The Greatest Swedish, Dutch, Australian, French "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 Elementary Particles by Michel Houellebecq

    "The Elementary Particles" is a provocative novel that explores the lives of two half-brothers, one a molecular biologist and the other a disenchanted teacher, against the backdrop of late 20th-century France. The narrative delves into their personal struggles and emotional turmoil, resulting from their dysfunctional upbringing by a self-absorbed, hedonistic mother. Throughout the novel, the author uses their stories to critique contemporary society, touching on themes such as sexual liberation, consumerism, and the decline of traditional values. The book also delves into the implications of scientific advancements, particularly in the field of molecular biology.

    The 908th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. 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 949th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey

    This historical novel is a fictionalized account of the life of Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, told in the form of a journal written to his daughter. The narrative explores Kelly's life from childhood, his family's struggles with poverty and the law, his involvement in horse thievery, and his eventual formation of the Kelly Gang. The story culminates with the gang's infamous standoff with the police at Glenrowan, providing a humanizing perspective on a figure often portrayed as a ruthless criminal.

    The 961st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Discovery of Heaven by Harry Mulisch

    "The Discovery of Heaven" is a philosophical novel that explores the relationship between mankind and the divine. The story revolves around two friends, an astronomer and a philologist, who are manipulated by heavenly forces to father a child who is destined to return the Ten Commandments to God. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into complex themes such as friendship, love, art, science, and the existence of God, presenting a thought-provoking analysis of the human condition.

    The 1140th 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 1298th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Cloudstreet by Tim Winton

    "Cloudstreet" is a sweeping family saga set in post-World War II Australia, following two families, the Pickles and the Lambs, who come to live together in a large, ramshackle house on Cloud Street over two decades. The story explores their struggles, triumphs, and the ways they are haunted and blessed by a mysterious spiritual presence. The novel is a celebration of endurance, unity, and the many forms of love, set against the backdrop of a changing Australia.

    The 1367th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Platform by Michel Houellebecq

    "Platform" is a provocative novel that explores the intersections of sex, business, and terrorism. The protagonist, a middle-aged man working in the French Ministry of Culture, embarks on a journey to Thailand after the death of his father. While there, he falls in love with a travel executive and they start a business capitalizing on sex tourism. However, their venture is violently disrupted by an extremist group, leading to tragic consequences. The novel is a critique of Western consumerism and a commentary on the clash between Western and Islamic cultures.

    The 1404th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Suite Française by Irène Némirovsky

    "Suite Française" is a two-part novel set during the early years of World War II in France. The first part, "Storm in June," follows a group of Parisians as they flee the Nazi invasion. The second part, "Dolce," shows life in a small French village under German occupation. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and survival, and provides a unique perspective on life in France during the war. The book was written during the war but was not discovered and published until many years later.

    The 1505th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Remembering Babylon by David Malouf

    The novel explores the life of a young man who, after being shipwrecked, is raised by Aboriginals in 19th century Australia. After sixteen years, he attempts to reintegrate into European society, but is met with suspicion and hostility due to his adopted culture and lifestyle. The book delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the clash between Aboriginal and European cultures.

    The 1869th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The First Man by Albert Camus

    "The First Man" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the life of a man named Jacques Cormery, who grows up in poverty in Algeria, loses his father at a young age, and struggles with his relationship with his illiterate mother. The narrative delves into themes of identity, memory, and the human condition, as Jacques attempts to understand his past and his father's life, while simultaneously grappling with the harsh realities of colonial Algeria. Despite the challenges, Jacques remains determined to rise above his circumstances through education and personal growth.

    The 2081st Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. All Souls' Day by Cees Nooteboom

    "All Souls' Day" is a novel about a Dutch documentary filmmaker, who, after losing his wife and daughter in a car accident, moves to Berlin to escape his grief. The protagonist becomes entangled in a series of romantic relationships while struggling to come to terms with his loss. The book blends narrative with philosophical musings on memory, loss, and the nature of time, using the city of Berlin as a backdrop to illustrate the protagonist's internal journey.

    The 2268th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts

    The novel follows the life of a convicted Australian bank robber and heroin addict who escapes from prison and flees to India. Settling in the bustling city of Mumbai, he assumes a new identity and immerses himself in the local culture, forming a close bond with the people in a slum. As he navigates his new environment, he becomes entangled in various criminal activities, including running a free health clinic, working for the Bombay mafia, and fighting in Afghanistan. Throughout his journey, he grapples with love, forgiveness, and his quest for redemption, all while exploring themes of good and evil, friendship, and the complexities of the human spirit.

    The 2437th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. 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 3090th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Laws by Connie Palmen

    "The Laws" is a philosophical novel that follows the life of a young woman studying philosophy who becomes intrigued by the concept of laws, both societal and personal. Over the course of seven years, she engages in relationships with seven different men, each representing a different aspect of her studies including a priest, a physicist, an artist, a psychiatrist, a lawyer, a biologist, and a writer. Each relationship provides a new perspective on her quest to understand the laws of the universe and human nature.

    The 3690th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Arrival by Shaun Tan

    "The Arrival" is a wordless graphic novel that tells the story of a man who leaves his troubled homeland to seek a better life in an unknown country. The man's journey is filled with strange, surreal experiences as he navigates a new culture, language, and way of life, all while missing his family. The book explores themes of immigration, displacement, and hope in a beautifully illustrated, silent narrative.

    The 4060th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Twins by Tessa De Loo

    "The Twins" is a poignant narrative about twin sisters, separated at a young age due to the Second World War. One sister grows up in the Netherlands under Nazi occupation, while the other is raised in Germany as part of the Hitler Youth. After six decades of separation, they meet again and begin to share their experiences, discovering the impact of the war on their lives and the stark differences in their upbringing. The book explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the long-lasting effects of war on individuals and families.

    The 4061st Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Whatever by Michel Houellebecq

    "Whatever" is a satirical novel that explores the life of a depressed and disillusioned computer programmer working for a software company in Paris. The protagonist's life is characterized by his cynicism and indifference towards his job, his failed relationships, and society at large. His only relief comes from his philosophical musings about life and the human condition. The novel is a bleak critique of modern society and the isolation and alienation brought about by technology and capitalism.

    The 4115th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. 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 4855th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Possibility Of An Island by Michel Houellebecq

    The novel explores the life and thoughts of a successful comedian who, disillusioned with the superficiality and decay of human relationships in a hedonistic society, becomes involved with a cult that seeks immortality through cloning and genetic manipulation. As the narrative alternates between the comedian's experiences and the reflections of his future cloned descendants, it delves into themes of existential despair, the search for meaning, and the consequences of eternal life. The story weaves a bleak and satirical tapestry of humanity's obsession with youth, sex, and death, ultimately questioning the very nature of human progress and happiness.

    The 4900th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. 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 5081st Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The House Tibet by Georgia Savage

    "The House Tibet" is a novel that explores the complex tapestry of family life, identity, and the enduring impact of history on personal lives. The story follows a woman who, after the death of her mother, inherits a house filled with mysterious artifacts and echoes of the past. As she delves into her mother's secretive history, she uncovers connections to Tibet and a family legacy shaped by love, loss, and the struggle for freedom. The narrative weaves together the present and the past, revealing how the political turmoil of Tibet has rippled through generations, affecting the lives of those far removed from its borders. The protagonist's journey is one of self-discovery and reconciliation, as she comes to terms with her heritage and the threads that bind her to the enigmatic House Tibet.

    The 5192nd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Carry Me Down by M.J. Hyland

    The novel is a coming-of-age story about a young boy named John Egan who lives in Ireland with his parents. John possesses an unusual gift for detecting lies, which he believes makes him a "human lie detector." As he navigates the complexities of adolescence, his family's financial struggles, and his own emotional turmoil, John's unique ability begins to cause more harm than good. The story explores themes of truth, deception, and the lengths one will go to preserve self-identity.

    The 5702nd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

    The novel is a profound contemplation of life as seen through the eyes of two female protagonists: a 54-year-old concierge and a precocious 12-year-old girl, both living in the same upscale Parisian apartment building. The concierge, who conceals her intelligence and passion for literature and philosophy from the wealthy tenants, and the girl, who plans to commit suicide on her 13th birthday due to her disillusionment with the world, form an unlikely friendship. Their lives are forever changed when a wealthy Japanese man moves into the building.

    The 5702nd Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. 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 5710th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. The Great Fire by Shirley Hazzard

    "The Great Fire" is a historical novel set in the aftermath of World War II. The story follows a British war hero, Aldred Leith, who is sent to occupied Japan to research the effects of the war on the country's culture. During his stay, he falls in love with a young girl, Helen, who is the daughter of the Australian camp commander. Despite the age difference and societal expectations, the two form a deep bond. The book explores themes of love, war, cultural change, and personal transformation.

    The 5868th 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