The Greatest Books of All Time on Violence

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

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.

Follow on:

What should I read next?

Get personalized book recommendations based on your reading history and preferences. Our algorithm analyzes your favorite books and reading patterns to suggest your next great read.

Get Recommendations

Genres

Violence

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter books by their publication year. Enter the earliest year (Start) and latest year (End) to find books published within that period. Leave either field empty to search from the beginning of time or up to the present day.

Filter

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.

Login to Download
View: List Grid Table
Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
  1. 626. 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 13600th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 627. L'epervier De Maheux by Jean Carrière

    The 13600th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 628. 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 13600th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 629. The Wedding by Yann Queffélec

    A harrowing, compact novel that traces the life of a boy raised in a cramped, violent household under the obsessive, possessive devotion of his mother; as he grows he must confront the legacy of abuse, social exile and the conflicting impulses of hatred and dependence, while spare, often lyrical prose interrogates how familial love can become corrosive and shape a life.

    The 13600th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 630. Un Grand Pas Vers Le Bon Dieu by Jean Vautrin

    Set in pioneer-era Louisiana, this multigenerational saga follows a French "Cadjin" family — the determined pioneer Edius Raquin, his wife Bazelle, their daughter Azeline, and the people who shape their lives, including the outlaw Farouche Ferraille Crowley and the Nantucket sailor Palestine Northwood — as their story moves from the bayous to New Orleans amid changing times and the rise of jazz.

    The 13600th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  6. 631. The Battle by Patrick Rambaud

    A visceral, meticulously researched account that recreates the bloody 1809 clash near Vienna when Napoleon’s army, while attempting to force a crossing of the Danube, is met with confusion, stubborn resistance and catastrophic losses; the narrative shifts among officers, ordinary soldiers and civilians to capture the strategic maneuvers, the chaos of combat and the petty, grimly human details of military life. The prose blends precise military detail with darkly comic and poignant moments, offering a minute-by-minute, panoramic portrait of battle and its brutal aftermath.

    The 13600th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  7. 632. Houris by Kamel Daoud

    Aube, een jonge Algerijnse vrouw, draagt de littekens van de burgeroorlog van de jaren negentig: een zichtbare wond in haar nek en beschadigde stembanden waardoor ze niet meer kan spreken. Ze vertelt haar verhaal alleen aan haar ongeboren dochter en worstelt met de vraag of ze het kind kan houden. In een land waar het gevaarlijk is om over de oorlog te spreken, keert ze terug naar haar geboortedorp op zoek naar antwoorden en verzoening met het verleden.

    The 13600th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 633. The Flowers by Dagoberto Gilb

    Set in a gritty, urban landscape, the story follows Sonny Bravo, a young boy navigating the complexities of adolescence amidst a backdrop of familial tension and societal challenges. As he moves into a new apartment complex with his mother and her volatile boyfriend, Sonny becomes entangled in the lives of his diverse neighbors, each with their own struggles and secrets. Through his interactions, Sonny confronts issues of identity, belonging, and the harsh realities of growing up, all while seeking solace and understanding in a world that often seems indifferent to his plight.

    The 13772nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  9. 634. Les Racines Du Mal by Maurice G. Dantec

    The book is a dark and complex thriller set in the near future, where a series of gruesome murders has gripped Europe. The narrative follows a troubled detective with a cybernetically enhanced brain as he tracks a serial killer whose crimes are linked to a sinister biotechnology corporation. As the investigation deepens, the detective uncovers a web of conspiracy that challenges the boundaries of human nature and technology, leading to a chilling exploration of the roots of evil and the potential horrors of a post-human world.

    The 13803rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  10. 635. As God Commands by Niccolò Ammaniti

    The story revolves around the tumultuous lives of Rino and his teenage son Cristiano, who live in a bleak, impoverished part of Italy. Rino, a violent and unstable man, struggles with alcoholism and unemployment, while Cristiano grapples with the harsh realities of his upbringing and his father's influence. Their lives take a dark turn when Rino and his friends hatch a plan for a robbery that spirals out of control, leading to devastating consequences. The novel delves into themes of poverty, desperation, and the complex bond between father and son, painting a grim yet compelling portrait of their struggle for survival and redemption.

    The 13818th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  11. 636. Ferocity by Nicola Lagioia

    The novel is a gripping exploration of power, corruption, and familial dysfunction set in the southern Italian city of Bari. It follows the mysterious death of Clara, a beautiful and troubled young woman, whose demise unravels a web of dark secrets and moral decay within her influential family. As her half-brother Michele delves into the circumstances surrounding her death, he uncovers a labyrinth of deceit, betrayal, and violence, painting a stark portrait of a society where the lines between right and wrong are blurred by ambition and greed.

    The 13818th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  12. 637. M by Antonio Scurati

    The Son of the Century

    The book is a historical novel that delves into the rise of Benito Mussolini and the early years of Italian Fascism. It meticulously chronicles Mussolini's transformation from a socialist agitator to the authoritarian leader who would reshape Italy's political landscape. Through a blend of historical facts and narrative storytelling, the book captures the turbulent socio-political climate of post-World War I Italy, the machinations of power, and the personal ambitions that fueled Mussolini's ascent. The narrative provides a gripping and detailed portrayal of a pivotal era, shedding light on the complexities and consequences of Mussolini's rule.

    The 13818th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  13. 638. 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 13879th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  14. 639. Pygmy by Chuck Palahniuk

    A darkly satirical novel that follows the story of a young foreign exchange student, known only as "Pygmy," who is sent to the United States as part of a covert operation to infiltrate and ultimately destroy American society. Written in a unique, broken English style, the narrative unfolds through Pygmy's perspective, revealing his observations and critiques of American culture, family dynamics, and consumerism. As he navigates the complexities of high school life and suburban existence, Pygmy's mission becomes increasingly complicated by unexpected relationships and personal revelations, leading to a chaotic and thought-provoking climax.

    The 13886th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  15. 640. Marat Sade by Peter Weiss

    The Persecution and Assassination of Jean-Paul Marat as Performed by the Inmates of the Asylum of Charenton Under the Direction of the Marquis de Sade

    The play is a dramatic exploration of power, class struggle, and human suffering set within the confines of an insane asylum in 1808 France. It depicts the Marquis de Sade as an inmate directing his fellow patients in a play about the assassination of Jean-Paul Marat, a radical journalist and politician during the French Revolution. The work delves into the philosophical and political debates between Sade and Marat, representing differing views on revolution, freedom, and the nature of humanity. As the inmates perform, the line between performance and reality blurs, creating a provocative and chaotic theater experience that challenges the audience's perception of madness and reason.

    The 13938th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  16. 641. Clockers by Richard Price

    This novel is a gritty examination of urban decay in America, focusing on the intertwined lives of a young drug dealer and a burnt-out homicide detective in a fictional New Jersey city. The story provides a stark depiction of the drug trade, exploring the desperation, violence, and moral complexities that come with it. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of the two main characters, offering a nuanced view of the challenges they face in their respective roles within the community.

    The 13941st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  17. 642. Master Harold...And The Boys by Athol Fugard

    The play takes place in South Africa during the era of apartheid and revolves around the complex relationship between a young white boy and two black men who work in his mother's tea room. The boy has grown up with these men and shares a close bond with them, but as he struggles with personal turmoil and the pressures of the racist society around him, he begins to assert his racial superiority, leading to a devastating display of discrimination and the shattering of their familial relationship. The narrative explores themes of racism, human dignity, and the impact of societal injustice on personal relationships.

    The 13941st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  18. 643. Eureka Street by Robert McLiam Wilson

    A Novel of Ireland Like No Other

    Set in Belfast during the tumultuous end of the Troubles, the novel is a tale of friendship, love, and the complexities of life in a city riven by political and sectarian strife. It follows the lives of two friends from different backgrounds—one Catholic, one Protestant—as they navigate the challenges of daily life amidst the violence and social upheaval of their environment. Their personal stories of romance, loss, and the search for meaning are interwoven with dark humor and a deep sense of humanity, offering a poignant reflection on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

    The 13991st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  19. 644. The Year's Best Horror Stories: Viii by Karl Edward Wagner

    This anthology is a chilling collection of horror tales that showcases a diverse range of terrifying narratives from various authors. Each story delves into different facets of horror, from psychological suspense and supernatural occurrences to grotesque and macabre themes. The compilation is designed to evoke fear and unease, offering readers a journey through the darker corners of human imagination and the unknown. With its variety of styles and settings, the anthology captures the essence of horror, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre.

    The 13993rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  20. 645. Pigeon English by Stephen Kelman

    Set in a gritty London neighborhood, the story follows Harri, an eleven-year-old Ghanaian immigrant, as he navigates the challenges of adolescence and cultural assimilation. Harri's world is turned upside down when a local boy is murdered, prompting him to embark on a quest to solve the mystery with his friend Dean. Through Harri's innocent yet perceptive eyes, the narrative explores themes of identity, community, and the harsh realities of urban life, all while capturing the vibrant spirit and resilience of a young boy trying to make sense of his surroundings.

    The 14025th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  21. 646. Deaf Republic by Ilya Kaminsky

    Set in an unnamed town under military occupation, this poignant narrative unfolds through a series of interconnected poems, chronicling the community's silent rebellion after a deaf boy is killed by soldiers. The townspeople, in a powerful act of defiance, adopt sign language as their primary mode of communication, creating a clandestine world of resistance and solidarity. Through vivid imagery and haunting verse, the story explores themes of oppression, resilience, and the transformative power of silence in the face of tyranny.

    The 14078th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 647. Ordinary Girls by Jaquira Díaz

    Stories

    A raw, lyrical coming-of-age memoir that traces a young Puerto Rican girl’s turbulent upbringing in working-class neighborhoods marked by violence, addiction, and poverty, following her sexual awakenings, fraught family bonds, brushes with the foster system, and the slow, stubborn work of claiming identity and belonging; vivid scenes and reflective prose show how language, memory, trauma, and resilience shape her life and the fierce, fragile relationships that sustain her.

    The 14078th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  23. 648. The Royal Family by William T. Vollmann

    "The Royal Family" is a complex and sprawling novel that delves into the seedy underbelly of San Francisco's Tenderloin district, exploring themes of obsession, redemption, and the nature of love. The narrative follows a private investigator who becomes fixated on the search for the Queen of the Prostitutes after the death of his brother. His quest leads him into a dark world filled with destitute characters, from drug addicts to sex workers, each struggling with their own demons. The book is a gritty, often harrowing examination of the fringes of society and the human connections that can be found within its depths.

    The 14100th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 649. Eyes Bottle Dark With A Mouthful Of Flowers by Jake Skeets

    This poetry collection delves into the complexities of identity, heritage, and queerness within the Navajo experience. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, the poems explore themes of love, loss, and resilience, painting a poignant picture of life in the American Southwest. The work navigates the intersections of personal and cultural history, offering a powerful meditation on the beauty and brutality of existence.

    The 14113th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  25. 650. The Wisdom Of Crowds by Joe Abercrombie

    The book explores the idea that large groups of people are collectively smarter than individual experts when it comes to problem-solving, decision-making, innovation, and predicting outcomes. The author delves into various case studies and anecdotes to illustrate how the aggregation of information in groups results in decisions that are often better than those made by any single member of the group. The text also discusses the conditions necessary for crowd wisdom to prevail, such as diversity of opinion, independence of members from one another, decentralization, and a method for aggregating opinions. The insights provided challenge the conventional wisdom that only experts can provide solutions to complex problems and instead highlight the potential of harnessing the collective intelligence of the masses.

    The 14138th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon

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.

Login to Download