The Greatest Swedish, Russian, Greek "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. 26. Mio, My Son by Astrid Lindgren

    "Mio, My Son" is a fantasy novel about a young Swedish boy who is transported to a magical kingdom where he discovers he is the prince. He embarks on a quest to defeat an evil knight and rescue his best friend, with the help of a magical horse and a golden sword. Along the way, he learns about courage, friendship, and the power of love.

    The 2711th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Days of His Grace by Eyvind Johnson

    "The Days of His Grace" is a historical novel set in the 14th century, during the time of the Hundred Years' War between France and England. The narrative follows a Swedish nobleman who becomes involved in the political and religious conflicts of the era, while also dealing with his own personal struggles and relationships. The book is a complex exploration of power, faith, and the human condition, reflecting on the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in times of war and upheaval.

    The 2711th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. 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
  4. 29. 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
  5. 30. Samuels bok by Sven Delblanc

    "Samuels bok" is a historical novel set in 18th century Sweden, focusing on the life of Samuel, a Jewish man who immigrates to Sweden to escape persecution in his home country. The book explores his journey and struggles as he navigates through a society filled with prejudice and discrimination, while also trying to maintain his faith and cultural identity. The story is a vivid portrayal of the harsh realities faced by immigrants and minorities, providing a powerful commentary on social and religious intolerance.

    The 3050th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Sidetracked by Henning Mankell

    In this gripping Scandinavian crime novel, a renowned detective finds himself embroiled in a complex investigation when a brutal murder occurs just before a high-profile conference on African issues. As he delves into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit and corruption that extends beyond the borders of Sweden. Simultaneously, he must grapple with personal distractions and the challenge of keeping his own life from derailing. The detective's pursuit of justice leads him down a path where the distinction between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred, and the stakes are as much personal as they are professional.

    The 3083rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. After the Flood by P. C. Jersild

    After a global catastrophe causes the world to be submerged under water, a small group of survivors aboard a submarine must navigate the challenges of their new reality. As they grapple with limited resources, the threat of disease, and the psychological toll of their situation, they also must confront the question of what it means to be human and how to rebuild civilization in a drastically altered environment. The narrative explores themes of survival, morality, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

    The 3090th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Bathsheba by Torgny Lindgren

    "Bathsheba" is a dark and humorous tale set in a remote Swedish village plagued by a mysterious illness. The narrative follows the village's school teacher who, despite being the only one unaffected by the disease, is ostracized by the community. The arrival of a beautiful and enigmatic woman named Bathsheba stirs up the village, particularly the teacher who becomes infatuated with her. The novel explores themes of love, lust, faith, and the human condition, encapsulated in a captivating and surreal narrative.

    The 3233rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Dog by Kerstin Ekman

    "Dog" is a heartwarming tale of a puppy who is abandoned by his family and left to fend for himself in the wilderness. The narrative follows the puppy as he learns to survive in the wild, encountering various animals and overcoming numerous challenges along the way. The story is a poignant exploration of survival, resilience, and the enduring spirit of animals, as well as a critique of human cruelty towards animals.

    The 3383rd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. 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
  11. 36. 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
  12. 37. 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
  13. 38. 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
  14. 39. 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
  15. 40. 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
  16. 41. 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
  17. 42. 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
  18. 43. 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
  19. 44. 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
  20. 45. 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
  21. 46. 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
  22. 47. 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
  23. 48. 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
  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. Drifting Cities by Stratis Tsirkas

    Set against the backdrop of World War II and the subsequent civil war in Greece, this novel weaves together the lives of a diverse group of characters who find themselves in Jerusalem, Cairo, and Alexandria. Through their interconnected stories, the narrative explores themes of identity, displacement, and the quest for personal and political freedom. The cities, each with their own unique atmosphere and challenges, serve as more than mere settings; they are integral to the characters' experiences, reflecting the broader historical and cultural shifts of the mid-20th century. As these individuals navigate love, betrayal, and the struggle for a sense of belonging, the book offers a rich tapestry of human resilience and the complexities of home in times of turmoil.

    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