The Greatest Russian, Canadian, South African "Psychological, 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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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.

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  1. 1. Disgrace by J M Coetzee

    "Disgrace" is a novel that explores the life of a middle-aged professor in South Africa who is dismissed from his position after having an affair with a student. After losing his job, he moves to the countryside to live with his daughter, where they experience a violent attack that significantly alters their lives. The story delves into themes of post-apartheid South Africa, racial tension, sexual exploitation, and the struggle for personal redemption.

    The 245th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Waiting for the Barbarians by J M Coetzee

    The novel is set in a small frontier town of an unnamed empire, where the magistrate lives a life of civil service and relative peace. His world is disrupted when the Empire declares a state of emergency due to rumors of barbarian uprising. The magistrate becomes a critic of the Empire's brutal and inhumane methods of dealing with the perceived threat, which leads to his arrest and torture. As he tries to understand his role in the vast political machinery, he also grapples with questions of power, justice, and humanity.

    The 430th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje

    "The English Patient" is a story of four diverse individuals brought together at an Italian villa during the final days of World War II. The narrative revolves around a severely burned man who can't remember his name or past, a young Canadian nurse who tends to him, a Sikh British Army sapper, and a Canadian thief. As they navigate their own traumas and losses, the past of the mysterious patient slowly unravels, revealing a tale of love, identity, and betrayal.

    The 478th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Life of Pi by Yann Martel

    A young Indian boy named Pi Patel survives a shipwreck and finds himself adrift in the Pacific Ocean on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Over the course of 227 days, Pi uses his knowledge of animal behavior and survival skills to coexist with the tiger, ultimately leading to an unusual and deeply spiritual journey. The story explores themes of faith, survival, and the interpretation of reality.

    The 566th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Life & Times of Michael K by J M Coetzee

    Set in South Africa during a civil war, the novel follows the journey of Michael K, a simple gardener with a cleft lip. When his mother falls ill, he attempts to take her back to her rural birthplace. After she dies en route, Michael continues the journey alone, struggling to survive in a war-torn landscape, while also being caught up in the bureaucratic red tape of the dystopian society. The story explores themes of freedom, survival, and the human spirit's resilience against adversity.

    The 836th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood

    The novel is a complex narrative that weaves together the story of two sisters in early 20th century Canada, one of whom publishes a scandalous novel that leads to her suicide. The surviving sister, now an elderly woman, reflects on their lives, revealing family secrets, heartbreak, and the truth behind the scandalous novel. The narrative is interspersed with excerpts from the controversial book, a science fiction story within a story, adding layers of intrigue and mystery.

    The 847th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Beast In View by Margaret Millar

    "Beast In View" by Margaret Millar is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of Helen Clarvoe, a troubled woman who becomes entangled in a web of deception and manipulation. When Helen receives a series of disturbing phone calls from an unknown caller, she becomes convinced that someone is out to destroy her life. As she desperately tries to uncover the identity of her tormentor, Helen finds herself questioning her own sanity and unraveling dark secrets from her past. With its intricate plot and complex characters, this suspenseful novel explores themes of obsession, betrayal, and the fragile nature of the human mind.

    The 1081st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Deptford Trilogy by Robertson Davies

    "The Deptford Trilogy" is a series of interconnected novels that explore the life of a man from a small Canadian town named Deptford, and the ripple effects of a single childhood event that shaped the lives of three boys. The narrative weaves themes of love, guilt, art, and the complexity of human nature. The story is told from multiple perspectives and spans several decades, providing a deep exploration of the characters' psychological and spiritual development.

    The 1179th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood

    This novel revolves around the life of a controversial painter, Elaine Risley, who returns to her hometown, Toronto, for a retrospective of her art. Haunted by her past, she reminisces about her childhood and the complex relationships she had, especially with her best friend Cordelia. The story delves into themes of memory, identity, and the often painful experiences of childhood and adolescence. The protagonist's journey is one of self-discovery, as she navigates through the complexities of female friendship, bullying, and the struggle to fit in.

    The 1402nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Fugitive Pieces by Anne Michaels

    "Fugitive Pieces" is a novel that explores the life of a Holocaust survivor who is rescued as a young boy by a Greek geologist. The boy grows up to become a poet and translator, haunted by his traumatic past and the loss of his family. The story also includes the perspective of a young professor who is obsessed with the poet's work, digging into the poet's past to understand his own life. The novel delves into themes of memory, loss, and the power of language.

    The 1505th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Fifth Business by Robertson Davies

    The novel follows the life of Dunstan Ramsay, a man haunted by a childhood accident that he believes he caused. The book explores his guilt and its impact on his life, as well as his relationships with others, including a woman he loves but cannot have, a brilliant but troubled friend, and a saintly fool. Throughout his life, Ramsay seeks redemption and understanding in the realms of history, mythology, and religion.

    The 1814th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Surfacing by Margaret Atwood

    The novel follows the journey of a young woman who returns to her childhood home in the Canadian wilderness to search for her missing father, accompanied by her lover and another couple. As she explores her past and grapples with her identity, she undergoes a mental and spiritual breakdown, eventually rejecting her previous life and embracing a primal existence in the wilderness. The narrative explores themes of gender, identity, and the clash between modern society and the natural world.

    The 1981st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Progress of Love by Alice Munro

    "The Progress of Love" is a collection of short stories that explore the complexities of human relationships, particularly focusing on love. Set in various locations, from small-town Ontario to post-war Italy, the narratives delve into the lives of different characters as they navigate the intricacies of love, loss, and the human condition. The stories intricately weave together themes of memory, time, and the constant evolution of love, showcasing the author's ability to portray the subtleties of everyday life with profound insight and empathy.

    The 2166th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Clay Machine-gun by Victor Pelevin

    "The Clay Machine-gun" is a surreal and complex novel that explores the nature of reality and illusion. The story is set in post-Soviet Russia and follows a protagonist who has multiple identities, including a poet in 19th-century Russia, a 20th-century psychiatric patient, and a 21st-century advertising executive. The narrative moves between these identities and realities, blurring the lines between them and creating a layered and philosophical exploration of Russian society, identity, and the human psyche.

    The 2266th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Dusklands by J M Coetzee

    "Dusklands" is a novel divided into two distinct parts, each examining the theme of imperialism. The first part follows a psychologically unstable American government researcher during the Vietnam War, who is tasked with developing propaganda to justify the conflict. The second part is a historical narrative set in the 18th century, exploring the violent colonization of South Africa by the Dutch. The stories parallel each other, highlighting the destructive nature of imperialism and the psychological effects it has on individuals.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith

    In a 1950s Soviet Union gripped by fear and paranoia, Leo Demidov, a dedicated officer of the state security agency, is faced with a chilling reality: a series of brutal child murders that the government refuses to acknowledge. As Leo defies his superiors and embarks on a dangerous investigation, he becomes entangled in a web of political intrigue and personal danger, risking everything to uncover the truth and protect those he loves. "Child 44" is a gripping thriller that explores the dark underbelly of a repressive regime and the resilience of one man determined to bring justice to a society plagued by secrets.

    The 4015th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. De Niro's Game by Rawi Hage

    The novel delves into the lives of two childhood friends navigating the treacherous landscape of war-torn Beirut. As the city crumbles under the weight of the Lebanese Civil War, the young men find themselves drawn into the violence and chaos that surrounds them. One chooses the path of emigration, seeking a new life abroad, while the other becomes embroiled in the militia warfare that dominates the streets. Their friendship is tested by the brutality of their environment, as they grapple with the moral complexities of survival, loyalty, and the devastating impact of conflict on the human spirit.

    The 4085th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Fall On Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald

    "Fall On Your Knees" is a multi-generational saga set in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, that explores themes of family, love, betrayal, and secrets. The story revolves around the Piper family, specifically four sisters, their father James, and their mother Materia. The narrative weaves through time, revealing the family's complex relationships, the impact of racial and cultural tensions, and the dark secrets that have shaped their lives. This novel is a deep exploration of family dynamics, love, and the power of secrets.

    The 4474th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Love of a Good Woman by Alice Munro

    "The Love of a Good Woman" is a collection of eight short stories, each delving into the complex nature of relationships, particularly focusing on women. The narratives explore various themes such as love, betrayal, death, and the often overlooked intricacies of everyday life. Set in small-town Canada, the stories are filled with characters grappling with their desires, secrets, and the unexpected turns of life, offering a profound and nuanced exploration of human behavior and emotions.

    The 4521st Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. The Time: Night by Ludmila Petrushevskaya

    The book is a stark portrayal of the struggles faced by a multi-generational family living in the cramped quarters of a Moscow apartment during the twilight years of the Soviet Union. The narrative is driven by the matriarch, a poet who is both resilient and weary, as she navigates the complexities of caring for her mentally unstable daughter and her neglected grandson. The story delves deep into themes of maternal sacrifice, poverty, and the relentless passage of time, painting a grim picture of domestic life and the burdens of womanhood in a society that is as unforgiving as it is oppressive.

    The 5496th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Elizabeth Costello by J M Coetzee

    The novel follows the life of Elizabeth Costello, a renowned Australian writer, as she navigates through her twilight years. Through eight different narratives, the book explores her perspectives on various topics, including animal rights, the nature of evil, and the difficulty of understanding oneself. The novel is a profound exploration of the human condition, the nature of storytelling, and the conflict between life and art.

    The 5657th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. St. Urbain's Horseman by Mordecai Richler

    The novel revolves around a Canadian filmmaker living in London, grappling with a midlife crisis, a complex web of familial relationships, and the burden of his cultural identity. As he navigates through personal and professional challenges, he is haunted by the figure of the "Horseman," a symbol of moral judgment and a reminder of his own shortcomings. The protagonist's journey is interwoven with flashbacks to his childhood in Montreal, where the influence of his larger-than-life cousin and the vibrant Jewish community of St. Urbain Street shape his worldview. The narrative explores themes of guilt, the search for redemption, and the struggle to reconcile one's ambitions with the expectations of society and family.

    The 5947th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. The Fire Dwellers by Margaret Laurence

    The novel explores the complex life of a Canadian housewife in the 1960s, grappling with her identity amidst the daily chaos of raising four children and dealing with a distant husband. As she navigates her own desires, frustrations, and responsibilities, the protagonist confronts the challenges of motherhood, marriage, and the societal expectations placed on women of her time. Through her internal monologues and interactions with family and friends, the narrative delves into themes of self-discovery, existential angst, and the search for meaning in suburban life.

    The 5947th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. A Jest Of God by Margaret Laurence

    The novel centers around Rachel Cameron, a 34-year-old spinster schoolteacher living in a small Canadian town, who confronts her solitary existence and the constraints of her conservative environment. Through a summer romance with a former childhood acquaintance, she experiences an awakening of her long-suppressed desires and emotions. This personal journey is marked by moments of introspection and the challenge of breaking free from the expectations imposed by her overbearing mother and the community. As Rachel grapples with the complexities of adulthood, love, and identity, she embarks on a path of self-discovery that promises to transform her life.

    The 5947th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Anil's Ghost by Michael Ondaatje

    "Anil's Ghost" is a gripping tale of a forensic anthropologist who returns to her native Sri Lanka in the midst of its civil war. She partners with local archaeologist, Sarath, to investigate a skeleton discovered in an ancient burial site, which they believe might be a victim of the war. The narrative explores the horrors of war, the quest for truth, and the struggle for personal and national identity in a land where the past and present are inextricably intertwined.

    The 6164th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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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.

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