The Greatest Israeli, Canadian, British "Marriage, Fiction" Books Since 1970

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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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Marriage

The category of "Marriage" in books encompasses a wide range of literature that explores the institution of marriage, including its joys, challenges, and complexities. These books may delve into the history and cultural significance of marriage, examine the psychological and emotional dynamics of relationships, or offer practical advice and guidance for couples navigating the ups and downs of married life. Whether exploring the intricacies of communication, intimacy, or conflict resolution, books in this category aim to provide insight and support for individuals seeking to build and maintain strong, healthy, and fulfilling marriages.

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  1. 1. The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields

    The novel follows the life of Daisy Goodwill Flett, a seemingly ordinary woman, from her birth in Canada in 1905 to her death. It explores her experiences as a mother, wife, and widow, as well as her work as a gardener and her later years as a columnist. The book is unique in that it is written in a variety of styles including letters, diary entries, and third-person narrative, and it explores themes of identity, love, and the often overlooked lives of women.

    The 1040th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Hotel du Lac by Anita Brookner

    The novel follows the story of a romance novelist, who, after a love affair with a married man, is sent by her friends to a Swiss hotel to recover. At the hotel, she meets various eccentric characters, including a wealthy woman and her daughter, a mysterious, wealthy man, and a couple on their honeymoon. As she observes and interacts with these characters, she is forced to examine her own life and choices, ultimately deciding whether to accept a marriage proposal from a man she doesn't love or to continue living independently.

    The 1343rd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. On Beauty by Zadie Smith

    This novel is a contemporary, multicultural exploration of family life, love, and identity. It follows the lives of two mixed-race families, the Belseys and the Kipps, who are linked by their shared professions in academia and a complex web of marital and extramarital relationships. The story is set against the backdrop of Wellington, a fictional New England town, and explores themes of race, class, and cultural clash. It also delves into the world of academia, examining the politics and conflicts that arise in that environment.

    The 1465th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Mother's Milk by Edward St Aubyn

    The novel follows the life of Patrick Melrose, a man battling with his drug addiction and his troubled relationship with his parents. Patrick tries to come to terms with his mother’s decision to leave her estate to a New Age foundation rather than to him, her only son. The story delves into the complexities of inheritance, parenthood, and the lasting impact of childhood trauma. The narrative shifts between the perspectives of Patrick, his wife, and their two young sons, providing a multi-dimensional view of the family's struggles.

    The 2298th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Blaming by Elizabeth Taylor

    "Blaming" is a poignant story about a woman named Amy who, after the sudden death of her husband during a holiday, finds herself befriended by an American woman named Martha. Despite their differences, Martha provides Amy with comfort and support, but Amy finds it difficult to accept this kindness due to her reserved and private nature. The novel explores themes of grief, friendship, and the complexities of human relationships, as well as the guilt and blame individuals often place on themselves in times of hardship.

    The 2690th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Old Devils by Kingsley Amis

    The novel focuses on a group of aging friends in Wales who have spent their lives drinking, gossiping, and backstabbing. When an old acquaintance, a successful writer, returns to town with his younger wife, the group's dynamics are thrown into chaos. The story delves into themes of aging, nostalgia, and the complexities of long-term friendships, all with a heavy dose of dark humor.

    The 2883rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage by Alice Munro

    "Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage" is a collection of nine short stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Each story delves into the intricate web of emotions and experiences that define the human condition, including love, hate, friendship, courtship, and marriage. The characters are rendered with depth and nuance, their lives marked by moments of profound change and subtle transformation. The stories are set against the backdrop of rural and urban landscapes, offering a rich, evocative portrayal of life in all its complexities and contradictions.

    The 3076th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Black Box by Amos Oz

    "Black Box" is a novel that explores the complex dynamics of a broken family. The story revolves around a divorced couple who are forced to reconnect after their son begins to display troubling behavior. The husband, a stern and disciplined judge, and the wife, a free-spirited Holocaust survivor, must navigate their personal differences, past hurts, and current relationships to address their son's issues. The book is written in the form of letters, revealing the characters' inner thoughts and struggles, making it a profound exploration of human relationships, regret, and reconciliation.

    The 3276th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Brick Lane by Monica Ali

    This novel tells the story of a Bangladeshi woman named Nazneen who moves to London at the age of 18 for an arranged marriage to a man 20 years her senior. The narrative explores her life in the city, her struggles with her unhappy marriage, her affair with a young radical, and her attempts to reconcile her traditional upbringing with her new surroundings. The book also explores the lives of immigrants in the UK, the clash of cultures, and the struggle for identity.

    The 4092nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Beauty Of The Husband by Anne Carson

    "The Beauty of the Husband" is a poetic exploration of a failing marriage. Told in 29 tangos, the narrative unfolds the story of a woman who remains in love with her husband despite his numerous infidelities. The husband, a charming and deceitful character, is portrayed as a figure of magnetic attraction and revulsion, with his wife drawn to his charisma and repelled by his dishonesty. The book is a profound examination of love, betrayal, and the complex dynamics of relationships.

    The 4568th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. A Married Man by Piers Paul Read

    This novel delves into the life of a middle-aged London lawyer who finds himself at a crossroads, torn between the comfortable stability of his family life and the exhilarating yet perilous allure of an affair. As he navigates the complexities of love, fidelity, and the search for happiness, the protagonist's journey is a deep exploration of moral and emotional dilemmas. Set against the backdrop of the 1970s, the story captures the essence of human vulnerability, the quest for meaning, and the consequences of our choices, painting a poignant picture of a man wrestling with the contradictions of his desires and responsibilities.

    The 4782nd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Happenstance by Carol Shields

    The novel explores the lives of a married couple by delving into their individual experiences during a five-day separation. The wife, a quilt artist, attends a craft convention in a distant city, where she confronts her own ambitions and reflects on her identity outside of her domestic life. Meanwhile, at home, the husband, a historian, takes on the responsibilities of domestic life and childcare, while also facing his own professional and personal uncertainties. The narrative alternates between their perspectives, providing a nuanced examination of marriage, gender roles, and the complexities of personal growth and self-discovery within the framework of a long-term relationship.

    The 6319th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. A Late Divorce by A. B. Yehoshua

    The novel delves into the complexities of family dynamics and personal identity through the lens of an Israeli family facing the impending divorce of the elderly parents. As the estranged father returns from America to finalize the divorce, the reunion with his adult children and their mother in Israel brings to the surface long-simmering tensions, secrets, and unresolved emotional conflicts. Set against the backdrop of Passover, the narrative unfolds in a series of perspectives from each family member, revealing the intricate web of relationships and the individual struggles within the family unit. The story examines themes of love, betrayal, and the search for self amidst the trials of familial obligations and societal expectations.

    The 8239th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi

    Mr. Fox is a novel about a writer who is challenged by his imaginary muse to stop killing off his female characters. This leads to a series of stories within stories, where reality and fantasy blur. The writer, his wife, and the muse navigate through these narratives, exploring themes of love, identity, and the power of storytelling. The novel is a mix of fairy tale, romance, and mystery, with a metafictional twist.

    The 8498th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Holiday by Stanley Middleton

    "Holiday" is a novel about Edwin Fisher, a man who is dealing with the recent breakdown of his marriage. In an attempt to find solace and clarity, he decides to spend his holiday alone at a seaside town. Throughout his vacation, he interacts with various characters, each of whom contributes to his journey of self-discovery. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.

    The 10168th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Larry's Party by Carol Shields

    Larry's Party is a thought-provoking novel that follows the life of Larry Weller, a man who finds his true passion in creating mazes. As Larry navigates through different stages of his life, the book explores themes of identity, relationships, and the search for meaning. Through Larry's experiences, readers are compelled to reflect on their own journeys and the choices they make along the way.

    The 10409th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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