The Greatest British "Psychological, Fiction, Historical fiction" Books Since 2000

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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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Genres

Psychological

The Psychological genre of books typically explores the inner workings of the human mind and emotions, often delving into complex and sometimes disturbing psychological states. These books may focus on mental illness, trauma, relationships, or personal growth, and often challenge readers to confront their own beliefs and perceptions. Psychological books may be suspenseful, thought-provoking, and emotionally intense, offering readers a deep and often unsettling glimpse into the human psyche.

Fiction

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

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  1. 1. Atonement by Ian McEwan

    Atonement is a powerful novel that explores the consequences of a young girl's false accusation. The narrative follows the lives of three characters, the accuser, her older sister, and the sister's lover, who is wrongly accused. This false accusation irrevocably alters their lives, leading to the accused's imprisonment and eventual enlistment in World War II, while the sisters grapple with guilt, estrangement, and their own personal growth. The novel is a profound exploration of guilt, forgiveness, and the destructive power of misinterpretation.

    The 209th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

    "Life After Life" follows the story of Ursula Todd who is born and dies repeatedly in February 1910. Each time Ursula dies, her life restarts, with each successive life bringing different circumstances and decisions. The novel explores themes of fate, free will, and the infinite possibilities of existence. Through Ursula's many lives, the narrative provides different perspectives on significant historical events, including both World Wars.

    The 1684th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters

    "The Little Stranger" is a gothic novel set in post-World War II Britain, where a country doctor becomes involved with an aristocratic family living in a crumbling mansion. The doctor becomes increasingly entangled with the family as he attempts to unravel the mystery of a malevolent presence that seems to be causing accidents and illness. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the haunting may be more psychological than supernatural, reflecting the decline of the British class system and the trauma of war.

    The 6736th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Day by A. L. Kennedy

    "Day" is a powerful novel about a World War II veteran who returns to the scene of his former imprisonment as an extra on a film set. The protagonist is haunted by his experiences as a tail gunner and a prisoner of war, and the narrative alternates between his time in the stalag and his present day experiences on the set. As he grapples with his past, he also seeks to reconnect with a woman he once loved, adding a poignant layer to his journey of self-discovery and healing.

    The 6948th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Night Watch by Sarah Waters

    Set in 1940s London during and after World War II, this novel unfolds in reverse chronological order, revealing the lives, loves, and losses of its characters in a deeply immersive narrative. Through the experiences of a diverse group of Londoners, including an ambulance driver, a conscientious objector, and a couple navigating the complexities of a lesbian relationship in a time of pervasive social conservatism, the story delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the secrets we keep. The backdrop of the war-torn city serves as a poignant counterpoint to the personal battles and intimate connections that define the characters' lives, offering a unique perspective on the impact of war on everyday existence and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

    The 7041st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Electric Michelangelo by Sarah Hall

    "The Electric Michelangelo" is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of Cy Parks, a man from Morecambe Bay, England who becomes an apprentice in his mother's seaside hotel for consumptives. He later becomes a tattoo artist, first in his hometown and then in the bustling Coney Island, New York. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the transformative power of art as Cy navigates through the complexities of human body and spirit in the 20th century.

    The 8444th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Thursbitch by Alan Garner

    The book follows two parallel narratives. The first is set in the 18th century, focusing on a packman named Jack Turner who is mysteriously found dead in the valley of Thursbitch. The second narrative is set in the present day, where a woman named Sal and her friend Ian explore the same area, finding themselves mysteriously drawn to the mystery of Jack's death. The narratives intertwine as the boundaries between past and present blur, revealing the mystical and spiritual significance of the valley. The story explores themes of time, memory, and the enduring power of place.

    The 10822nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Born Yesterday by Gordon Burn

    "Born Yesterday" is a unique take on the events of 2007, using them to reflect on the state of Britain. The book examines the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, the floods that swept Britain, and the transition of power from Tony Blair to Gordon Brown. The author blends fact and fiction, creating a hybrid novel that offers a snapshot of a nation in transition and crisis, exploring themes of celebrity, power, and tragedy.

    The 10882nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Pure by Andrew Miller

    Set in pre-revolutionary France, the novel follows a young engineer who is tasked with demolishing an overflowing cemetery in Paris. As he undertakes this macabre task, he encounters a variety of characters, including a rebellious nun, a gravedigger, and a family living on the cemetery grounds. The book explores themes of mortality, the inevitability of progress, and the fragility of existence, all set against the backdrop of a society on the brink of dramatic change.

    The 11035th 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