The Greatest Bulgarian, Turkish, Nigerian "Fiction" Books Since 1980

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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. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    The novel is set in Nigeria during the Biafran War, exploring the impact of the conflict on the lives of its characters. The story is told from the perspective of three characters: a young houseboy, a radical university professor, and the professor's wealthy lover. The narrative delves into themes of love, race, and war, offering a vivid depiction of the horrors of conflict and the resilience of the human spirit.

    The 654th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Famished Road by Ben Okri

    The novel centers around the life of an abiku, a spirit child, who resides in the bustling city of Lagos. Despite numerous attempts to return to the spiritual world, the boy is tethered to the physical realm through the love of his mother. As he navigates through the political unrest and poverty of post-colonial Nigeria, he experiences a series of surreal and mystical encounters, all while wrestling with the pull of the spirit world. The narrative is a blend of reality and the supernatural, providing a unique perspective on the struggles and complexities of human life.

    The 710th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk

    Set in the late 16th century Ottoman Empire, this novel explores the conflict between East and West, tradition and innovation, through the lens of miniaturist painters. When a renowned artist is murdered, his colleagues must solve the mystery while grappling with the changes in their art brought about by the western Renaissance. This complex narrative intertwines love, art, religion, and power, offering a deep exploration of the struggles between old and new.

    The 760th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    The novel follows a young Nigerian woman who emigrates to the United States for a university education. While there, she experiences racism and begins blogging about her experiences as an African woman in America. Meanwhile, her high school sweetheart faces his own struggles in England and Nigeria. The story is a powerful exploration of race, immigration, and the complex nature of identity, love, and belonging.

    The 872nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Snow by Orhan Pamuk

    Set in the small city of Kars in northeastern Turkey, the novel follows a Turkish poet who has spent several years in political exile in Germany. He returns to Turkey during a time of political unrest, with tensions high between religious and secular factions. As he becomes embroiled in the turmoil, he also becomes involved in a romantic relationship with a beautiful woman. The city is cut off from the rest of the world by a relentless snowstorm, leading to a series of tragic events. The novel is a contemplation on love, faith, and the tensions between tradition and modernity.

    The 1342nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. A Ballad for Georg Henig by Viktor Paskov

    "A Ballad for Georg Henig" is a narrative that explores the life of a Jewish craftsman and violin maker, Georg Henig, in the 18th century. The story is set in Bulgaria and delves into the historical events and cultural dynamics of the time, including the Ottoman rule and the social status of Jews. The protagonist's life is filled with love, loss, and the quest for artistic perfection, all against the backdrop of a society marked by religious and ethnic tensions.

    The 1901st Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Natural Novel by Georgi Gospodinov

    "Natural Novel" is a thought-provoking and imaginative work that seamlessly weaves together various narratives and perspectives. The book explores the concept of storytelling and its power to shape our understanding of reality. Through a blend of fiction, memoir, and philosophical musings, the author delves into the complexities of human existence, the interconnectedness of life, and the search for meaning in a world filled with both beauty and tragedy. With its poetic prose and profound insights, "Natural Novel" invites readers to contemplate the boundaries between truth and fiction, ultimately challenging conventional notions of storytelling.

    The 2757th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    "Purple Hibiscus" follows the story of a 15-year-old Nigerian girl, Kambili, and her older brother Jaja, who live a privileged life in Enugu. However, their father is a religious fanatic and a domestic tyrant. The siblings are sent to their Aunty Ifeoma's home, a university professor, who provides them a taste of freedom and shows them a different way of life outside their father's oppressive rule. The novel explores themes of colonialism, religious fanaticism, and the post-colonial political situation in Nigeria.

    The 3056th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Children Of Blood And Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

    In a world where magic has been suppressed and the maji people have been oppressed, Zélie, a young maji girl, embarks on a dangerous quest to restore magic and bring justice to her people. Alongside her brother and a rogue princess, Zélie must confront her own powers and face formidable enemies, navigating a treacherous landscape of betrayal and sacrifice. As they race against time, Zélie discovers that she may hold the key to not only saving her people, but also to changing the destiny of their entire nation.

    The 3201st Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Life is a Carawanserai Has Two Doors I Went in One I Came out the Other by Emine Sevgi Özdamar

    This novel follows the life of a young Turkish girl growing up in the 1950s and 60s, exploring her experiences in a rapidly changing society. The protagonist navigates the complexities of her family life, her struggle with her identity and her eventual emigration to Germany. The book explores themes of female empowerment, cultural clashes, and the immigrant experience, all told through a unique narrative style that blends reality with dreams and folktales.

    The 3768th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Avalanche by Blaga Dimitrova

    The novel explores the psychological and emotional landscapes of its characters against the backdrop of a natural disaster. It delves into the lives of a group of people trapped in a mountain hotel by an avalanche, examining their personal stories, relationships, and the societal structures that define them. As they confront the possibility of death and the breakdown of social order, the characters are forced to reevaluate their lives, revealing the complex interplay of human nature and the forces beyond our control. The narrative weaves together themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for meaning, all while questioning the very essence of existence and human connection amidst the chaos of the avalanche.

    The 4052nd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Солунският чудотворец by Fani Popova-Mutafova

    The book is a historical novel set in the early 20th century, revolving around the life of a revered monk known for his miraculous healing powers in the city of Thessaloniki. The narrative delves into the complexities of the Balkan Wars and the socio-political turmoil of the era, as seen through the eyes of various characters whose lives intersect with the monk's. As they seek solace and miracles, the story explores themes of faith, hope, and the human struggle, painting a vivid picture of the period's cultural and historical landscape.

    The 4104th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Wolf Hunt by Ivaylo Petrov

    "Wolf Hunt" is a historical novel set in the early 20th century in a rural Bulgarian village, where the lives of peasants are depicted with stark realism. The narrative revolves around a group of villagers who are tasked with hunting down a wolf that has been terrorizing their livestock. As the hunt progresses, the story delves into the complex relationships and social dynamics within the community, revealing the struggles, hardships, and resilience of the human spirit in the face of poverty, oppression, and the changing tides of history. The novel serves as a metaphor for the political and social upheavals of the time, exploring themes of survival, morality, and the human condition.

    The 4550th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Berji Kristin by Latife Tekin

    The book is a poignant exploration of the lives of squatters in the outskirts of Istanbul during the 1970s and 1980s. Through a blend of magical realism and stark social commentary, it tells the story of a community of rural migrants who, in search of better prospects, build a shantytown named "Flower Hill" on the city's periphery. The narrative delves into the daily struggles, dreams, and communal bonds of these individuals as they grapple with the harsh realities of urban poverty, political upheaval, and rapid modernization that threaten to erase their makeshift neighborhood. The novel is a tapestry of interconnected tales that together paint a vivid portrait of resilience and survival amidst systemic marginalization.

    The 4588th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Stillborn by Zaynab Alkali

    "The Stillborn" is a poignant narrative that explores the lives of women in a traditional African society, focusing on their struggles, resilience, and the quest for personal identity. The story delves into the complexities of polygamy, cultural expectations, and the impact of modernity on rural communities. Through the experiences of its female protagonists, the novel highlights the challenges faced by women in their pursuit of education, autonomy, and fulfillment in a male-dominated environment, ultimately offering a critique of the societal norms that stifle their growth and the transformative power of self-awareness and communal support.

    The 4588th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor

    This novel is a coming-of-age narrative set in a post-apocalyptic Africa. It follows the journey of a young woman born from a violent act, who is prophesied to bring an end to a brutal regime. As she grows, she discovers her magical abilities and must learn to control them in order to fulfill her destiny. The narrative explores themes of race, gender, and power, while incorporating elements of African mythology and culture.

    The 4883rd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Astonishing the Gods by Ben Okri

    "Astonishing the Gods" is a mystical exploration of the intersection of the visible and invisible worlds. The protagonist is an invisible man who embarks on a spiritual journey, seeking knowledge and truth. Along his journey, he encounters various gods and mythical beings, each imparting wisdom and insights. The narrative is a blend of poetry, philosophy, and storytelling that challenges the reader's perception of reality, encouraging them to question the nature of existence and the power of imagination.

    The 5013th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Anthills Of The Savannah by Chinua Achebe

    This novel explores the political turmoil and corruption in a fictional West African country following a military coup. Through the lives of three childhood friends who have risen to positions of power and influence, the narrative delves into themes of leadership, betrayal, and the quest for democracy in a post-colonial African society. As the country teeters on the brink of chaos, the characters' personal and political dilemmas reflect the broader struggles of a nation grappling with its identity and governance. The story is a poignant commentary on power, the complexities of freedom, and the enduring human spirit amidst societal upheaval.

    The 5393rd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Black Book by Orhan Pamuk

    The novel focuses on a man searching for his wife in Istanbul, who disappeared without a trace. In his search, he discovers a secret, surreal world in the city and starts to understand his wife's involvement in political activism. The narrative is interwoven with stories from a column written by his wife's half-brother, which the protagonist believes may hold clues to her disappearance. The book is a complex exploration of identity, storytelling, and the role of literature in society.

    The 5399th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. The Possessed by Elif Batuman

    "The Possessed" is a compelling narrative that combines memoir, criticism, and travel writing to explore the author's deep fascination with Russian literature. Through her experiences as a graduate student at Stanford, her travels to Turkey, Russia, and Uzbekistan, and her encounters with other scholars, the author delves into the works of great Russian authors such as Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov, while also reflecting on the nature of literature, identity, and the human condition.

    The 5862nd Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Ние, мушмороците by Viktor Samuilov

    The book is a satirical exploration of the human condition, set in a dystopian society where the ruling class, known as "mushmoroks," exercises absolute control over the lives of the citizens. Through a blend of dark humor and sharp social commentary, the narrative delves into themes of power, conformity, and the loss of individuality, presenting a bleak yet insightful reflection on the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of resisting oppression. The story, while fictional, serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to question authority and the structures that seek to diminish the human spirit.

    The 5908th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak

    This novel intertwines two parallel narratives, one set in the 13th century and one in the modern day. The contemporary story follows a discontented American housewife who, while working as a reader for a literary agency, comes across a novel about the 13th-century poet Rumi and his spiritual mentor, Shams of Tabriz. As she delves into their story, she uncovers Shams' forty rules of love and begins to question her own life and relationships. The historical narrative, on the other hand, explores the transformative friendship between Rumi and Shams, and how their bond revolutionized Rumi's poetry and outlook on life.

    The 6603rd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Binti by Nnedi Okorafor

    "Binti" is a science fiction novella that follows the journey of a young Himba girl named Binti, who defies her family's wishes and leaves her home to attend the prestigious Oomza University. As the first of her people to be accepted, Binti faces various challenges and cultural clashes as she navigates the complexities of interstellar travel and encounters an alien race known as the Meduse. Through her unique abilities and determination, Binti becomes a bridge between two civilizations, ultimately transforming her own identity and challenging societal norms.

    The 6660th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. The Museum Of Innocence by Orhan Pamuk

    This novel delves into the obsessive love of Kemal, a wealthy Istanbulite, for Füsun, a distant relative and a shopgirl, which begins in 1975 and spans over 30 years. After a brief affair, Füsun marries another man, but Kemal's love remains unyielding. He starts collecting objects that remind him of his love for her, eventually creating a museum dedicated to their relationship. Set against the backdrop of Istanbul's changing society, the story explores themes of love, longing, class, and the power of memory, as Kemal's life becomes a testament to his unattainable desire, encapsulated within the walls of his museum.

    The 6721st Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

    In this darkly comedic novel, a nurse named Korede finds herself repeatedly cleaning up after her sister Ayoola, who has a disturbing habit of killing her boyfriends. As Ayoola's murderous tendencies escalate, Korede is torn between her loyalty to her sister and her growing concern for the next potential victim. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, the sisters' bond is put to the ultimate test, leading to a gripping and unexpected conclusion.

    The 6732nd 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