The Greatest Swedish, Chilean, Spanish "Fiction" Books Since 1990

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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. The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolaño

    "The Savage Detectives" is a novel that follows the lives of two Latin American poets, Arturo Belano and Ulises Lima, who are founders of a literary movement called "visceral realism." The book is divided into three parts and is narrated by multiple characters, providing different perspectives on the protagonists. The narrative spans over 20 years, following the poets' journey from Mexico City to Europe, Israel, and Africa, as they search for a mysterious poetess and navigate through the world of literature, sex, drugs, and the complexities of life.

    The 452nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. 2666 by Roberto Bolaño

    The novel is a sprawling, ambitious work that spans continents and time periods, centering around an elusive, reclusive German author. It intertwines five different narratives: a group of European academics searching for the author, a professor in Mexico dealing with his own personal crises, a New York reporter sent to cover a boxing match in Mexico, an African-American journalist in Detroit, and the horrifying and unsolved murders of hundreds of women in a Mexican border town. The narratives are linked by themes of violence, mystery, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

    The 488th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

    A disgraced journalist is hired by a wealthy industrialist to solve a forty-year-old mystery involving the disappearance of his niece. He is assisted in his investigation by a brilliant but deeply troubled hacker. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a twisted web of family secrets, corruption, and murder. The story is a dark and gripping exploration of Swedish society, as well as a thrilling mystery.

    The 948th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

    The novel follows the story of a young boy in post-war Barcelona, who discovers a mysterious book in a hidden library that his father takes him to, which houses forgotten books. The boy becomes captivated by the book and its author, but as he grows older, he realizes that someone is destroying all books written by this author. As he delves deeper into the mystery, the boy's life becomes intertwined with the author's, revealing a dark and tragic past that someone wants to be kept hidden. The story is a mix of romance, mystery, and a historical narrative set against the turbulent backdrop of a city recovering from war.

    The 1060th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell

    In this thrilling crime novel, an elderly farmer and his wife are brutally murdered and the only clue is the wife's dying word: "foreign." This sets off a series of events that involves a dedicated detective who must solve the crime while dealing with his own personal problems. The investigation becomes even more complex when the press catches wind of the dying word, sparking a wave of xenophobia in the community. The detective must navigate through the fear and prejudice to find the truth and bring the killers to justice.

    The 1295th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. A Heart So White by Javier Marías

    The novel delves into the complexities of relationships, secrets, and communication as the protagonist, a translator and interpreter, grapples with the mysterious suicide of his father's first wife and the pervasive silence surrounding it. Through his own marriage and his observations of others', he contemplates the unsaid and the power of words, both spoken and unspoken. The narrative weaves through time and memory, exploring the impact of the past on the present and the intricate ways in which people understand and misunderstand each other.

    The 1523rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Club Dumas by Arturo Pérez-Reverte

    The book follows Lucas Corso, a book detective who is hired to authenticate a rare manuscript by Alexandre Dumas. As he delves into the investigation, he finds himself entangled in a mystery involving two other books: a rare edition of "The Three Musketeers" and a satanic text, "The Book of Nine Doors of the Kingdom of Shadows". The narrative becomes a complex puzzle as Corso uncovers connections between the books, while also dealing with a seductive woman who seems to have stepped out of a Dumas novel, a mysterious killer, and a group of bibliophiles obsessed with Dumas. The lines between fiction and reality blur as he gets closer to the truth.

    The 2350th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Bartleby & Co by Enrique Vila-Matas

    "Bartleby & Co" is a metafictional work that explores the theme of "writers of the No," authors who cease to write or never start at all. The narrator, an office worker on sick leave, uses footnotes to a nonexistent text to delve into the stories of these authors, including famous real-life figures. The book serves as a meditation on silence, refusal, and the nature of literature itself.

    The 2440th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Your Face Tomorrow: Fever and Spear by Javier Marías

    The novel explores the life of a Spanish expatriate in England who is recruited by a secretive organization due to his unique ability to interpret people's behavior. As he becomes entangled in a world of espionage, he grapples with moral and ethical dilemmas, questioning the validity of his work and the consequences of his actions. Through a blend of introspective musings and suspenseful narrative, the protagonist's life unravels, revealing a complex web of deceit, betrayal, and violence.

    The 2592nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. 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
  11. 11. A Light Comedy by Eduardo Mendoza

    "A Light Comedy" is a humorous tale set in Barcelona during the 1940s, centered around a middle-aged woman who, after losing everything in the Civil War, uses her wits and cunning to survive. She turns her apartment into a boarding house for single ladies, but when the business starts to falter, she decides to concoct a plan to marry a rich American. The novel is filled with a colorful cast of characters, and is a satirical commentary on the social and political climate of the time.

    The 4474th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Heretic by Miguel Delibes

    "The Heretic" is a historical novel set during the Spanish Inquisition. It follows the life of a man born in 16th century Spain, who, despite being raised in a strictly Catholic environment, begins to question the teachings and practices of the Church. As he grows older, he becomes involved in the Protestant Reformation, risking his life in a society where heresy is punishable by death. This book explores themes of faith, religious persecution, and the struggle for freedom of thought.

    The 4759th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Book about Blanche and Marie by Per Olov Enquist

    The novel explores the relationship between two remarkable women: Blanche Wittman, a patient at the Salpêtrière hospital in Paris who became a renowned medium, and Marie Curie, a physicist and chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. The book delves into their friendship, their scientific collaborations, and the profound impact they had on each other's lives. It also explores the broader themes of scientific discovery, the nature of genius, and the role of women in a male-dominated society.

    The 4840th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Soldiers of Salamis by Javier Cercas

    This novel revolves around a true event during the Spanish Civil War, where a nationalist soldier spares the life of a famous poet who was about to be executed. The story is told from the perspective of a journalist who becomes obsessed with the incident and embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about what happened. As he delves deeper, he discovers the complexities of heroism, history, and memory, and is forced to question his own understanding of these concepts.

    The 5058th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Fifth Woman by Henning Mankell

    In this gripping Scandinavian crime novel, a seasoned Swedish detective is drawn into a complex investigation when a series of brutal murders rocks his quiet community. The detective and his team are plunged into a dark world of revenge and sinister motives as they uncover the connection between the victims and a past they cannot escape. The detective's methodical approach and deep introspection lead him down a path where the killer's identity is as surprising as the motive, revealing the chilling depths of human malice and the lengths to which one will go to settle scores. As the body count rises, the detective must race against time to prevent further bloodshed and bring the perpetrator to justice.

    The 5064th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. La Dama Número Trece by José Carlos Somoza

    This novel is a thrilling blend of mystery, horror, and fantasy, revolving around a struggling writer who becomes the target of a secret society known as "The Thirteen Ladies". These shadowy figures have the ability to manipulate reality through the power of words and storytelling. As he is drawn deeper into their world, he must uncover their secrets and find a way to survive their deadly games. The narrative is a rich exploration of the power of language and mythology, with a suspenseful plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

    The 5324th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. City of the Beasts by Isabel Allende

    A 15-year-old boy is forced to move in with his eccentric grandmother after his mother falls ill. Together, they embark on a journey to the Amazon rainforest in search of a legendary, healing beast. Along the way, they encounter various challenges, including dangerous animals, harsh environments, and a group of indigenous people with mystical powers. The boy learns to overcome his fears and prejudices, forming a strong bond with the indigenous people and the rainforest itself.

    The 5369th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson

    In this gripping thriller, a young woman with a troubled past and exceptional hacking skills becomes the prime suspect in a double homicide after her fingerprints are found on the murder weapon. As she goes on the run to clear her name, she must also confront figures from her dark history and unravel a deeper conspiracy linked to the sex trade. Meanwhile, her friend, an investigative journalist, works to uncover the truth and prove her innocence, leading to a dangerous confrontation with powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.

    The 5691st Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

    In this thrilling conclusion to a popular trilogy, the protagonist, a brilliant but troubled hacker, lies in critical condition in a hospital, charged with attempted murder. As she fights to prove her innocence and unravel the corrupt political and business ties that threaten her life, her allies, including a determined journalist, work tirelessly to expose the deep-rooted injustices that have entangled her. Together, they must navigate a web of hackers, hitmen, and government officials in a high-stakes battle against a shadowy group willing to go to any lengths to protect their secrets. The story combines elements of mystery, espionage, and courtroom drama, culminating in a gripping finale that addresses themes of power, corruption, and redemption.

    The 5847th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Let The Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist

    The book is a dark and haunting tale set in a Swedish suburb during the 1980s, where a young boy, ostracized and bullied at school, finds an unlikely friendship with a mysterious new neighbor who only appears at night. As a series of gruesome murders plague the town, the boy becomes increasingly aware that his new friend is not what she seems. Blending elements of horror, romance, and coming-of-age, the story explores themes of loneliness, identity, and the desperate need for connection in a world that often seems cold and unforgiving.

    The 6158th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The Royal Physician's Visit: A Novel by Per Olov Enquist

    The novel follows Johann Friedrich Struensee, a German doctor who becomes the personal physician to the mentally ill King of Denmark in the 18th century. Struensee uses his influence to enact Enlightenment-era reforms, but his affair with the Queen and his growing political power lead to his downfall. The book delves into the complexities of power, manipulation, and the human condition, all set against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in Danish history.

    The 6262nd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Ice Princess by Camilla Läckberg

    In a small Swedish town, the body of a young woman is discovered in a bathtub, her wrists slashed. Local detective Patrik Hedstrom is assigned to the case, and as he delves into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets and hidden motives among the town's residents. With the help of crime writer Erica Falck, Patrik must navigate through personal and professional challenges to unravel the truth behind the tragic death of the ice princess.

    The 6472nd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Hanna's Daughters by Marianne Fredriksson

    The novel is an evocative family saga that spans three generations of women, exploring their lives, struggles, and interconnected stories against the backdrop of Sweden's cultural and social evolution. It delves into the experiences of Hanna and her daughter, Johanna, and granddaughter, Anna, as they navigate the complexities of their relationships, personal identities, and the shifting roles of women through the 20th century. Through their individual journeys, the book addresses themes of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family, while also painting a vivid portrait of historical events and changes that have shaped the lives of women across generations.

    The 6476th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Chronicler Of The Winds by Henning Mankell

    In "Chronicler of the Winds," a poignant narrative unfolds through the eyes of a young African boy named Nelio, who, after being shot, recounts his life story from atop a theater roof in an unnamed city that is torn by civil war. As he lies dying, Nelio shares tales of resilience, leadership, and the impact of violence on his life and the lives of his friends. Through his stories, he becomes a symbol of hope and a chronicler of the forgotten children of the streets, revealing the harsh realities of a world where childhood innocence is often brutally shattered by the winds of war and hardship.

    The 6564th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Internal Ecology Morals For Xxi Century by Dario Salas Sommer

    This book delves into the intricate relationship between individual moral development and the broader ecological balance of our planet, proposing that the environmental crises of the 21st century are deeply intertwined with the moral and ethical decay observed in contemporary society. The author argues that by fostering a deeper understanding of our internal ecology—our thoughts, emotions, and spiritual well-being—we can cultivate a more harmonious relationship with the external world. Through a blend of philosophical insight and practical guidance, the text invites readers to embark on a journey of personal transformation as a foundational step towards addressing the global environmental challenges of our time, emphasizing the critical role of individual responsibility and ethical conduct in shaping a sustainable future.

    The 6568th 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