The Greatest Jamaican, New Zealand, South African "Fiction" Books Since 2010

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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. A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James

    "A Brief History of Seven Killings" is a multi-voiced novel that explores the attempted assassination of a world-famous reggae singer and its aftermath. The narrative spans decades, starting from the turbulent 1970s in Jamaica through the crack wars in 1980s New York to the changing world of the 1990s. The story is told from the perspectives of various characters, including gangsters, journalists, and CIA agents, providing a complex and gritty insight into the violent underbelly of Jamaican politics and the far-reaching influence of the drug trade.

    The 1709th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James

    "Black Leopard, Red Wolf" is a gripping and fantastical tale set in a mythical and ancient African world. The story follows Tracker, a skilled hunter with a keen sense of smell, who is hired to find a missing boy. As Tracker embarks on his dangerous journey, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, including witches, giants, and shape-shifters. Amidst the treacherous landscapes and political turmoil, Tracker's search for the truth becomes intertwined with his own personal quest for identity and redemption. With its richly imagined world and lyrical prose, this epic fantasy explores themes of love, power, and the blurred boundaries between good and evil.

    The 6601st Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Zoo City by Lauren Beukes, Philibert-Caillat Laurent Beukes Lauren

    "Zoo City" by Lauren Beukes is a gripping urban fantasy novel set in a gritty Johannesburg where people who have committed a crime are magically bonded with an animal familiar. The story follows Zinzi December, a former journalist with a sloth on her back, as she becomes embroiled in a dangerous mystery involving a missing pop star and a dark conspiracy that threatens her newfound stability. With its unique blend of crime, magic, and social commentary, "Zoo City" explores themes of redemption, identity, and the consequences of our actions in a captivating and thought-provoking way.

    The 9790th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Chimes by Anna Smaill

    Set in a dystopian future where the written word is forbidden and memories are washed away by the melodic power of the Chimes, the novel follows a young man with a unique gift for remembering the past. He joins a group of memory keepers who are fighting against the oppressive order that controls society through music. As he embarks on a journey filled with danger and discovery, he uncovers the truth about his own past and the potential to change the future. The narrative weaves a tale of resistance, the importance of memory, and the power of music to both dominate and liberate.

    The 10236th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Moon Witch, Spider King by Marlon James

    The book is a richly woven tapestry of African mythology, fantasy, and history, told from the perspective of an immortal witch with the power to control minds. As the second installment in a series, it delves into the complex and tumultuous life of the witch, who is both feared and revered in her world. Her story intersects with that of a young man destined to become a legendary fighter, and together, their narratives explore themes of power, identity, and the nature of truth. Set against a backdrop of warring kingdoms and political intrigue, the novel is a dark and compelling saga that expands upon the vibrant universe established by its predecessor.

    The 10495th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Promise by Damon Galgut

    This novel delves into the lives of a white South African family over several decades, tracing the country's transition from apartheid to democracy. At the heart of the story is a broken promise made to Salome, a black woman who works for the family, to gift her a house. This unfulfilled commitment serves as a metaphor for the broader societal promises of justice and equity that remain unkept. Through the lens of one family's complex dynamics, betrayals, and secrets, the narrative explores themes of guilt, racial tensions, and the struggle for redemption, reflecting on the challenges of reconciling with the past in a changing South Africa.

    The 10848th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes

    This novel is a gripping thriller that intertwines the lives of a time-traveling serial killer and one of his survivors, who is determined to bring him to justice. Set against the backdrop of Depression-era Chicago, the narrative follows the killer as he uses a mysterious house to travel through time and target young women with bright futures—his "shining girls." After one victim survives a brutal attack, she embarks on a relentless quest to find her assailant, uncovering a trail of similar murders stretching across decades. The story masterfully blends elements of crime, horror, and science fiction, creating a chilling and suspenseful tale of resilience and retribution.

    The 11047th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Harrow The Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

    In this darkly imaginative and complex sequel, the protagonist, a necromancer with unmatched powers, confronts the aftermath of an epic space battle and the loss of her mentor. Now, she must navigate the treacherous politics of an immortal empire as its empress's right hand. While grappling with unreliable memories and a mind that seems to be unraveling, she faces internal and external threats, including potential madness and a lingering, enigmatic enemy. As she trains in the arcane arts of the dead, she must solve the mysteries of her past and the riddles of her present to protect the future of her world.

    The 11253rd 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