates the complexities of her family life and the secrets of her community. Through her eyes, readers experience her relationships with colorful local characters, her discovery of love and loss, and her quest for identity amidst the lingering shadows of World War II. The narrative is a tapestry of small-town life, capturing the essence of growth and the bittersweet nature of memory, as the protagonist learns about the resilience of the human spirit and the fluidity of time, much like floating in the comforting yet unpredictable embrace of her mother's palm.

    The 5106th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. And They Didn't Die by Lauretta Ngcobo

    This novel explores the resilience and struggles of a group of women in a rural South African village during the apartheid era. As they grapple with oppressive laws, land seizures, and the forced labor system that sends their men to work in distant mines, the women band together to sustain their families and community. Their story is one of survival and solidarity in the face of systemic racism and sexism, highlighting the intersection of personal and political battles while showcasing the strength and endurance of women under extreme hardship.

    The 5106th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. The Hidden Word by Ulla Hahn

    "The Hidden Word" is a poignant coming-of-age novel set in post-war Germany, which follows the life of a young girl from a conservative, working-class family as she discovers the transformative power of language and literature. Struggling against the constraints of her rural, religious upbringing and the societal expectations placed upon women of her time, she seeks solace and freedom in the world of books. Her intellectual and emotional journey is marked by the tension between her burgeoning individuality and the traditional values she is expected to uphold, leading to a narrative rich in both personal growth and the exploration of the capacity of words to both conceal and reveal profound truths.

    The 5328th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Master Harold...And The Boys by Athol Fugard

    The play takes place in South Africa during the era of apartheid and revolves around the complex relationship between a young white boy and two black men who work in his mother's tea room. The boy has grown up with these men and shares a close bond with them, but as he struggles with personal turmoil and the pressures of the racist society around him, he begins to assert his racial superiority, leading to a devastating display of discrimination and the shattering of their familial relationship. The narrative explores themes of racism, human dignity, and the impact of societal injustice on personal relationships.

    The 5422nd Greatest Book of All Time

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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