The Greatest Turkish, Australian, Japanese "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. 26. Somersault by Kenzaburō Ōe

    The novel explores the aftermath of a failed doomsday cult in Japan, led by two men who had prophesied an apocalypse that never occurred. After their prophecy fails, they attempt to disband the cult but struggle as their followers resist and violence ensues. The leaders try to rebuild their lives amidst the chaos, grappling with their guilt and the consequences of their actions. The book is a deep exploration of faith, redemption, and the power of belief.

    The 6283rd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Tomorrow, When The War Began by John Marsden

    The book follows a group of teenagers who return from a camping trip to discover that their country has been invaded and their families taken prisoner. As they grapple with the harsh reality of their situation, they must transform from carefree adolescents into resourceful and determined fighters, struggling to survive and launch a guerrilla war against the occupying forces. The story explores themes of friendship, survival, and the loss of innocence, as the characters are thrust into a brutal conflict that forces them to confront the complexities of adulthood and warfare.

    The 6322nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Looking For Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta

    The novel is a coming-of-age story that follows the life of a high school girl of Italian-Australian descent, living in Sydney. Throughout her final year at a prestigious Catholic school, she navigates the complexities of her family's immigrant history, her identity, and the social pressures of adolescence. As she deals with her own personal crises, including meeting her estranged father and grappling with an unexpected tragedy, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, challenging the expectations of her family and society to ultimately find her place in the world.

    The 6395th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

    In a seemingly idyllic beachside town, three women's lives become entangled when their children start kindergarten. As the school year progresses, secrets, lies, and betrayals slowly unravel, leading to a shocking incident that will change their lives forever. With a mix of humor, suspense, and poignant moments, this gripping novel explores the complexities of motherhood, friendship, and the consequences of keeping secrets.

    The 6468th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Riders by Tim Winton

    The novel follows the turbulent journey of an Australian man who travels to Ireland with his young daughter to reunite with his wife, only to discover upon arrival that she has mysteriously disappeared. As he searches across Europe for his missing wife, grappling with the uncertainty of her fate and the challenge of caring for his daughter alone, he is forced to confront his own shortcomings and the reality of his crumbling marriage. The narrative is a haunting exploration of hope, despair, and the complexities of love and identity, set against a backdrop of richly depicted landscapes that mirror the protagonist's inner turmoil.

    The 6500th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. The Ancient Future Trilogy by Traci Harding

    The series blends elements of fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction, following the journey of a young woman who is transported back in time to the age of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. With her knowledge of the future and her emerging psychic abilities, she becomes a pivotal figure in the ancient world, influencing historical events and intertwining her destiny with legendary characters. As she navigates the challenges of her new life, she also uncovers mysteries that link the past, present, and future, revealing a timeless battle between light and darkness. Her adventures across time explore themes of destiny, reincarnation, and the interconnectedness of all things.

    The 6581st Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Vagabond Volume 1 by Takehiko Inoue

    This graphic novel follows the journey of a young, unruly Japanese swordsman in the 17th century, who embarks on a quest to become "invincible under the sun" after surviving a brutal battle that left most of his companions dead. Inspired by the life of a legendary historical figure, the protagonist's path is one of intense duels, personal growth, and philosophical exploration. As he travels, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, each contributing to his understanding of what it means to live and fight with purpose. The story blends visceral action with deep introspection, set against the backdrop of a beautifully rendered feudal Japan.

    The 6598th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. 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
  9. 34. The Devotion Of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino

    "The Devotion of Suspect X" is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the cat-and-mouse game between a brilliant mathematician and a determined detective. When a woman commits murder to protect her daughter, her neighbor, a brilliant mathematician, comes to her aid, meticulously planning the perfect alibi. As the detective investigates the crime, he becomes entangled in a battle of wits with the mathematician, leading to a suspenseful and unexpected climax.

    The 6628th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Ice Station by Matthew Reilly

    In this high-octane thriller, an elite team of American Marines is dispatched to a remote Antarctic research station after a distress signal indicates the discovery of an unknown entity buried deep in the ice. Upon arrival, the team finds themselves embroiled in a deadly battle with foreign commandos who are also intent on securing the mysterious find. As the soldiers navigate treacherous ice caverns and confront the harsh elements, they uncover a secret that could change the course of history, all while fighting to survive against overwhelming odds and prevent the artifact from falling into the wrong hands.

    The 6690th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Snakeskin Shamisen by Naomi Hirahara

    "Snakeskin Shamisen" is a captivating mystery novel set in Los Angeles, following the life of Mas Arai, a Japanese-American gardener and Hiroshima survivor. When a fellow musician is found dead, Mas becomes entangled in a web of secrets and cultural tensions as he navigates the worlds of traditional Japanese music and the dark underbelly of the city. With vivid descriptions, complex characters, and a thought-provoking exploration of identity and heritage, this book takes readers on a thrilling journey through the hidden corners of LA.

    The 6693rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Jessica by Bryce Courtenay

    The novel is a gripping tale of a young Australian woman's resilience and determination in the face of overwhelming adversity. Born into a life of hardship in the bush, Jessica is a tomboy who is more at home with horses and fencing than in the kitchen. When her dreams and rights are trampled by her family's betrayal and a corrupt legal system, she must fight to clear her name and seek justice. Set against the backdrop of World War I and the harsh Australian outback, her story is one of love, loss, and the unyielding spirit of a woman who refuses to be broken by the world.

    The 6708th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. 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
  14. 39. Deltora Quest Series by Emily Rodda

    The series is a collection of fantasy novels that follow the journey of a young boy named Lief, who is tasked with finding the seven lost gems of the Belt of Deltora. Accompanied by his companions Barda and Jasmine, he must travel across the land of Deltora, facing numerous challenges and adversaries, in order to restore the belt's magical properties and overthrow the tyrannical rule of the Shadow Lord. Each gem is hidden in a perilous location and guarded by a fearsome guardian, requiring courage, wit, and perseverance to be retrieved. The quest is not only a physical adventure but also a journey of self-discovery for the heroes as they learn the importance of friendship, trust, and bravery.

    The 6853rd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Dirt Music by Tim Winton

    The novel explores the entangled lives of a small, tight-knit community in Western Australia, where the past and personal grief weigh heavily on the present. It centers on the illicit romance between Georgie Jutland, a woman feeling trapped in her relationship with a local fisherman, and Lu Fox, a poacher with a troubled history. Their connection sets off a chain of events that disrupts the community and sends Lu on a transformative journey into the remote Australian wilderness. As the narrative unfolds, the characters grapple with their inner demons, the harsh realities of love and survival, and the redemptive power of nature and music.

    The 6903rd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. The Great World by David Malouf

    The novel explores the lives of two Australian men, Vic and Digger, whose paths cross during their time as prisoners of war in World War II. Their experiences in captivity and the relationships they form with fellow prisoners and captors profoundly affect their perspectives on life. After the war, the narrative follows their return to civilian life in Australia, where they struggle with the memories of their traumatic experiences and the challenge of reintegration into society. The story delves into themes of friendship, the enduring impact of war, and the search for meaning in a post-war world, all set against the backdrop of the changing Australian landscape and culture throughout the mid-20th century.

    The 6922nd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Cafe Scheherazade by Arnold Zable

    "Cafe Scheherazade" is a poignant narrative that weaves together the stories of Jewish Holocaust survivors who have found a haven in a Melbourne cafe, where they share their harrowing experiences and the tales of their pasts. The cafe becomes a place of solace and storytelling, where memories of love, loss, and endurance amidst the horrors of war are exchanged. Through the recounting of personal histories, the novel explores themes of displacement, the importance of community, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

    The 6951st Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. The Secret River by Kate Grenville

    "The Secret River" is a historical novel that explores the life of William Thornhill, a convict from London who is deported to Australia in the early 19th century. After serving his sentence, Thornhill stakes a claim on a stretch of land along the Hawkesbury River, where he and his family attempt to establish a new life. However, their presence leads to tension and brutal conflict with the Aboriginal people who have lived on the land for generations. The novel delves into themes of colonization, survival, and the moral complexities of claiming ownership in a new world, providing a poignant look at the personal and cultural consequences of European settlement in Australia.

    The 7062nd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas

    "The Slap" is a thought-provoking novel that explores the repercussions of a single incident at a suburban barbecue. When a man slaps a misbehaving child who is not his own, it sets off a chain of events that unravels the lives of the characters involved. Told from multiple perspectives, the book delves into themes of family, morality, and the complexities of modern society, challenging readers to question their own beliefs and values.

    The 7089th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. The Emissary by Yoko Tawada

    "The Emissary" is set in a dystopian future Japan, where the nation has isolated itself from the rest of the world following a series of environmental disasters. The story focuses on the relationship between Mumei, a frail but wise child, and his great-grandfather Yoshiro, who cares for him in a society where the roles of the young and old have reversed. The elderly are burdened with health and vitality, while the young suffer from weakness and disease. Through their daily struggles and interactions, the novel explores themes of resilience, the bonds of family, and the enduring human spirit in the face of societal and ecological breakdown.

    The 7167th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Boyz Rule by Phil Kettle

    "Boyz Rule" is a children's book series that delves into the adventures and misadventures of a group of boys as they navigate the trials and tribulations of childhood. The stories are filled with humor and the spirit of camaraderie, focusing on themes like friendship, sportsmanship, and the various challenges that come with growing up. Each book in the series typically centers around a specific activity or event, from sports competitions to school projects, and showcases the boys working together, often learning valuable life lessons along the way.

    The 7185th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Scarecrow by Matthew Reilly

    In this high-octane thriller, the protagonist, an elite intelligence operative known by his codename, navigates a world brimming with danger and betrayal. After being falsely accused of a horrendous crime, he becomes the target of a global bounty hunt, forcing him to evade capture by bounty hunters and international special forces alike. As he fights to clear his name and uncover the true culprits behind the conspiracy, he must also contend with a series of high-stakes missions that take him across the world. The narrative is a relentless race against time, packed with explosive action and intricate plot twists that keep the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish.

    The 7187th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Harsh Cry Of The Heron by Lian Hearn

    "Harsh Cry of the Heron" is set in a mythical, feudal Japan-like setting and continues the tale of the Otori clan, focusing on Lord Takeo and his efforts to maintain peace across the Three Countries. Despite his commitment to a peaceful reign and the abolishment of violent practices like warfare and capital punishment, Takeo faces inevitable betrayal and threats from within his own ranks and from external enemies. As prophecies of doom surface, Takeo struggles with maintaining his ideals and the harsh realities of leadership, leading to a dramatic and poignant conclusion that tests the limits of loyalty, honor, and sacrifice.

    The 7836th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Rage by Steve Gerlach

    "Rage" is a chilling psychological thriller that delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche. The narrative follows the life of a man who, after experiencing a traumatic event, finds himself on a relentless quest for vengeance. His journey is marked by a transformation from an everyday individual into a person consumed by anger and a desire for retribution. As he descends further into his own personal hell, the lines between justice and revenge blur, leading to a gripping and harrowing exploration of the consequences of unbridled rage and the impact it has on one's soul and the world around them.

    The 8087th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman by Haruki Murakami

    "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman" is a collection of 24 short stories that explore themes of love, loneliness, and loss, set against the backdrop of everyday life in Japan. The stories often blur the lines between reality and the surreal, featuring characters who find themselves in strange, dreamlike situations. The tales range from a man whose reflection takes on a life of its own, to a woman who falls asleep for weeks at a time, reflecting the author's signature blend of the mundane and the mystical.

    The 8223rd 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