The Greatest Swedish, French, Irish "Fiction, Historical fiction" Books Since 1950

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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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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. Memoirs of Hadrian by Marguerite Yourcenar

    "Memoirs of Hadrian" is a historical novel that presents a fictional autobiography of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who reigned from 117 to 138 AD. Narrated in the first person, the novel explores Hadrian's ascension to the throne, his administration, his love for the young Antinous, and his philosophical reflections on life and death. The narrative is framed as a letter to his successor, Marcus Aurelius, offering insights into the complexities of power, the nature of leadership, and the human condition.

    The 310th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Mandarins by Simone de Beauvoir

    "The Mandarins" is a novel that explores the personal and political lives of a group of intellectuals in post-World War II France. The narrative delves into their struggles with ethical dilemmas, political ideologies, and personal relationships in a rapidly changing world. The book is known for its exploration of existentialism and feminism, providing a vivid portrayal of the human condition and the complexities of freedom.

    The 542nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Amongst Women by John McGahern

    "Amongst Women" is a novel that tells the story of Michael Moran, a bitter, aging Irish Republican Army (IRA) veteran, and his relationships with his wife and five children. The narrative explores themes of family, power, love, and the struggle between freedom and control. Moran's domineering personality and the effects of his past experiences in the IRA have a profound impact on his family, shaping their lives and relationships in complex and often destructive ways.

    The 835th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Barabbas by Par Lagerkvist

    This novel tells the story of Barabbas, the man who was pardoned instead of Jesus Christ, according to the New Testament. After being released, Barabbas grapples with his newfound freedom and the guilt of being spared at the expense of Jesus. As he witnesses the rise of Christianity and the profound impact Jesus' teachings have on those around him, he struggles with his own beliefs and the meaning of his existence. The narrative explores themes of faith, redemption, and the human condition.

    The 893rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Christmas Oratorio by Göran Tunström

    "The Christmas Oratorio" is a poignant story set in a small Swedish town, revolving around a boy who loses his mother and his relationship with his silent, grieving father. The narrative is deeply embedded in music, specifically Bach's Christmas Oratorio, which becomes a source of solace for the boy. The tale is a rich tapestry of love, loss, and the healing power of music, exploring the deep emotional bonds between father and son, and the transformative power of art.

    The 1080th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Flanders Road by Claude Simon

    The novel delves into the complexities of memory and the chaos of war, weaving together the narratives of several characters whose lives are entangled by the events of World War II. Set against the backdrop of the German invasion of France, the story unfolds through a series of flashbacks and stream-of-consciousness reflections, primarily focusing on a French cavalry officer captured by the Germans. As the characters grapple with their experiences and relationships, the book explores themes of loss, betrayal, and the elusive nature of truth, all while challenging traditional narrative structures with its fragmented and non-linear approach to storytelling.

    The 1446th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Opposing Shore by Julien Gracq

    The book is a captivating tale of a young military officer who is posted to a remote coastal fortress in an imaginary Mediterranean country. As he awaits a long-anticipated enemy invasion, he finds himself drawn into the local customs and intrigued by the enigmatic presence of the enemy on the opposing shore. The narrative delves into themes of waiting, the passage of time, and the psychological impact of imagined threats, all set against a backdrop of political and military tension.

    The 1498th 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 1879th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Simon and the Oaks by Marianne Fredriksson

    "Simon and the Oaks" is a poignant tale set against the backdrop of World War II, depicting the life of a young Swedish boy, Simon, who comes from a working-class family but dreams of a world beyond his own. His life changes when he befriends Isak, a boy from a wealthy Jewish family fleeing from Nazi Germany. The book explores their friendship, the stark contrast between their worlds, their shared love for literature and music, and the impact of war on their lives. It also delves into themes of identity, love, loss, and the enduring power of human spirit.

    The 1636th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Bridge Of Beyond by Simone Schwarz-Bart

    This novel is an evocative portrayal of several generations of women in Guadeloupe, a tapestry of their joys, sufferings, and resilient spirits against the backdrop of post-slavery Caribbean society. The story centers on the life of Telumee, the last in a line of proud Lougandor women, as she navigates the complexities of love, poverty, and the lingering effects of colonialism. Rich in Creole culture, the narrative weaves together the supernatural with the everyday, creating a lyrical and poignant exploration of the enduring human spirit and the bonds of family, tradition, and heritage that shape our destinies.

    The 1814th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Strumpet City by James Plunkett

    "Strumpet City" is a historical novel set in Dublin, Ireland, during the 1913 Dublin Lockout. The narrative follows a diverse group of characters from different social classes as they navigate the struggles and hardships of life during this tumultuous time. The book vividly depicts the poverty, exploitation, and political unrest of the era, offering a rich and detailed portrait of Dublin and its people in the early 20th century.

    The 1842nd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Abyss by Marguerite Yourcenar

    "The Abyss" is a historical novel set in the 16th century that follows the life of Zeno, a physician, philosopher, and scientist. The narrative explores Zeno's journey from his birth in Bruges to his travels across Europe, his experiences during the Inquisition, and his ultimate death in Constantinople. The book delves into the intellectual and spiritual challenges of the Renaissance era, providing a profound exploration of the human condition, the quest for knowledge, and the struggle between faith and reason.

    The 2005th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Good Behaviour by Molly Keane

    "Good Behaviour" is a darkly humorous and compelling novel that delves into the dysfunctional lives of the St. Charles family. Set in the early 20th century, the story is narrated by Aroon, the youngest daughter, who chronicles her family's eccentricities, secrets, and the complex dynamics that shape their relationships. As Aroon navigates her way through a world of privilege and societal expectations, she grapples with her own desires and the consequences of her actions. With sharp wit and keen observations, the novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to maintain appearances.

    The 2325th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Horseman on the Roof by Jean Giono

    "The Horseman on the Roof" is a historical novel set in 19th century France during a cholera epidemic. The story revolves around an Italian nobleman who is a member of a secret revolutionary group. He is forced to flee his homeland due to political turmoil and ends up in Provence, where he encounters and falls in love with a beautiful woman. As he travels through the plague-ridden countryside, he faces various trials and struggles, reflecting on the nature of honor, duty, and love.

    The 2331st Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Last Of The Just by André Schwarz-Bart

    The book is a poignant and harrowing narrative that follows the tragic history of the Levy family over eight centuries, focusing on the lineage of the "Just Men" - thirty-six pure souls in each generation said to bear the sufferings of the world. The story culminates with the life of Ernie Levy, who, despite the encroaching horrors of the Holocaust, maintains an unwavering faith in human goodness. His journey through the ghettos and concentration camps of World War II Europe is a testament to the endurance of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable evil, as he upholds his family's legacy of compassion until his last breath.

    The 2333rd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Vice-Consul by Marguerite Duras

    This novel follows the story of three lonely, dispossessed people in Calcutta, India: a troubled former French diplomat, a young French woman haunted by her past, and a poverty-stricken Indian woman. As their lives intersect, they grapple with desire, despair, and the struggle for redemption. The narrative is a complex exploration of colonialism, privilege, and the human condition, told through the lens of these three characters' tragic and intertwined lives.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. The Bitter Glass by Eilís Dillon

    "The Bitter Glass" is a historical novel set in Ireland during the 1920s, a time of political upheaval and civil war. The story follows the life of a young man who becomes embroiled in the conflict, despite his initial reluctance. As he navigates through the complexities of love, loyalty, and patriotism, he is forced to confront the harsh realities of war and the profound impact it has on individuals and communities. The book offers a poignant exploration of human nature, the struggle for freedom, and the cost of political strife.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Manon des sources by Marcel Pagnol

    "Manon des Sources" is a poignant tale set in rural France. It is the story of a young woman, Manon, who lives in the French countryside and discovers that her family's water source has been blocked by two neighboring farmers. To avenge her father's death, which she believes was caused by this act, she decides to withhold the water source from the entire village, leading to a series of tragic events. The narrative explores themes of greed, revenge, and the profound connection between humans and nature.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Roots of Heaven by Romain Gary

    The novel is set in post-World War II French Equatorial Africa and follows Morel, a French environmental activist who is fighting to protect elephants from extinction. Morel's crusade against elephant poaching not only draws the attention of other Europeans living in Africa, but also inspires a range of African characters to join his cause. The narrative explores themes of freedom, nature, and the struggle against colonialism and commercial exploitation.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Black List, Section H by Francis Stuart

    "Black List, Section H" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex themes of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of war. Set during World War II, the story follows a group of individuals who find themselves entangled in a web of espionage and betrayal. As they navigate the treacherous landscape of Nazi-occupied Europe, their loyalties are tested, and they must confront the moral dilemmas that arise when faced with impossible choices. With its rich character development and atmospheric setting, this book offers a compelling exploration of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

    The 2617th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín

    The novel tells the story of a young Irish woman, Eilis Lacey, in the 1950s who, unable to find work at home, is sent to Brooklyn by a helpful priest where she builds a new life. She finds work, studies to become a bookkeeper, and falls in love with an Italian plumber named Tony. However, a family tragedy forces her to return to Ireland, where she must choose between her new life in America and her old life at home.

    The 2618th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Days of His Grace by Eyvind Johnson

    "The Days of His Grace" is a historical novel set in the 14th century, during the time of the Hundred Years' War between France and England. The narrative follows a Swedish nobleman who becomes involved in the political and religious conflicts of the era, while also dealing with his own personal struggles and relationships. The book is a complex exploration of power, faith, and the human condition, reflecting on the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in times of war and upheaval.

    The 2711th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Stockholm series by Per Anders Fogelström

    The "Stockholm series" is a historical fiction saga that spans over a century, chronicling the lives of various generations of families living in Stockholm, Sweden. The narrative begins in the mid-19th century and ends in the 1960s, providing a detailed and vivid picture of the city's transformation during this period. The series explores themes of love, poverty, wealth, class struggle, and social change, offering an immersive view of Stockholm's history through the personal stories of its characters.

    The 2711th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. A Change Of Heart by Michel Butor

    This novel delves into the psychological and emotional journey of a Frenchman who takes up a teaching position in Manchester, England. Struggling with the bleakness of the post-war English landscape and the cultural dissonance he experiences, the protagonist embarks on a profound internal journey. Through his interactions with the city, its architecture, and its inhabitants, he undergoes a transformation that challenges his preconceptions and alters his perception of life. The narrative, rich in introspection and vivid descriptions, explores themes of alienation, the search for identity, and the possibility of personal renewal amidst the ruins of the past.

    The 2756th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Samuels bok by Sven Delblanc

    "Samuels bok" is a historical novel set in 18th century Sweden, focusing on the life of Samuel, a Jewish man who immigrates to Sweden to escape persecution in his home country. The book explores his journey and struggles as he navigates through a society filled with prejudice and discrimination, while also trying to maintain his faith and cultural identity. The story is a vivid portrayal of the harsh realities faced by immigrants and minorities, providing a powerful commentary on social and religious intolerance.

    The 3050th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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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