The Greatest Books of All Time on Obsession

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 759 '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

Obsession

"Obsession" as a category for books delves into the intense, often all-consuming fixations that drive characters to extraordinary lengths, shaping their actions and decisions in profound ways. These narratives explore the psychological depths of human desire, whether it be for love, power, revenge, or an unattainable ideal. The protagonists in these stories are frequently portrayed as being consumed by their passions, leading to dramatic and sometimes destructive consequences. Through gripping plots and complex character studies, books in the "Obsession" genre offer readers a compelling look at the darker sides of human nature and the relentless pursuit of one's deepest yearnings.

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  1. 176. L'araigne by Henri Troyat

    The 13599th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 177. The Margin by André Pieyre de Mandiargues

    A hallucinatory, nocturnal novel that follows a solitary man who drifts into the city's shadowy margins, becoming entangled in obsession, erotic danger and a spiral of loss; through lyrical, often surreal prose it blurs dream and reality while probing desire, death and the collapse of bourgeois certainties.

    The 13599th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 178. Les Flamboyants by Patrick Grainville

    Saga de l’Afrique moderne et légendaire centrée sur Tokor, un « général‑roi » à la fois charismatique et instable. Entre guerre, révolution et quête du sacré, le récit plonge dans un monde luxuriant de vie végétale et animale, où l’arrivée d’un jeune Écossais venu s’endurcir l’entraîne dans la mystique du roi.

    The 13599th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 179. Brecht's Lover by Jacques-Pierre Amette

    A fictionalized portrait of an intense, clandestine affair between a charismatic, politically engaged playwright and a young woman, the novel probes how passion, artistic ambition and ideological conviction intersect and corrode one another; intimate details of love and manipulation are set against the pressures of artistic life and the tumult of twentieth-century Europe, exposing the moral compromises, betrayals and personal costs that accompany proximity to genius and power.

    The 13599th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 180. Darconville's Cat by Alexander Theroux

    This novel follows the life of Alaric Darconville, an English professor at a women's college in Virginia, who falls in love with one of his students, Isabel. However, when Isabel leaves him for another man, Darconville is plunged into despair and embarks on a quest for revenge against womankind. The book is a dark, satirical exploration of love and hatred, filled with rich language and complex characters.

    The 13741st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  6. 181. The Bad Girl by Mario Vargas Llosa

    The novel follows the life of Ricardo Somocurcio, a man from Lima, Peru, who becomes infatuated with a mysterious girl he meets in his youth. This girl, who constantly reinvents her identity, reappears throughout his life in various guises and names, leading him on a tumultuous and passionate journey that spans continents and decades. As Ricardo pursues a career as a translator and moves through different countries, he encounters the enigmatic woman in various circumstances, each time falling under her spell despite the pain and complexity she brings into his life. The story is a reflection on love, obsession, and the transformative power of relationships over time.

    The 13813th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  7. 182. Thrown by Kerry Howley

    A Memoir

    The book delves into the world of mixed martial arts through the eyes of an introspective philosophy student who becomes captivated by the lives of two fighters. It explores the physical and emotional extremes of the sport, juxtaposing the fighters' raw, visceral experiences with the narrator's intellectual curiosity. The narrative weaves together themes of violence, identity, and the search for meaning, offering a unique perspective on the human condition through the lens of combat sports.

    The 13878th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  8. 183. Conquest Of The Useless by Werner Herzog

    Reflections from the Making of Fitzcarraldo

    "Conquest of the Useless" is a reflective memoir that presents a collection of the author's diary entries written during the tumultuous production of a major film in the early 1980s. Set in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, the narrative captures the intense challenges faced by the film crew, ranging from logistical nightmares and clashing personalities to confrontations with nature and local cultures. The author's poetic and introspective prose delves into the emotional and existential upheavals experienced during the making of the film, revealing his relentless determination and the surreal experiences encountered in a remote and demanding setting.

    The 14001st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  9. 184. The Damned Utd by David Peace

    This novel provides a fictionalized account of the infamous 44-day period in 1974 when Brian Clough was the manager of Leeds United, a top-flight English football club. Told from Clough's perspective, the narrative alternates between his time at Leeds and his earlier successful period managing Derby County. The story explores Clough's obsessive rivalry with Don Revie, the previous manager of Leeds, and his struggles to gain the respect of the Leeds players, ultimately leading to his dismissal.

    The 14232nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  10. 185. Fool For Love by Sam Shepard

    A Play in Two Acts

    "Fool for Love" is a play that delves into the complex and turbulent relationship between two former lovers who find themselves holed up in a seedy motel room on the edge of the Mojave Desert. As they confront their intertwined past and the deep-seated secrets that have driven them apart, the play explores themes of obsession, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. The presence of an old man, who observes and comments on the action, adds a layer of mystery and symbolism, while the arrival of another character introduces an external perspective to the couple's intense emotional struggle. The play's raw dialogue and dramatic tension reflect the characters' desperate struggle for connection and their inability to escape the destructive patterns that bind them.

    The 14232nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  11. 186. Come With Me by Ronald Malfi

    In this gripping psychological thriller, a man's life is turned upside down after the sudden death of his wife. As he delves into her past, he uncovers a series of dark secrets and hidden obsessions that lead him on a chilling journey across the country. With each revelation, he questions how well he truly knew the woman he loved, while confronting the haunting possibility that her death was not an accident. The narrative weaves a tale of suspense and emotional depth, exploring themes of grief, love, and the shadows that linger in the corners of our lives.

    The 14333rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  12. 187. In The Valley Of The Sun by Andy Davidson

    The 14544th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  13. 188. Donovan's Brain by Curt Siodmak

    In this gripping tale of science fiction and psychological horror, a brilliant but morally ambiguous scientist, Dr. Patrick Cory, embarks on a daring experiment to keep the brain of a deceased millionaire, W.H. Donovan, alive in a laboratory. As the brain begins to exhibit signs of consciousness, Cory finds himself increasingly influenced by Donovan's powerful will, leading to a chilling battle of wits and control. The narrative explores themes of ethical boundaries in scientific exploration, the nature of consciousness, and the terrifying potential of unchecked ambition.

    The 14862nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  14. 189. Tales Of The Grotesque And Arabesque by Edgar Allan Poe

    This collection of short stories delves into the macabre and mysterious, exploring the depths of human fear, madness, and the supernatural. Each tale is crafted with a masterful blend of gothic elements and psychological intrigue, drawing readers into a world where the line between reality and the bizarre is blurred. Themes of obsession, death, and the unknown permeate the narratives, creating an atmosphere of suspense and unease. The stories challenge perceptions and invite readers to confront the darker aspects of the human psyche, leaving a lingering sense of wonder and dread.

    The 14884th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  15. 190. Equus by Peter Shaffer

    "Equus" is a psychological drama exploring the complex relationships between devotion, myth, and sexuality. The story revolves around a psychiatrist attempting to treat a young patient who has a pathological religious fascination with horses. Driven by a violent act committed by the boy, the psychiatrist delves into the boy's twisted worship of the titular deity, Equus, leading both doctor and patient to confront their own notions of passion, freedom, and the nature of sanity. Through intense and often disturbing dialogues and interactions, the play examines the boundaries of normative behavior and the destructive potential of obsession.

    The 14928th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  16. 191. The Infatuations by Javier Marias

    A young woman becomes obsessed with a seemingly perfect couple she often sees at a café. When the husband is brutally murdered, she gets entangled with the widow and a mysterious man who knew the couple, leading her to question everything she thought she knew about love, death, and fate. As she delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding the husband's death, she is forced to confront unsettling truths about the nature of human relationships.

    The 14983rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  17. 192. Notes on a Scandal by Zoë Heller

    What Was She Thinking?

    The novel centers around a middle-aged high school teacher who develops an illicit relationship with her student, which is discovered by her older, lonely colleague. The colleague, who is envious of the teacher's seemingly perfect life, uses the scandal as leverage to foster a twisted friendship. The story unfolds as a complex exploration of obsession, loneliness, and manipulation.

    The 14983rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  18. 193. The Folding Star by Alan Hollinghurst

    "The Folding Star" by Alan Hollinghurst is a captivating novel that follows the life of a young Englishman named Edward Manners who moves to Belgium to become a language tutor. As he immerses himself in the local culture, Edward becomes infatuated with one of his students, a 17-year-old boy named Luc. The novel explores themes of obsession, desire, and the complexities of relationships, as Edward's infatuation leads him down a path of self-discovery and ultimately reveals the dark secrets of his own past.

    The 14983rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  19. 194. The Volcano Lover by Susan Sontag

    A Romance

    "The Volcano Lover" is a historical novel set in the 18th century, revolving around the love triangle between Sir William Hamilton, his wife Emma Hamilton, and the naval hero Admiral Horatio Nelson. The narrative delves into the complexities of their relationships against the backdrop of the tumultuous political and social landscape of the time, including the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, the Neapolitan court, and the Napoleonic Wars. The book weaves a rich tapestry of passion, power, and the arts, exploring themes of obsession, the nature of heroism, and the impact of historical events on personal lives.

    The 14983rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  20. 195. Paper Towns by John Green

    This novel follows the story of Quentin Jacobsen, a high school senior who embarks on a journey to find Margo Roth Spiegelman, his enigmatic neighbor and childhood crush, after she disappears following a night of adventure. Margo leaves behind clues that Quentin must decipher, leading him and his friends on a road trip across the country. As Quentin delves deeper into the mystery of Margo's disappearance, he learns valuable lessons about understanding others, the complexity of human identity, and the true meaning of loving someone. The story is a blend of humor, mystery, and coming-of-age elements, exploring themes of adolescence, friendship, and the search for meaning in a seemingly paper-thin world.

    The 14983rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  21. 196. Other People's Clothes by Calla Henkel

    In "Other People's Clothes," two American art students, Zoe and Hailey, move to Berlin seeking adventure and escape. Zoe is grappling with the trauma of her best friend's murder, while Hailey dreams of becoming an art icon. They find themselves living in a charming apartment owned by Beatrice, a famous thriller writer. As they settle into their new lives, they discover that Beatrice is secretly observing them, using their experiences as inspiration for her next novel. Determined to become more interesting, Zoe and Hailey embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. However, as their lives become increasingly chaotic, they begin to question the boundaries between reality and fiction, and what it truly means to live a life worth writing about.

    The 14983rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  22. 197. The Most Secret Memory Of Men by Mohamed Mbougar Sarr

    Set against the backdrop of literary intrigue and cultural exploration, this novel follows a young Senegalese writer who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind a mysterious and enigmatic author whose work vanished decades ago. As he delves deeper into the labyrinthine world of forgotten manuscripts and hidden identities, he encounters a tapestry of characters and stories that challenge his perceptions of art, identity, and the power of storytelling. The narrative weaves together themes of colonial history, the search for belonging, and the enduring impact of literature, creating a rich and thought-provoking tapestry that resonates with readers long after the final page.

    The 14983rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  23. 198. The Motorcycle Betrayal Poems by Diane Wakoski

    A fierce, confessional sequence that traces an intense, volatile love affair with a motorcycle-riding lover, using vivid, cinematic language and recurring motifs of engines, travel, and domestic fragments to move between adoration and accusation; the poems blend eroticism, mythic imagery, humor, and wrenching honesty to examine passion, jealousy, betrayal, and the speaker’s attempts to survive and assert identity amid emotional turbulence.

    The 15678th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  24. 199. Laughter In The Dark by Vladimir Nabokov

    Set in Berlin during the 1930s, this novel delves into the life of a middle-aged art critic who becomes infatuated with a young, ambitious actress. As he abandons his family and career for her, he is drawn into a web of deceit and manipulation, orchestrated by the cunning actress and her lover. The story unfolds with a blend of dark humor and tragedy, exploring themes of obsession, betrayal, and the destructive power of desire. The protagonist's journey is a poignant reflection on the folly of human nature and the often-blinding pursuit of passion.

    The 15823rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  25. 200. At Grand Central Station I Sat Down And Wept by Elizabeth Smart

    This poetic and intensely emotional novel explores the tumultuous journey of a woman engulfed in a passionate and forbidden love affair. Through vivid and lyrical prose, the narrative delves into the depths of desire, longing, and heartbreak as the protagonist navigates the complexities of love that defies societal norms. The story is a raw and introspective reflection on the power of love to both uplift and devastate, capturing the essence of human vulnerability and the profound impact of unbridled emotion.

    The 15897th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org

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

To download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.

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