The Greatest Canadian, Irish "Fiction" Books Since 1950

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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. 226. Hominids by Robert J. Sawyer

    In this science fiction novel, a parallel universe is the backdrop for an extraordinary encounter between two different versions of humanity. The story unfolds as a Neanderthal physicist accidentally crosses over from his Earth, where Neanderthals became the dominant intelligent species, into our world, where Homo sapiens prevail. The narrative explores the resulting cultural shock, ethical dilemmas, and intellectual exchanges from this cross-dimensional meeting, while also delving into the contrasting societal structures, technologies, and philosophies of the two distinct human civilizations. The book challenges readers to reflect on what it means to be human and the paths not taken in our own evolutionary history.

    The 10630th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 227. A Brightness Long Ago by Guy Gavriel Kay

    Set in a world evoking Renaissance Italy, the novel weaves a tale of fate and consequence where the lives of a healer's daughter and a mercenary's son become intertwined with those of powerful rulers and skilled assassins. As past choices and chance encounters reverberate through the tapestry of their world, the characters navigate a landscape of beauty and violence, where the paths of the mighty and the humble cross in unexpected ways. The narrative explores the impact of memory, the weight of history, and the nature of human ambition, all while painting a vivid portrait of a society on the cusp of transformative change.

    The 10658th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 228. A Walk Out Of The World by Ruth Nichols

    This enchanting novel follows the adventures of two siblings who, while wandering in the woods, stumble upon a magical threshold that transports them into a fantastical realm. In this otherworldly place, they embark on a perilous journey to help save the kingdom from dark forces threatening its existence. Along the way, they encounter a variety of mystical creatures and face numerous challenges that test their courage and resolve. As they navigate this enchanting but dangerous land, the siblings learn valuable lessons about bravery, loyalty, and the power of imagination. This captivating tale weaves together elements of fantasy and folklore, creating a timeless story that explores the boundaries between reality and the realms of the extraordinary.

    The 10670th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 229. Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay

    In this contemporary fantasy novel, a teenage boy accompanies his photographer father to Provence, where he becomes entangled in an ancient, recurring struggle involving Celtic and Roman forces, as well as a love triangle that has spanned millennia. As the past and present converge, the boy discovers he has a critical role to play in this timeless conflict, with the help of a mysterious girl and a druid. The narrative weaves together historical fiction with magical elements, exploring themes of love, destiny, and the enduring power of stories.

    The 10683rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 230. The Glorious Heresies by Lisa McInerney

    "The Glorious Heresies" is a darkly comedic novel set in post-recession Ireland, chronicling the interconnected lives of a cast of colorful characters. When a accidental murder takes place, the lives of a gangster, a prostitute, a teenage drug dealer, and a mother struggling to survive become entangled in a web of secrets and lies. As their paths converge, they are forced to confront the consequences of their actions and grapple with the complexities of love, redemption, and forgiveness in a gritty and unforgiving world.

    The 10694th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 231. The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh

    The play is a dark, thought-provoking drama that centers around a writer in a totalitarian state who is interrogated by two detectives about the gruesome content of his short stories, which bear similarities to a series of child murders. As the narrative unfolds through a series of twists and flashbacks, it delves into themes of storytelling, the nature of cruelty, and the question of whether art can inspire real-life violence. The writer is forced to confront his past and the impact of his tales, leading to a harrowing exploration of the power of narrative and the blurred lines between fiction and reality.

    The 10698th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 232. Silver City by Maurice Leitch

    "Silver City" is a compelling narrative that takes place in the aftermath of the American Civil War. The story follows a young Irish immigrant who embarks on a journey to the West in search of silver and fortune. Along the way, he encounters a myriad of characters, each with their own unique stories and backgrounds, and he must navigate the harsh realities of life on the frontier, including violence, lawlessness, and the relentless pursuit of wealth. The novel explores themes of ambition, survival, and the American Dream in a raw and unforgiving landscape.

    The 10775th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 233. The Old Jest by Jennifer Johnston

    The novel is set in Ireland during the Irish War of Independence and follows the story of an 18-year-old girl who befriends an elderly man living in a beach hut. As she navigates her transition into adulthood, she is also confronted with the harsh realities of war and political unrest. The story explores themes of friendship, coming-of-age, and the personal impact of political conflict.

    The 10789th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 234. Masterworks of the Classical Haida Mythtellers by Robert Bringhurst

    "Masterworks of the Classical Haida Mythtellers" is a collection of stories from the Haida people, an indigenous group from the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America. The book provides a deep and insightful exploration of Haida mythology and culture through its rich oral literature. The author has painstakingly translated these tales from the original Haida language into English, maintaining their poetic and narrative essence. The collection serves as a significant contribution to the preservation and understanding of Haida cultural heritage and indigenous storytelling traditions.

    The 10791st Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 235. The Terminal Experiment by Robert J. Sawyer

    The book explores the ethical and existential ramifications of life after death and artificial intelligence through the story of a scientist who creates three electronic simulations of his own personality. These simulations are designed to test theories of the afterlife and morality, but things take a dark turn when one of the simulations becomes sentient and starts affecting the real world, leading to a series of mysterious deaths. As the scientist struggles to control his creations and unravel the mystery, the novel delves into themes of consciousness, identity, and the implications of technological advancements on the human soul.

    The 10889th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 236. Prophet Song by Paul Lynch

    This novel is a gripping tale set in a dystopian future where the world has been ravaged by climate change, leading to societal collapse and the rise of authoritarian regimes. The story follows Isaiah, a young man with a mysterious gift for prophecy, as he embarks on a perilous journey across this desolate landscape. Along the way, he encounters a cast of characters who are struggling to survive and find hope in a world that seems beyond redemption. With lyrical prose and a deep exploration of themes such as power, faith, and resilience, the narrative weaves a compelling vision of humanity's potential for both destruction and redemption.

    The 10899th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 237. All That Fall by Samuel Beckett

    "All That Fall" is a one-act radio play that revolves around the character of Maddy Rooney, an elderly and struggling woman, as she makes her laborious journey to the train station to pick up her blind husband. Along the way, she encounters various villagers who contribute to the play's darkly comic and poignant atmosphere. The narrative weaves together themes of human suffering, the absurdity of existence, and the search for meaning, all while maintaining a sense of rhythm and musicality in the dialogue. As the story unfolds, the audience is drawn into a reflection on the nature of life’s burdens and the inescapable condition of decline that characterizes the human experience.

    The 10999th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 238. Dancing At Lughnasa by Brian Friel

    The play is a poignant memory piece that transports audiences to the summer of 1936 in the rural Irish town of Ballybeg, where the five unmarried Mundy sisters live in a modest cottage. Through the eyes of Michael, the son of one of the sisters, we witness the struggles and joys of these women as they grapple with their financial hardships, social norms, and complex relationships. The arrival of their elder brother, a missionary priest from Africa, and the influence of a charming but unreliable radio, which they nickname "Marconi," inject excitement and disruption into their lives. The story is a bittersweet reflection on the sisters' aspirations, unfulfilled dreams, and the fleeting moments of dance and music that offer them a temporary escape from the challenges of their everyday reality.

    The 11050th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 239. The Philosopher Kings by Jo Walton

    Set in a society that strives to recreate the philosophical and communal ideals of Plato's Republic, "The Philosopher Kings" follows the lives of the inhabitants of this experimental city-state twenty years after its founding. The narrative centers around the political and personal upheavals that ensue after the death of one of the community's leaders, leading to a quest for vengeance and a journey across the sea. This odyssey confronts the characters with pirates, new societies, and divine encounters, all the while challenging their convictions and the practicality of their pursuit of the ideal. The story is a blend of speculative fiction and philosophical exploration, examining the complexities of human nature, governance, and the pursuit of knowledge and justice.

    The 11108th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 240. The Just City by Jo Walton

    In this philosophical science fiction novel, the story revolves around the goddess Athena's ambitious experiment: to create a city based on the principles of Plato's Republic. With the help of time-travel and robots, she gathers scholars and thinkers from across history, as well as children to be educated as "philosopher kings," to populate the city. The narrative explores the complexities of implementing Plato's ideas in practice, examining issues of consent, the nature of excellence, and the pursuit of the greater good. As the experiment unfolds, the characters struggle with the challenges of realizing a theoretically just society and the ethical dilemmas that arise from their pursuit of an idealized vision of justice.

    The 11108th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 241. Necessity by Jo Walton

    "Necessity" is the third book in a philosophical science fiction series that follows the residents of a distant planet created by the goddess Athena to experiment with Plato's ideal society. The story takes place generations after the founding of the city, where gods, humans, and sentient robots coexist. The narrative explores complex themes such as the nature of choice, the existence of gods, and the development of societies. When the planet faces a potential existential threat, its inhabitants must grapple with their destiny and the implications of their existence within a universe where the lines between myth and reality are blurred.

    The 11212th 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