The Greatest Postmodern Books Since 1200

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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

Postmodern

Postmodernism is a literary movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by a rejection of traditional narrative structures and a focus on self-reflexivity and intertextuality. Postmodern literature often features fragmented narratives, unreliable narrators, and a blurring of the lines between reality and fiction. It is a genre that challenges the notion of a single, objective truth and instead embraces the idea of multiple perspectives and interpretations. Postmodern literature is often seen as a response to the modernist movement that preceded it, and it continues to be a popular and influential category for contemporary writers.

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  1. 1676. Version Control by Dexter Palmer

    Set in a near-future world where technology and human relationships intertwine in unexpected ways, this novel explores the complexities of time, memory, and identity. The narrative follows Rebecca, a woman grappling with the aftermath of a personal tragedy, as she navigates her marriage to Philip, a scientist working on a mysterious project involving a "causality violation device." As the boundaries between past, present, and future blur, the story delves into themes of love, loss, and the ethical implications of technological advancements, ultimately questioning the nature of reality and the choices that define our lives.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  2. 1677. The Men Can't Be Saved by Ben Purkert

    In this thought-provoking narrative, the protagonist navigates the complexities of modern masculinity and identity amidst the backdrop of a high-pressure advertising world. As he grapples with the expectations and contradictions of his professional and personal life, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that challenges societal norms and explores the essence of what it means to be a man today. Through a blend of humor and introspection, the story delves into themes of ambition, vulnerability, and the quest for authenticity in a rapidly changing world.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  3. 1678. There's No Such Thing As An Easy Job by Kikuko Tsumura

    In this intriguing exploration of modern work culture, the protagonist, a woman in her thirties, embarks on a quest for the perfect job that requires minimal effort and responsibility. As she navigates through a series of peculiar and seemingly mundane positions, she encounters a variety of eccentric characters and unexpected challenges that reveal the complexities and hidden demands of even the simplest tasks. Through her journey, the narrative delves into themes of identity, purpose, and the often overlooked intricacies of everyday employment, ultimately questioning the notion of what truly constitutes an "easy" job.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  4. 1679. Mild Vertigo by Mieko Kanai

    Set in the bustling cityscape of Tokyo, this introspective narrative delves into the life of a housewife who grapples with the monotony and subtle disorientation of her daily routine. Through a series of seemingly mundane events, she reflects on the complexities of her identity, relationships, and the passage of time, all while navigating the delicate balance between societal expectations and personal desires. The story unfolds with a lyrical exploration of the protagonist's inner world, capturing the nuanced emotions and fleeting moments that define her existence.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  5. 1680. Lincoln In The Bardo By George Saunders by Instaread Summaries

    A Novel by George Saunders

    Set during the Civil War, this novel explores the poignant and surreal journey of Abraham Lincoln's deceased son, Willie, who finds himself in a transitional realm known as the "bardo." As Lincoln grapples with his profound grief, the narrative unfolds through a chorus of voices from the spirits inhabiting this liminal space, each sharing their own stories and struggles. Through a blend of historical fact and imaginative fiction, the story delves into themes of loss, love, and the human condition, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of life and death.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 1681. The Yiddish Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon

    Set in an alternate history where a Jewish settlement was established in Alaska after World War II, the story follows a weary detective navigating a gritty, snow-laden landscape. As he investigates the murder of a chess prodigy in the temporary Jewish homeland, he uncovers a web of intrigue that intertwines with the community's uncertain future. The narrative blends elements of noir, mystery, and speculative fiction, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the quest for redemption in a world teetering on the brink of change.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
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  7. 1682. Alive At The End Of The World by Saeed Jones

    In this poignant and evocative collection of poetry, the author delves into the complexities of identity, grief, and resilience in the face of personal and societal upheaval. Through a tapestry of vivid imagery and raw emotion, the poems explore themes of love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of hope amidst chaos. The narrative voice oscillates between introspection and outward observation, capturing the essence of navigating a world on the brink of transformation, while ultimately celebrating the enduring spirit of survival and the power of human connection.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  8. 1683. The Sunken Land Begins To Rise Again by M. John Harrison

    In a world where the boundaries between reality and myth blur, two estranged lovers, Shaw and Victoria, navigate a surreal landscape marked by mysterious disappearances and unsettling transformations. As Shaw delves into the enigmatic activities of a secretive group, Victoria retreats to her mother's home, where she encounters a community steeped in folklore and strange occurrences. Their separate journeys reveal a haunting narrative of personal and collective disintegration, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the eerie resurgence of ancient, submerged forces.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  9. 1684. Fox by Dubravka Ugrešić

    In this intricate tapestry of stories, the narrative weaves through the lives of various characters, exploring themes of identity, exile, and the power of storytelling. The book delves into the complexities of cultural displacement and the search for meaning in a fragmented world, using a blend of fiction and reality to blur the boundaries between the two. With a keen eye for detail and a sharp wit, the narrative invites readers to ponder the nature of truth and the stories we tell ourselves and others, ultimately crafting a rich and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  10. 1685. The Slightly Irregular Fire Engine Or The Hithering Thithering Djinn by Donald Barthelme

    Or The Hithering Thithering Djinn

    In a whimsical and surreal adventure, a young girl named Mathilda discovers a peculiar fire engine in her backyard, which serves as a portal to a fantastical world filled with oddities and eccentric characters. As she navigates this dreamlike realm, Mathilda encounters the enigmatic Djinn, who guides her through a series of bizarre and humorous escapades. The narrative, rich with playful language and imaginative illustrations, explores themes of curiosity, imagination, and the unexpected wonders that lie just beyond the ordinary.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  11. 1686. Alternating Current by Octavio Paz

    This collection of essays delves into the intricate interplay between tradition and modernity, exploring the cultural and philosophical shifts that define contemporary society. The author examines the tensions and harmonies between the past and present, offering insights into the evolving nature of identity, art, and politics. Through a series of thought-provoking reflections, the work invites readers to contemplate the complexities of human experience in a rapidly changing world, encouraging a deeper understanding of the forces that shape our collective consciousness.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  12. 1687. Verdigris by Michele Mari

    Set against the backdrop of a decaying mansion, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of a young boy who becomes entranced by the mysterious allure of his surroundings. As he explores the labyrinthine corridors and forgotten rooms, he encounters a series of enigmatic characters, each with their own secrets and stories. The boy's journey is one of discovery and introspection, as he grapples with themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time, all while the verdigris-covered walls seem to whisper the echoes of the past.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  13. 1688. The Gray House by Mariam Petrosyan

    Set in a mysterious boarding school for disabled children, this novel delves into the lives of its unique inhabitants, each possessing peculiar abilities and navigating a world that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. The story unfolds through the eyes of various characters, revealing the complex social dynamics and hidden secrets within the institution's walls. As the students grapple with their identities and the enigmatic forces surrounding them, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and the struggle to understand the true nature of their existence in a place where the ordinary and the extraordinary coexist.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 1689. Infinite Ground by Martin MacInnes

    In a bustling South American city, a man mysteriously vanishes during a routine business dinner, prompting an investigation by a meticulous inspector who becomes increasingly obsessed with the case. As the inspector delves deeper into the man's life, he encounters a labyrinth of surreal and unsettling occurrences that blur the lines between reality and illusion. The narrative weaves a complex tapestry of existential musings, exploring themes of identity, perception, and the nature of existence, as the inspector's journey becomes a profound exploration of the human condition.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 1690. Girls Against God by Jenny Hval

    Set against the backdrop of Norway's dark, brooding landscapes, this novel delves into the rebellious spirit of a young woman grappling with societal norms and religious constraints. Through a series of fragmented narratives, she explores themes of identity, feminism, and the occult, challenging the patriarchal structures that dictate her world. As she navigates the complexities of art, music, and personal relationships, her journey becomes a visceral exploration of defiance and self-discovery, ultimately questioning the very nature of belief and autonomy.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  16. 1691. Die Kunst Des Verschwindens. by Jim Dodge

    In this captivating tale, a young man embarks on a journey of self-discovery and adventure, navigating the complexities of identity and belonging. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant and mysterious world, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters who challenge his perceptions and push him towards unexpected revelations. As he grapples with the art of disappearing, both literally and metaphorically, he learns to embrace the fluidity of life and the transformative power of embracing one's true self.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 1692. Não Fossem As Sílabas Do Sábado by Mariana Salomão Carrara

    Set against the backdrop of a small Brazilian town, this poignant narrative delves into the life of a young girl grappling with the complexities of family, identity, and the passage of time. Through her introspective lens, readers are invited into a world where the mundane intertwines with the profound, as she navigates the intricacies of her relationships and the subtle beauty of everyday moments. The story unfolds with a lyrical grace, capturing the essence of childhood wonder and the bittersweet journey towards self-discovery.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 1693. Landscape Painted With Tea by Milorad Pavic

    A labyrinthine, metafictional quest follows a restless architect returning to Belgrade to unravel the mystery of his past and a vanished love, moving through a maze of Balkan history, myth, and desire. Structured like a crossword that can be read across or down, it invites the reader to piece together clues from shifting perspectives, apocryphal documents, and dreamlike episodes. Playful and haunting, it meditates on identity, exile, and the power of narrative to reconstruct lives.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  19. 1694. The Last Voyage Of Somebody The Sailor by John Barth

    A self-conscious, picaresque sea tale in which an unreliable narrator recounts improbable voyages, castaway encounters and absurd adventures that parody classic nautical romance and myth. Drifting between reality and invention, the story unfolds through playful digressions and metafictional games that probe storytelling, identity, mortality and rebirth, offering a comic yet haunting meditation on narrative artifice and the human need to invent meaning.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  20. 1695. Ratner's Star by Don DeLillo

    A surreal, experimental novel that follows a young mathematical prodigy recruited by a secret scientific project to decode an enigmatic signal from the stars; through fragmented, playful prose it satirizes Cold War science and institutional bureaucracy while probing language, mathematics, meaning, and existential dread as the team’s obsessive quest edges into apocalypse and metafictional reflection.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  21. 1696. Focault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco

    A dense, witty novel about a trio of publishing editors who, as an intellectual game, stitch together scattered myths, historical tidbits, and occult lore into an elaborate conspiracy they dub “the Plan,” only to watch their invented pattern take on a life of its own; the book blends satire, detective elements, and philosophical reflections on interpretation, paranoia, and the human need to find order and meaning in chaos.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  22. 1697. The Windup Bird Chronicle by haruki murakami

    An ordinary Tokyo man’s life is upended when his wife vanishes, launching him into a strange, dreamlike search that brings him into contact with psychic mediums, a menacing politician, and a cast of enigmatic figures; as he descends into a dry well and into other people’s memories, wartime violence and buried secrets surface. The story blends domestic mystery, surreal episodes, and haunting historical flashbacks to blur the line between reality and the unconscious, probing themes of loss, alienation, and the hidden forces that shape personal and national histories.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  23. 1698. Melvill by Rodrigo Fresán

    A hypnotic, metafictional meditation in which a narrator becomes consumed by the life and work of a nineteenth-century author of sea tales, using fragments of biography, criticism, dreams and family memory to blur the line between reading and living. The prose drifts between obsession and tenderness as it maps how stories—whales, oceans, shipwrecks and solitary sailors—shape identity, exile and the act of storytelling itself. Playful and elegiac, the book collapses genres to examine how language and literary inheritance haunt and sustain the writer and reader alike.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
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  24. 1699. Drift by Caroline Bergvall

    A hybrid, multilingual poetic meditation that maps linguistic and bodily drift across seas and histories, assembling fragments—from Old Norse echoes and archival traces to contemporary reportage and spoken rhythms—into a collage about migration, memory, climate and the erosion of language and borders; through translation, repetition and sonic play it traces how words and people are carried, transformed and lost by currents of time, water and political movement.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
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Reading Statistics

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