The Greatest Norwegian, British "Fiction" Books From 1910 to 1919

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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. The Shadow Line by Joseph Conrad

    A young man takes command of his first ship, navigating the challenges of leadership, isolation, and responsibility. As they journey from Bangkok to Singapore, the ship is becalmed and the crew falls ill, leading to a tense and eerie atmosphere. The protagonist is forced to confront his own fears and insecurities, ultimately coming to terms with his own mortality and the sacrifices required for command. The tale is a profound exploration of the transition from youth to adulthood, framed within a maritime adventure.

    The 2605th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. South Wind by Norman Douglas

    Set on the fictional Mediterranean island of Nepenthe, the narrative unfolds as a diverse cast of eccentric expatriates and natives engage in philosophical discussions and indulge in the hedonistic pursuits characteristic of the island's culture. The central theme revolves around the clash between the island's permissive morals and the more conservative values of the outside world, with the plot meandering through various anecdotes and character studies rather than following a traditional linear progression. The novel is a satirical exploration of human nature, freedom, and the search for happiness, all set against the backdrop of a sun-drenched, idyllic landscape that seems to encourage both personal reflection and the shedding of societal constraints.

    The 2636th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Psmith, Journalist by P. G. Wodehouse

    In this humorous novel, the protagonist, Psmith, takes over a friend's newspaper while he is away. Psmith transforms the paper from a mundane health advice column into a platform for social justice, exposing the corrupt practices of landlords and politicians in New York City. The novel follows his adventures and misadventures in journalism, complete with thrilling chases, gangsters, and witty banter.

    The 2942nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Mr Standfast by John Buchan

    "Mr Standfast" is a thrilling espionage novel set during World War I. The protagonist is a British intelligence officer who is tasked with tracking down a German spy. The mission takes him on a dangerous journey across war-torn Europe, where he encounters a variety of characters and faces numerous challenges. Along the way, he uncovers a plot that could change the course of the war. The novel is a blend of suspense, action, and romance, with a strong emphasis on patriotism and duty.

    The 2942nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Young Visiters by Daisy Ashford

    The book is a charming and whimsically written tale about the social adventures of a naive but ambitious nine-year-old girl in Victorian England. Penned by a young author herself, the novel follows the protagonist's infatuation with a much older man, her attempts to navigate the complexities of adult society, and her desire to attain a sense of belonging and love. The story is notable for its innocent perspective on adult behaviors and its unpolished, yet endearing narrative style, which captures the imaginative and unfiltered voice of childhood. Despite its apparent simplicity, the book subtly parodies the manners and mores of the upper classes, offering a unique and humorous window into the world as seen through the eyes of a child.

    The 2942nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Caprice by Ronald Firbank

    This novel is a whimsical and satirical exploration of Edwardian high society, following the adventures of its protagonist, Caprice, as she navigates the intricacies and absurdities of her social world. With its sharp wit and flamboyant characters, the story delves into themes of love, social status, and the pursuit of pleasure, all while showcasing the author's distinctive style of dialogue and narrative. The book is celebrated for its innovative use of language and its ability to critique the mores of its time through humor and irony, making it a unique and enduring piece of early 20th-century literature.

    The 4151st Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. The Three Sisters by May Sinclair

    This novel explores the lives and emotional complexities of three sisters living in a provincial English town at the turn of the 20th century. Through their interactions and personal growth, the narrative delves into themes of love, independence, and societal expectations. The sisters, each with distinct personalities and desires, navigate the challenges of finding their places in a world where their choices are limited by their gender and social standing. The story is a poignant examination of the struggles for personal fulfillment and the search for identity within the confines of a restrictive society.

    The 4151st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Piccadilly Jim by P. G. Wodehouse

    The novel revolves around a young, wealthy American named Jim Crocker, known for his scandalous lifestyle and frequent appearances in the gossip columns as "Piccadilly Jim." In an attempt to win the heart of the woman he loves, Jim embarks on a convoluted scheme involving assumed identities, a trip to England, and infiltrating the household of his prospective in-laws. Amidst a backdrop of eccentric characters and comedic misunderstandings, Jim seeks redemption and a chance at true happiness. The story is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and Wodehouse's signature wit, showcasing the escapades and entanglements of the British upper class.

    The 4151st Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Something Fresh by P. G. Wodehouse

    In this comedic novel, the story unfolds in Blandings Castle, where the absent-minded Lord Emsworth accidentally pockets a valuable scarab belonging to an American millionaire, setting off a series of humorous events. The millionaire's secretary and a young woman, both in disguise, infiltrate the castle with the mission to retrieve the scarab, leading to a tangle of mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and witty escapades. Amidst the chaos, the characters navigate through their personal ambitions and desires for love and success, all while maintaining the light-hearted and satirical tone that characterizes the narrative. This work is a delightful exploration of human follies and societal quirks, showcasing the author's masterful use of humor and irony.

    The 4151st Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. The Unbearable Bassington by Saki

    This novel is a satirical exploration of Edwardian society, focusing on the life of Comus Bassington, a charming but irredeemably selfish and idle young man. Set against a backdrop of London's high society, the narrative delves into Comus's frivolous and extravagant lifestyle, which leads to his eventual estrangement from his mother, who is both indulgent and exasperated by her son's antics. As Comus navigates through various social escapades, romantic entanglements, and financial ruin, the story unfolds to reveal the stark realities of class, social expectations, and the consequences of personal recklessness. The novel's sharp wit and poignant critique of societal norms culminate in a conclusion that is both tragic and reflective of the characters' inescapable fates within the rigid structures of their world.

    The 4151st Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Night Land by William Hope Hodgson

    The book is a dark and imaginative science fiction tale set in a distant future where the sun has died, and the remnants of humanity reside within a colossal metal pyramid known as the Last Redoubt, shielded from the monstrous and supernatural creatures that roam the eternal night of the surrounding wasteland. The story follows the journey of a lone protagonist, who, driven by a telepathic connection with his beloved, embarks on a perilous quest across the desolate and horror-filled landscape to rescue her from a similar refuge far across the land, confronting not only the physical dangers of the Night Land but also the limits of human endurance and the power of love and hope in the face of overwhelming darkness.

    The 4610th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Edmund Dulac's Fairy-Book by Edmund Dulac

    This book is a collection of traditional fairy tales from around the world, beautifully illustrated by a renowned artist. The stories include tales from the folklore of various cultures, including French, Russian, Japanese, and Arabian. Each story is accompanied by stunning, full-color illustrations that bring the tales to life and transport readers into the magical worlds of the stories. The book is not only a delight for children but also an artistic treasure for adults.

    The 4916th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Robin Hood by Henry Gilbert

    This classic tale follows the adventures of Robin Hood, a legendary hero who steals from the rich to give to the poor. Living in the Sherwood Forest with his band of Merry Men, Robin Hood is a skilled archer and swordsman who outwits the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham and other adversaries. His acts of bravery and generosity, along with his love for the fair Maid Marian, have cemented his place as a symbol of resistance against tyranny. Through a series of daring escapades, Robin Hood fights for justice, showcasing his unwavering commitment to helping those in need.

    The 5516th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. The Voyage Out by Virginia Woolf

    "The Voyage Out" is a novel that follows the journey of a young woman who embarks on a sea voyage to South America, where she experiences a series of personal and philosophical awakenings. While on the trip, she encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique perspectives and experiences. Through these interactions, she begins to question the societal norms and expectations that have shaped her life, leading to a profound transformation of her identity and understanding of the world.

    The 6169th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Round The Corner by Gilbert Cannan

    This novel explores the life and growth of its protagonist, a young man who seeks to understand and find his place in the world amidst the complexities of early 20th-century society. Through his journey, he encounters various characters and experiences that challenge his views on love, friendship, and the societal expectations placed upon him. Set against a backdrop of a rapidly changing England, the story delves into themes of personal freedom, the quest for identity, and the pursuit of happiness, all while navigating the nuanced dynamics of human relationships and the societal norms of the time.

    The 6745th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Chance by Joseph Conrad

    This novel explores the complex themes of fate, love, and the struggle for personal integrity through the story of Flora de Barral, a young woman whose life is marred by her father's financial disgrace and imprisonment. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of multiple characters, primarily through the eyes of Marlow, a seasoned seaman, who recounts Flora's journey towards self-discovery and redemption. As Flora navigates the challenges posed by her societal downfall, she encounters Captain Anthony, with whom she develops a tumultuous relationship. Set against the backdrop of maritime life and London society, the novel delves into the intricacies of human nature, the impact of past actions on present circumstances, and the unpredictable nature of chance that can alter the course of one's life.

    The 6745th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Heartbreak House by George Bernard Shaw

    Set against the backdrop of pre-World War I Britain, the play unfolds in the eccentric household of Captain Shotover, an old sea captain turned inventor. The narrative explores the lives and loves of the inhabitants of the so-called "Heartbreak House," who represent a microcosm of British society at the time. As they engage in witty banter and romantic entanglements, the characters remain blissfully unaware of the looming external threats that will soon engulf Europe. The play serves as a social critique, highlighting the idle, ineffective intellectualism and lack of moral direction among the British cultural elite, which Shaw saw as contributing to the country's decline and the catastrophic war on the horizon.

    The 6974th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Seven Men And Two Others by Max Beerbohm

    "Seven Men and Two Others" is a collection of satirical essays that blend fact with fiction, offering a whimsical critique of literary and artistic figures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The book profiles a series of eccentric and often outlandish characters, each with their own peculiarities and idiosyncrasies, who are purportedly known to the narrator. Through these vivid and imaginative portraits, the work explores themes of vanity, ambition, and the foibles of human nature, all delivered with a sharp wit and a subtle, ironic humor that both parodies and pays homage to the culture of the time.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. The Prussian Officer by D. H. Lawrence

    "The Prussian Officer" is a tale of a young soldier and his authoritarian captain in the Prussian army. The captain, who is of noble lineage, is envious and resentful of the soldier's youth and attractiveness. As the captain's jealousy grows, he becomes increasingly abusive towards the soldier, inflicting physical and psychological torment. The story reaches a climax when the captain's cruelty drives the soldier to a breaking point, leading to a violent confrontation between the two, which ends in tragedy.

    The 7960th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. The Secret City by Hugh Walpole

    "The Secret City" is a gripping tale set in a small English town, where the lives of its inhabitants are forever changed by the arrival of a mysterious stranger. As secrets unravel and dark pasts resurface, the townspeople find themselves caught in a web of intrigue, betrayal, and forbidden love. With its atmospheric setting and complex characters, this novel explores the hidden depths of human nature and the consequences of keeping secrets.

    The 7960th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. The Daughter In Law by D. H. Lawrence

    The book in question is a provocative exploration of early 20th-century working-class life and marital dynamics, set in a Midlands mining town in England. The narrative delves into the strained relationship between a young couple and the husband's overbearing mother, who is resistant to relinquishing control over her son. The story examines themes of love, power, and the struggle for independence as the newlyweds attempt to assert their autonomy and navigate the complexities of their intertwined family ties, against the backdrop of social change and the shifting roles of men and women in society.

    The 10984th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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