The Greatest Russian, Greek, Spanish "Fiction" Books Since 1950

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

Russian

Greek

Spanish

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. 26. Last Evenings with Teresa by Juan Marse

    The novel revolves around a young, ambitious man from the lower class who is obsessed with breaking into the higher social strata of Barcelona. He believes that his ticket to this higher society is through seducing Teresa, a naive, young girl from a well-off family. As he manipulates Teresa, he finds himself entangled in a web of deceit, lies, and unexpected feelings. The story is a gritty exploration of class, ambition, and the lengths people will go to achieve their desires.

    The 2605th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Happy Moscow by Andrey Platonov

    "Happy Moscow" is a satirical novel set in the Soviet Union during the height of Stalinist rule, following the life of a young woman, Moscow Chestnova, who is named after the capital city. Despite the harsh realities of life under an authoritarian regime, she maintains a positive and optimistic outlook, symbolizing the Soviet Union's propaganda that promoted an image of a happy and prosperous society. The novel, through its characters and their experiences, explores the paradoxes and contradictions of the Soviet society, challenging the official narrative of happiness and prosperity.

    The 2757th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. The Back Room by Carmen Martín Gaite

    "The Back Room" is a surreal narrative that blurs the lines between reality and imagination. The story revolves around a female writer who is visited by a mysterious stranger in the middle of the night. The stranger triggers a series of memories and dreams, transporting her back to her childhood during the Spanish Civil War. As the protagonist delves deeper into her past, she begins to question the nature of her reality, resulting in a psychological exploration of memory, identity, and the power of storytelling.

    The 2800th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Southern Seas by Manuel Vázquez Montalbán

    "Southern Seas" is a detective novel set in post-Franco Barcelona. The story revolves around a private detective who is hired to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a wealthy man. As he delves deeper into the case, he finds himself entangled in a web of corruption, violence, and deceit, revealing a dark underbelly of the city's elite society. The narrative is deeply political and social, exploring themes of power, class, and the legacy of Franco's dictatorship in Spain.

    The 2836th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Soul and Other Stories by Andrey Platonov

    "Soul and Other Stories" is a collection of short stories that delve into the human condition and the struggle for identity in a world filled with political and social upheaval. The stories are set in a variety of contexts, from the harsh landscapes of Central Asia to the chaos of the Russian Revolution. The characters are often faced with existential crises, grappling with questions of purpose, meaning, and morality. The narrative is marked by a unique blend of philosophical inquiry, poetic prose, and a deep sense of empathy for the human plight.

    The 2890th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Larva: Midsummer Night's Babel by Julián Ríos

    "Larva: Midsummer Night's Babel" is a complex and innovative novel that explores the nature of language and the power of words. It's a narrative labyrinth that follows a group of characters through the streets of London on a midsummer night, as they engage in a series of intellectual debates and discussions. The story is filled with puns, word games, and literary references, and is written in a unique style that blends poetry and prose. The novel is also a satire of the literary world, with the characters often critiquing and parodying various literary styles and authors.

    The 3032nd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Obabakoak by Bernardo Atxaga

    Obabakoak is a collection of interconnected stories that revolve around the inhabitants of a fictional Basque village named Obaba. The stories, which are a blend of the magical and the everyday, explore the complexities of human nature, as well as the rich history and culture of the Basque region. Themes of love, fear, tradition, and change are woven throughout, offering a nuanced and evocative portrait of a community and its people.

    The 3375th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. All Souls by Javier Marías

    "All Souls" is a novel that follows the experiences of a Spanish professor teaching at Oxford University. His life is filled with eccentric colleagues, a puzzling love affair, and a mysterious sense of intrigue. As the protagonist navigates through the academic world, he becomes entangled in a web of personal relationships and bureaucratic intricacies. The book is a blend of romance, suspense, and satire, with a poignant exploration of memory, longing, and the ephemeral nature of human relationships.

    The 3428th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Sofia Petrovna by Lydia Chukovskaya

    The book is a poignant narrative set during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s in the Soviet Union. It follows the story of a loyal and hardworking widow who is confronted with the brutal reality of the regime when her beloved son is arrested on false charges. As she navigates the Kafkaesque bureaucracy to seek justice for her son, her faith in the government and its policies is shattered. The novel offers a harrowing look at the terror of the Great Purge and the impact of political oppression on the lives of ordinary citizens, as the protagonist grapples with the disintegration of her world and the moral dilemmas posed by a society steeped in fear and denunciations.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. The Daughter by Pavlos Matesis

    "The Daughter" is a powerful novel set in Greece during the Second World War. The narrative follows the life of a young girl who is forced to grow up quickly due to the harsh realities of war. Her father, a communist, is executed by the Germans, and the girl is left to navigate the complexities of life, politics, and love in a world that is rapidly changing. The book offers a poignant exploration of the human capacity for resilience, survival, and hope in the face of unimaginable adversity.

    The 3605th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Astradeni by Eugenia Fakinou

    "Astradeni" is a coming-of-age novel set in post-World War II Greece. The story follows the life of a young girl named Astradeni, who is forced to grow up quickly due to the harsh realities of war and poverty. Despite the hardships she faces, Astradeni maintains a hopeful and imaginative spirit, often escaping into a world of myths and legends. The novel explores themes of resilience, the power of storytelling, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

    The 3681st Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. A Poem Without A Hero by Anna Akhmatova

    The book is a profound reflection on the nature of memory, history, and the enduring impact of war. Through a series of interconnected poems, the work weaves together personal and collective experiences, focusing on the tumultuous events of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent Stalinist era. The poet grapples with the themes of loss, betrayal, and the search for redemption, while also paying homage to the artists and thinkers who suffered under repressive regimes. Rich in allusions and steeped in a complex interplay of voices and time periods, the narrative serves as a poignant meditation on the role of the poet and the power of poetry to bear witness to the tragedies of the past.

    The 3727th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Norma by Vladimir Sorokin

    The book is a surreal narrative that delves into the life of a woman with an extraordinary physiological trait—her breast milk possesses remarkable healing properties. As word of her unique ability spreads, she becomes a valuable commodity in a society that is both fascinated and obsessed with the potential of her gift. The story unfolds in a dystopian world where the protagonist must navigate the complexities of exploitation, power, and the human condition, all while grappling with the implications of her own body's capabilities and the relentless demands placed upon her by those seeking to harness her unusual power for their own purposes.

    The 3754th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Uncle Petros and Goldbach's Conjecture by Apostolos Doxiadis

    The novel follows the story of a young man who becomes fascinated by his reclusive and eccentric Uncle Petros. As he delves into his uncle's past, he uncovers Petros' obsession with proving Goldbach's Conjecture, a famous unsolved problem in number theory. This obsession led to Petros' alienation from society and ultimately his downfall. The book explores themes of mathematical obsession, family relationships, and the fine line between genius and madness.

    The 3757th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Antiworlds by Andrey Voznesensky

    "Antiworlds" is a collection of poetry that provides a glimpse into the Soviet Union during the Cold War era. The poems are characterized by their avant-garde style, exploring themes of love, politics, and the human condition. The book includes the author's reflections on his travels around the world, his experiences with other cultures, and his perspective on the political climate of his time. The poems are both personal and universal, offering a unique perspective on the world during a period of intense political and social change.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. La Saga/ Fuga de J. B./ The Saga/ Escape of J.B. by Gonzalo Torrente Ballester

    "La Saga/ Fuga de J. B./ The Saga/ Escape of J.B." is a complex narrative that explores the themes of reality and fiction, and their intersection. The story revolves around a mysterious character, J.B., who escapes from a novel into the real world. As he navigates this new realm, the boundaries between the fictional world he came from and the reality he now inhabits become increasingly blurred, leading to a surreal and thought-provoking exploration of the nature of existence.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. The Plant, The Well, The Angel by Vassilis Vassilikos

    This novel weaves a complex narrative that explores the interconnectedness of human life, nature, and the divine. Through the symbolic elements of a plant, a well, and an angel, the story delves into themes of growth, discovery, and spiritual awakening. Set against a backdrop that blends the mundane with the mystical, the narrative follows the journey of its characters as they navigate personal and collective challenges, ultimately seeking redemption and enlightenment. The author masterfully uses these symbols to reflect on the essence of existence, the cycles of life, and the pursuit of meaning in a world filled with both beauty and hardship.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Ο Εξώστης by Nikos Kakhtitsis

    This novel delves into the life of a young man grappling with his sexual identity amidst the conservative and oppressive societal norms of mid-20th century Greece. Through a series of introspective monologues and vivid encounters, the protagonist navigates the complexities of desire, shame, and the longing for acceptance. Set against the backdrop of post-war Greece, the narrative explores themes of alienation, the struggle for self-realization, and the quest for freedom in a rigidly structured society. The protagonist's journey is a poignant reflection on the human condition, offering a deep exploration of the internal and external conflicts arising from societal expectations and personal identity.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. The Flaw by Antonis Samarakis

    The book is a gripping narrative set in an unnamed totalitarian state, where the protagonist, a government clerk, finds himself inadvertently embroiled in a complex web of political intrigue and moral dilemmas after discovering a minor error in a routine report. This seemingly insignificant flaw sets off a chain of events that exposes the oppressive and corrupt nature of the regime, challenging the protagonist's loyalties and beliefs. As he navigates through a dangerous landscape of surveillance, betrayal, and resistance, the story explores themes of power, conscience, and the human spirit's resilience against authoritarianism. Through its tense and thought-provoking plot, the novel serves as a poignant critique of totalitarian systems and a testament to the individual's struggle for justice and freedom.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Η κρύπτη by Ε.Χ. Γονατάς

    The book unfolds within the mysterious and eerie confines of a crypt, where secrets from the past and present intertwine. As the protagonist delves deeper into the crypt's enigmatic depths, they encounter a series of cryptic clues and supernatural occurrences that challenge their understanding of reality. The narrative masterfully blends elements of horror, mystery, and historical fiction, leading readers on a suspenseful journey through time and darkness. The crypt, with its ancient allure and hidden dangers, becomes a character in its own right, revealing truths that are as unsettling as they are enlightening, ultimately confronting the protagonist with a revelation that could alter their perception of life and death.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. The Story Of Andreas Kordopatis by Thanassis Valtinos

    This novel unfolds the life journey of Andreas Kordopatis, tracing his odyssey from his origins in the Peloponnese, through his ventures in the United States and his return to Greece. Set against the backdrop of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the narrative weaves through the personal and historical, exploring themes of migration, identity, and the pursuit of a better life. Through a blend of personal accounts, letters, and third-person narration, the reader is immersed in the struggles and aspirations of a man navigating the complexities of diaspora and the relentless quest for home and belonging amidst the turbulent tides of history.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Η Σαρκοφαγος by Giorgos Ioannou

    This book delves into the complexities of human nature, society, and the existential dilemmas faced by individuals in post-war Greece. Through a series of interconnected stories, the narrative explores themes of loss, despair, and the search for meaning in a world marked by political turmoil and social change. The author masterfully portrays the struggles of ordinary people trying to find their place in a rapidly evolving society, using vivid imagery and deep psychological insight to bring his characters to life. The work is a poignant reflection on the human condition, offering a critical look at the challenges of adapting to a new reality while clinging to the remnants of the past.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Count Julian by Juan Goytisolo

    "Count Julian" is a novel that explores the themes of betrayal, revenge, and cultural identity. The protagonist, an exiled Spaniard, reflects on the history of his homeland, Spain, and its past conquests and losses. He identifies with Count Julian, a historical figure who invited the Moors to invade Spain as an act of revenge against the Visigothic King Roderic. The narrative is a critique of Spanish nationalism and cultural identity, as the protagonist dreams of a new invasion to cleanse Spain of its past and present sins. The book's complex narrative structure, nonlinear timeline, and poetic language make it a challenging but rewarding read.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Ματωμένα Χώματα by Dido Sotiriou

    This novel is a poignant narrative set against the backdrop of the Greco-Turkish War and the subsequent population exchange between Greece and Turkey in the early 20th century. It tells the harrowing story of a Greek family living in Asia Minor who are forced to flee their ancestral home amidst the violence and upheaval of the time. Through their journey, the book explores themes of identity, loss, and the enduring human spirit in the face of displacement and tragedy. The narrative serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of individuals caught in the crossfire of historical events, and a reminder of the personal stories behind the broad strokes of history.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Το Τρίτο Στεφάνι by Kostas Taktsis

    This novel is a poignant exploration of the complexities of love, societal norms, and personal identity in post-war Greece. Through the eyes of its protagonist, a young man navigating his sexual identity amidst the conservative and often oppressive societal expectations of the time, the narrative delves into themes of love, loss, and the search for personal freedom. Set against the backdrop of Athens in the mid-20th century, the story weaves together the protagonist's intimate experiences with broader social and political changes, offering a deeply human and moving portrayal of the struggle for self-acceptance and the courage to live authentically.

    The 3791st 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