The Greatest Hungarian, Roman, Scottish "Fiction" Books of All Time

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Fiction

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Hungarian

Roman

Scottish

Add additional country filters

Date Range

Filter

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
  1. 1. The Aeneid by Virgil

    This epic poem tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan who travels to Italy, where he becomes the ancestor of the Romans. It includes a series of prophecies about Rome's future and the deeds of heroic individuals, and is divided into two sections, the first illustrating the hero's journey and the second detailing the wars and battles that ensue as Aeneas attempts to establish a new home in Italy. The narrative is deeply imbued with themes of duty, fate, and divine intervention.

    The 75th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark

    The novel is set in 1930s Edinburgh and follows the story of six girls under the tutelage of an unconventional teacher, Miss Jean Brodie. Miss Brodie, in her prime, takes it upon herself to educate the girls about life, love, politics, and art, often disregarding the traditional curriculum. The narrative explores the influence of Miss Brodie on the girls, the consequences of her nonconformist teachings, and the ultimate betrayal that leads to her downfall.

    The 174th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Metamorphoses by Ovid

    "Metamorphoses" is a classical epic poem that narrates the history of the world from its creation to the deification of Julius Caesar within a loose mythico-historical framework. The narrative is filled with stories of transformation, focusing on myths and legends of the Greek and Roman world. The tales, which include the stories of Daedalus and Icarus, King Midas, and Pyramus and Thisbe, among others, are all linked by the common theme of transformation, often as a punishment or reward from the gods.

    The 331st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner by James Hogg

    Set in 18th century Scotland, the novel explores the psychological downfall of a deeply religious man who believes he is predestined for salvation and thus justified in committing a series of murders. He is driven to this path of self-destruction by a mysterious stranger who may be either a devilish tempter or a manifestation of his own deranged mind. The book serves as a critique of religious fanaticism and a chilling exploration of the dark side of human nature.

    The 419th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Golden Ass by Apuleius

    This classic novel follows the protagonist, a young man who is transformed into a donkey after meddling with magic he doesn't understand. His journey takes him through a series of adventures, where he encounters a variety of characters from different walks of life and gets into all sorts of trouble. Through his experiences, he gains a deeper understanding of the human condition and the world around him. The narrative also includes several mythological tales and allegories, including the famous story of Cupid and Psyche. Eventually, the protagonist regains his human form through divine intervention, having learned valuable lessons about life, love, and humanity.

    The 636th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Fateless or Fatelessness by Imre Kertész

    "Fateless" is a harrowing account of a Hungarian Jewish boy's experiences in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. The protagonist is sent to Auschwitz, then Buchenwald, and finally to a factory in Zeitz, enduring brutal conditions and witnessing unimaginable horrors. Despite his experiences, he maintains a detached, almost indifferent perspective, focusing on the mundane aspects of life in the camps, which further highlights the absurdity and horror of the situation. The novel explores themes of identity, survival, and the arbitrary nature of fate.

    The 688th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Embers by Sandor Marai

    "Embers" is a novel about two old friends who reunite after being apart for 41 years. The story takes place in a secluded castle in the Carpathian Mountains, where the two men confront each other about a long-kept secret that has kept them apart. The narrative delves into themes of friendship, love, loyalty, and betrayal, while exploring the intricate dynamics of human relationships. The novel is a poignant examination of the nature of time and memory, and the ways in which they can shape and define our lives.

    The 731st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Lanark by Alasdair Gray

    "Lanark" is an unconventional narrative that combines elements of fantasy, dystopia, and realism. The protagonist, a man named Lanark, moves through two parallel existences. In one, he's a young man named Duncan Thaw in post-war Glasgow, struggling with his artistic ambitions and personal relationships. In the other, he's Lanark in the grim, bureaucratic city of Unthank, suffering from a mysterious skin condition and grappling with his identity and purpose. The novel explores themes of love, alienation, creativity, and the human condition, presenting a complex and thought-provoking portrait of life and society.

    The 759th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Heart Of Midlothian by Sir Walter Scott

    The novel is a historical tale set in 18th-century Scotland, revolving around Jeanie Deans, a young woman of strong moral character, who embarks on a daunting journey from Edinburgh to London to seek a royal pardon for her wrongfully accused sister, Effie, who faces execution. Along the way, Jeanie encounters various characters from different strata of society, confronting issues of justice, morality, and national identity. Her steadfast loyalty and unwavering principles highlight the cultural and social tensions of the time, as the narrative intertwines personal drama with broader historical events, including the Porteous Riots and the influence of the Scottish Reformation.

    The 880th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Peter And Wendy by J. M. Barrie

    "Peter And Wendy" by JM Barrie is a beloved children's classic that tells the enchanting story of a young girl named Wendy Darling who, along with her two brothers, embarks on a magical adventure to the whimsical world of Neverland. There, they encounter the mischievous and eternal boy, Peter Pan, and his fairy companion, Tinker Bell. Together, they face thrilling escapades, battles with the villainous Captain Hook, and discover the importance of imagination, friendship, and the power of never growing up.

    The 958th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh

    This novel is a gritty, raw portrayal of a group of heroin addicts living in Edinburgh, Scotland. The narrative is non-linear and told from multiple perspectives, providing a deep dive into the minds and lives of these characters. The story explores themes of poverty, addiction, friendship, and the struggle to escape one's circumstances, all set against the backdrop of a bleak urban landscape. It is known for its strong Scottish dialect, graphic content, and dark humor.

    The 1106th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Notebook: The Proof ; The Third Lie : Three Novels by Agota Kristof

    "The Notebook: The Proof ; The Third Lie : Three Novels" is a trilogy of novels that follow the lives of twin brothers, living through the harsh realities of war, separation, and betrayal. The first novel, "The Notebook," tells the story of their survival as children in a rural town at the end of World War II. The second book, "The Proof," continues their story into adulthood, exploring the effects of their traumatic childhood. The final book, "The Third Lie," delves into the complexities of their relationship and the secrets they kept from one another. The trilogy is a poignant exploration of identity, love, and the enduring bond of brotherhood.

    The 1306th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. How Late It Was, How Late by James Kelman

    The novel is a stream-of-consciousness narrative told from the perspective of Sammy, a shoplifter and ex-convict from Glasgow who wakes up in an alley after a two-day drinking binge to find he is completely blind. As Sammy struggles to navigate his new reality, he contends with bureaucratic systems, confronts his past, and grapples with his relationships, all while trying to understand and adjust to his sudden loss of sight. The story is a gritty exploration of working-class life, the human condition, and the nature of reality.

    The 1344th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Journey by Moonlight by Antal Szerb

    "Journey by Moonlight" tells the story of a newlywed Hungarian couple, Mihály and Erzsi, who honeymoon in Italy. Mihály, however, is haunted by his past and becomes increasingly obsessed with his adolescent years, his old friends, and a mysterious brother and sister. This results in him abandoning Erzsi in order to embark on a strange and dark journey of self-discovery. The novel explores themes of nostalgia, love, and the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations.

    The 1361st Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. A Voyage To Arcturus by David Lindsay

    "A Voyage to Arcturus" is a philosophical and allegorical novel that follows the journey of a man named Maskull to the planet Tormance, located in the star system Arcturus. As he explores this strange and mystical world, Maskull encounters various beings and experiences profound transformations, both physically and spiritually. Through vivid and imaginative storytelling, the book delves into themes of identity, morality, and the nature of reality, challenging readers to question their own perceptions and beliefs.

    The 1555th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Eclipse of the Crescent Moon by Géza Gárdonyi

    "Eclipse of the Crescent Moon" is a historical novel set in the 16th century, during the time of the Ottoman Empire's siege on the Hungarian fortress of Eger. The story follows a brave young boy named Gergely, who grows up to be a heroic soldier defending his homeland. The tale is filled with romance, adventure, and provides a detailed depiction of medieval life, warfare, and the heroic resistance of the Hungarian people against the invading Ottoman forces.

    The 1568th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Guy Mannering by Sir Walter Scott

    The novel unfolds as a tale of prophecy and fate intertwined with the lives of its characters, primarily centering around Henry Bertram, the heir to the estate of Ellangowan, who is kidnapped as a child by smugglers after his father's financial ruin. The story spans over two decades, following Henry's adventures and misadventures as he grows up under an assumed identity. The narrative is rich with themes of loyalty, inheritance, and the supernatural, as the predictions of the astrologer Guy Mannering and the Gypsy matriarch Meg Merrilies play out in the lives of the Bertrams and their acquaintances. Set against the backdrop of the Scottish Lowlands, the tale weaves through a tapestry of social change and personal redemption, culminating in the restoration of family and fortune.

    The 1824th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Old Mortality by Sir Walter Scott

    Set in the 17th century during the Covenanting Rebellion in Scotland, the novel weaves a tale of adventure, romance, and political intrigue around the historical events of the time. The story follows the young hero, Henry Morton, who is caught between his loyalty to the Presbyterian Covenanters and his love for Edith Bellenden, a Royalist. As Morton becomes embroiled in the conflict, he must navigate a path through the tumultuous civil war, facing moral dilemmas and the consequences of his choices. The narrative also explores themes of honor, tradition, and the impact of history on individual lives, all while providing a rich portrayal of Scottish culture and the complexities of religious and political loyalties.

    The 1864th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Talisman by Sir Walter Scott

    "The Talisman" is a historical novel set during the Third Crusade, focusing on the conflict between Richard the Lionheart, King of England, and Saladin, Sultan of Egypt and Syria. The story explores themes of chivalry, honor, and the cultural clash between the Christian West and the Islamic East. The plot revolves around a talisman, which is believed to have healing powers, and the knight who is tasked with delivering it to Richard. The novel presents a nuanced view of both sides of the Crusade, highlighting the virtues and flaws of each.

    The 1923rd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Édes Anna by Dezső Kosztolányi

    "Édes Anna" is a novel that revolves around the life of a young servant girl, Anna, who works for a bourgeois family in early 20th century Hungary. The narrative explores Anna's experiences of exploitation, abuse, and societal oppression. As she navigates her way through life, her innocence and naivety are gradually eroded, leading her to commit an act of violent rebellion. The book is a potent critique of class and gender inequalities of the time.

    The 1946th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

    The book follows the story of Precious Ramotswe, a woman in Botswana who opens the country's first and only female-run detective agency. She uses wisdom, intuition, and her understanding of human nature to solve various cases, from missing husbands to wayward daughters and con men. The story is not just about solving mysteries, but also provides a deep insight into the culture, landscape and people of Botswana.

    The 2088th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Sunset Song by Lewis Grassic Gibbon

    Set in the early 20th century in the fictional estate of Kinraddie in Scotland, the narrative follows the life of a young woman, Chris Guthrie, as she comes of age amidst the challenges of rural Scottish life. Torn between her love for the land and the pull of modernity, Chris navigates personal loss, the impact of World War I, and societal changes. The novel poignantly explores themes of identity, resilience, and the enduring connection to one's heritage, against the backdrop of the sweeping agricultural and social transformations of the time.

    The 2101st Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. The Melancholy of Resistance by László Krasznahorkai

    "The Melancholy of Resistance" is a surreal and philosophical novel set in a small Hungarian town that becomes isolated by a massive snowstorm. The arrival of a mysterious circus, featuring a stuffed whale and a silent, enigmatic leader, brings with it a wave of change and unrest. The narrative explores themes of chaos, resistance, and the struggle for power through the perspectives of various townsfolk, including a reclusive music theorist and a former political dissident. The novel is known for its complex, long-winded sentences and its bleak yet profound examination of human nature and society.

    The 2129th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. The Bride Of Lammermoor by Sir Walter Scott

    Set in the tumultuous 17th century Scotland, this tragic novel weaves a tale of doomed love and political intrigue. The story centers around the passionate and ill-fated romance between Edgar, the Master of Ravenswood, who is impoverished and seeking to restore his family's honor, and Lucy Ashton, the daughter of his father's political enemy. Their love is challenged by societal pressures, family enmity, and a relentless twist of fate, leading to a dramatic and harrowing conclusion that underscores the destructive power of vengeance and the inevitable tragedy that can arise from the rigid constraints of honor and duty.

    The 2268th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Morvern Callar by Alan Warner

    The novel follows the story of Morvern Callar, a young woman living in a small Scottish port town, who wakes up one Christmas morning to find her boyfriend has committed suicide. Instead of reporting his death, she decides to erase all evidence of it, appropriates his unpublished novel as her own, and uses his money to go on a holiday in Spain. The book explores themes of grief, identity, and personal transformation, as Morvern navigates her way through life with a detached and indifferent attitude.

    The 2293rd 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