The Greatest Russian, Multiple, Irish "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 300 '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. Room by Emma Donoghue

    "Room" by Emma Donoghue is a novel about a young woman named Ma who has been held captive in a small room for seven years with her five-year-old son Jack. The story is told from Jack's point of view as he struggles to understand the world outside of Room and adjust to life after their escape. The novel explores themes of resilience, trauma, and the power of love and imagination.

  2. 2. Days Without End by Sebastian Barry

    "Days Without End" is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of an Irish immigrant who enlists in the U.S. Army in the 1850s. The protagonist's experiences include fighting in the Indian Wars and the Civil War, as well as falling in love with a fellow soldier. The novel explores themes of identity, love, and survival in a brutal and unforgiving era of American history.

  3. 3. City of Bohane by Kevin Barry

    Set in the year 2053, the book is a dystopian tale about the city of Bohane, a place filled with vice, violence, and tribal warfare. The city is controlled by a gangster named Logan Hartnett, who is challenged by his estranged wife Macu and her lover, a rival gang leader. The narrative is filled with colorful characters, rich language, and a unique blend of futuristic and archaic elements, creating a vivid, darkly comic vision of a future Ireland.

  4. 4. The Forgotten Waltz by Anne Enright

    The novel is a poignant exploration of an adulterous affair set against the backdrop of the economic downturn in Ireland. It follows the story of Gina Moynihan as she reflects on her passionate, yet complicated relationship with Sean Vallely, a man she meets at a party and with whom she embarks on an affair, despite both being married to other people. The narrative delves into themes of love, desire, and the consequences of their illicit relationship, particularly in the context of Sean's ailing daughter, Evie, who becomes a symbol of the affair's impact on the families involved. The story is a candid and lyrical examination of the intricacies of marriage, memory, and the choices that shape our lives.

  5. 5. Faithful Place by Tana French

    "Faithful Place" is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of Frank Mackey, a detective in the Dublin Undercover squad. When a suitcase belonging to his long-lost girlfriend from twenty years ago is discovered in an abandoned house, Frank is forced to confront his painful past and the secrets that tore him apart from his family and the love of his life. As he delves deeper into the mystery, Frank becomes entangled in a web of lies, betrayal, and murder, ultimately leading him to question his own identity and the choices he has made.

  6. 6. Zuleikha by Guzel Yakhina

    "Zuleikha" is a captivating historical novel set in 1930s Soviet Union, following the life of Zuleikha, a Tatar woman who is forcefully taken from her home and exiled to Siberia. As she struggles to adapt to the harsh conditions of the remote village, Zuleikha finds solace in her resilience and the unexpected connections she forms with her fellow exiles. Through her journey of survival, love, and self-discovery, Zuleikha's story beautifully explores themes of identity, freedom, and the indomitable human spirit.

  7. 7. The Mountain And The Wall by Alisa Ganieva

    "The Mountain and the Wall" is a thought-provoking novel set in a fictional region of Russia, where a massive wall is being constructed to separate the Muslim population from the rest of the country. Through the eyes of various characters, the book explores the impact of this division on individuals and communities, delving into themes of identity, religion, and the struggle for freedom. As tensions rise and conflicts erupt, the story highlights the complexities of human relationships in a divided society.

  8. 8. The Natashas by Yelena Moskovich

    "The Natashas" is a haunting and lyrical novel that weaves together the stories of three women: a young Russian prostitute searching for freedom, a French actress escaping her troubled past, and an American student seeking connection. Set against the backdrop of Paris, the book explores themes of identity, displacement, and the lengths people go to find themselves and their place in the world.

  9. 9. A Girl Is A Half Formed Thing by Eimear McBride

    "A Girl Is A Half Formed Thing" is a powerful and experimental novel that delves into the psyche of a young woman as she navigates through a tumultuous and abusive childhood, her complex relationship with her mentally and physically disabled brother, and her own journey towards self-discovery and identity. Written in a unique stream-of-consciousness style, the book explores themes of trauma, sexuality, religion, and resilience, offering a raw and unflinching portrayal of the human experience.

  10. 10. Japanese Philosophy by John C. Maraldo, Thomas P. Kasulis, James W. Heisig

    This book provides a comprehensive overview of Japanese philosophy, exploring its unique characteristics and its evolution through history. It delves into the diverse intellectual traditions of Japan, including both well-known philosophical schools and lesser-known but equally significant ideas. The text examines how Japanese philosophy has been influenced by and has interacted with other philosophical traditions, particularly Western philosophy, while also highlighting its distinct approach to fundamental philosophical issues such as ethics, aesthetics, and the nature of reality. Through a detailed analysis, the book offers insights into how Japanese philosophical thought has contributed to broader philosophical discourse and how it reflects the cultural and historical context of Japan.

  11. 11. Solar Bones by Mike McCormack

    The novel is a stream-of-consciousness narrative that unfolds from the perspective of a deceased middle-aged engineer as he reminisces about his life on All Souls' Day in County Mayo, Ireland. Through a single unbroken sentence, the protagonist reflects on his past experiences, including his family life, work, the complexities of modernity, and the political issues of contemporary Ireland. The narrative weaves together the personal and the political, exploring themes of time, memory, and the interconnectedness of individual lives with the broader societal and environmental forces at play.

  12. 12. The Philosophical Works Of Al Kindi by Peter E. Pormann, Peter Adamson

    This book is a comprehensive compilation and analysis of the works of Al-Kindi, often regarded as the first of the Muslim peripatetic philosophers. The text delves into Al-Kindi's extensive contributions to various fields of knowledge, including philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine, highlighting his role as a pivotal figure in the translation and transmission of ancient Greek philosophy to the Islamic world. Through translations of his works and insightful commentary, the book provides a critical exploration of Al-Kindi's synthesis of philosophical thought and his influence on subsequent Islamic and Western intellectual traditions.

  13. 13. This Is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El Mohtar, Max Gladstone

    In this epistolary science fiction novel, two rival agents, Red and Blue, find themselves on opposite sides of a sprawling temporal conflict known as the Time War. As they carry out missions to manipulate the strands of history for their respective factions, their paths cross in unexpected ways. Through a series of secret letters left across time and space, what begins as taunting correspondence evolves into a deep, forbidden connection. The narrative weaves a complex tapestry of time-travel and intrigue, exploring themes of love, identity, and the consequences of actions within the ever-shifting sands of time. As their bond deepens, Red and Blue must ultimately decide where their loyalties lie and what sacrifices they are willing to make for a chance at a future together.

  14. 14. The Lesser Bohemians by Eimear McBride

    This novel explores the passionate, tumultuous relationship between an 18-year-old Irish drama student and a successful actor twenty years her senior in 1990s London. Their intense connection is complicated by the actor's dark past, filled with addiction and abuse, which threatens to destroy the fragile love they share. As they navigate their relationship, they must confront their own insecurities, fears, and desires, ultimately leading to a profound transformation for both.

  15. 15. Rock, Paper, Scissors And Other Stories by Maxim Osipov

    "Rock, Paper, Scissors And Other Stories" is a collection of captivating short stories that delve into the lives of ordinary people in a small Russian town. Through these interconnected tales, the author explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the human condition, the stories in this book offer a poignant and thought-provoking glimpse into the lives of individuals navigating the challenges of modern-day Russia.

  16. 16. Grown Ups by Marian Keyes

    The novel delves into the complexities of family dynamics, personal growth, and the challenges of adulthood through the lens of the Casey family, whose seemingly perfect lives begin to unravel during a family gathering. When one member of the family suffers a concussion and starts revealing all of their secrets, the facades carefully constructed by each family member start to crumble. The story explores themes of love, betrayal, and the facades people maintain, as the characters confront their personal demons and strive to find a sense of authenticity and happiness in their lives. Through humor and empathy, the narrative examines what it truly means to be a grown-up in a modern world filled with expectations and pressures.

  17. 17. Nora Webster by Colm Tóibín

    Set in a small town in Ireland in the late 1960s, the novel follows Nora Webster, a recently widowed mother of four struggling to forge a new life after the death of her beloved husband. As she navigates her grief and the complexities of raising her children alone, Nora gradually begins to rediscover her own identity beyond her roles as a wife and mother. Through her journey, she confronts societal expectations and personal setbacks, ultimately finding a renewed sense of self and independence. The narrative captures the subtle transformations of Nora's character and the intimate details of her everyday life with profound emotional depth and insight.

  18. 18. The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar

    The book follows a Bangladeshi-Irish teenager as she navigates the complexities of her identity, culture, and sexuality in contemporary Dublin. When her school organizes a business competition, she decides to start a henna business, only to face rivalry from another student with a similar idea. As the competition intensifies, so do her feelings for her competitor, leading to a poignant exploration of love, family expectations, and the courage to be true to oneself amidst the challenges of racism and homophobia. The protagonist's journey is a heartfelt tale of self-discovery and the struggle to honor one's heritage while forging a unique path forward.

  19. 19. Night Boat To Tangier by Kevin Barry

    "Night Boat To Tangier" by Kevin Barry is a darkly comedic novel that follows two aging Irish gangsters, Charlie Redmond and Maurice Hearne, as they wait in a Spanish port for a ferry that may bring Maurice's estranged daughter back into his life. As they reminisce about their past and contemplate their future, the two men confront their regrets, failures, and the toll that a life of crime has taken on them. With poetic language and a keen eye for detail, Barry explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition in a story that is both haunting and humorous.

  20. 20. The Weird by Ann VanderMeer

    "The Weird" is a comprehensive anthology that delves into the strange and uncanny realms of speculative fiction, featuring a diverse collection of stories spanning over a century. This tome curates a wide array of tales from various authors around the world, each contributing their unique voice to the genre of weird fiction. The stories within its pages explore the eerie, the surreal, and the bizarre, often blurring the lines between reality and the fantastical. The anthology serves as both a celebration of the genre's rich history and an introduction to its most compelling voices, offering readers a labyrinthine journey through the many facets of weird literature.

  21. 21. The Green Road by Anne Enright

    "The Green Road" is a family saga that explores the lives of the Madigan siblings. The narrative alternates between their childhood in County Clare, Ireland and their adult lives scattered across the globe. The matriarch of the family, Rosaleen, announces her decision to sell the family home, prompting her children to return for one last Christmas together. The novel delves into the complexities of family relationships, the impact of individual choices, and the enduring power of home and heritage.

  22. 22. Checkout 19 by Claire-Louise Bennett

    "Checkout 19" is a collection of short stories by Claire-Louise Bennett that explore the intricacies of human relationships, particularly those between women. The stories are set in various locations, from a remote Irish village to a bustling city, and feature characters who are grappling with loneliness, desire, and the complexities of communication. Bennett's prose is lyrical and introspective, inviting readers to delve into the inner lives of her characters and contemplate the nature of human connection.

  23. 23. Only The Longest Threads by Tasneem Zehra Husain

    "Only The Longest Threads" is a novel that creatively explores the evolution of major scientific theories through the eyes of fictional characters who experience these paradigm shifts firsthand. Each narrative thread is woven around pivotal moments in the history of physics, such as the formulation of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, general relativity, quantum mechanics, and string theory. The characters, ranging from a scribe during Newton's era to a modern-day graduate student, provide personal and often poetic insights into the intellectual and emotional upheavals brought about by groundbreaking discoveries. Through their interconnected stories, the book illustrates the deeply human endeavor of scientific inquiry and the relentless pursuit of understanding the universe.

  24. 24. This Is Happiness by Niall Williams

    Set in a remote Irish village, the novel unfolds through the eyes of a young man who, during a transformative summer, witnesses the arrival of electricity and the changes it brings to the community. As the village buzzes with anticipation and skepticism, the protagonist also encounters personal growth and the complexities of love, as he is drawn into the lives and stories of the local inhabitants. The narrative is a poignant exploration of progress and tradition, the power of memory, and the bittersweet nature of coming-of-age, all set against a backdrop of lyrical landscapes and the whimsical charm of rural Ireland.

  25. 25. Babel by R. F. Kuang

    This novel is a dark academic fantasy set in an alternate 19th-century Oxford, where translation is the key to harnessing magical power. It follows the journey of an orphan from Canton, who, after a tragic loss, is brought to England and later admitted into the prestigious Royal Institute of Translation, known as Babel. There, he discovers the true cost of the empire's linguistic dominance and magical control. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, the protagonist must navigate a complex web of colonialism, power, and rebellion, ultimately confronting the oppressive structures of the institute and the empire it serves. The narrative weaves together themes of language, knowledge, and resistance, challenging the foundations of power and the price of progress.

Reading Statistics

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