The Greatest Australian, Croatian "Contemporary, Social & Cultural Fiction, 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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Genres

Contemporary

Contemporary books are a genre that focuses on stories set in the present day, often exploring current social, cultural, and political issues. These books are typically written in a modern style and often feature relatable characters dealing with real-life situations. Contemporary books can cover a wide range of topics, from romance and family drama to coming-of-age stories and thrillers. The genre is constantly evolving to reflect the changing world we live in, making it a popular choice for readers who want to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and issues.

Social & Cultural Fiction

Social & Cultural Fiction is a literary category that encompasses novels and stories that delve into the complexities of society and culture, exploring themes such as class, race, gender, and identity within specific social contexts. These narratives often provide a lens through which readers can examine the intricacies of human relationships and the impact of cultural norms and societal structures on individuals and communities. By offering a fictional yet reflective portrayal of real-world social dynamics, this genre invites readers to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences that shape our world. Authors in this category frequently use their characters and settings to comment on contemporary issues, challenge prevailing ideologies, and provoke thought about the possibility of social change, making Social & Cultural Fiction a powerful tool for empathy and a mirror for the ever-evolving human condition.

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  1. 1. Cloudstreet by Tim Winton

    "Cloudstreet" is a sweeping family saga set in post-World War II Australia, following two families, the Pickles and the Lambs, who come to live together in a large, ramshackle house on Cloud Street over two decades. The story explores their struggles, triumphs, and the ways they are haunted and blessed by a mysterious spiritual presence. The novel is a celebration of endurance, unity, and the many forms of love, set against the backdrop of a changing Australia.

    The 1367th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Children's Bach by Helen Garner

    "The Children's Bach" is a captivating novel that explores the complexities of family dynamics and the pursuit of happiness. Set in Melbourne, the story follows a group of interconnected characters as they navigate their relationships, dreams, and disappointments. Through beautiful prose and keen observations, the author delves into themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in everyday life, creating a poignant and thought-provoking narrative.

    The 2642nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Little Hotel by Christina Stead

    "The Little Hotel" is a novel that revolves around the lives of the guests and staff of a small Swiss hotel post-World War II. The narrative delves into the interactions, secrets, and complexities of its diverse characters, who range from exiles and refugees to tourists and the hotel's proprietors. Through a series of vignettes, the book paints a vivid picture of the human condition, exploring themes of displacement, identity, and the search for stability in a rapidly changing world. The hotel serves as a microcosm of society, where personal dramas and the echoes of global events intermingle, revealing the nuanced tapestry of post-war Europe.

    The 3469th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Johnno by David Malouf

    "Johnno" is a coming-of-age novel set in Brisbane, Australia, during the 1940s and 1950s. The story follows the life of the protagonist, Dante, as he navigates his complex friendship with his childhood friend, Johnno. Through their adventures, Dante explores themes of identity, love, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. As the narrative unfolds, the novel delves into the complexities of Australian society, offering a poignant reflection on the challenges and transformations of growing up.

    The 4053rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Museum of Unconditional Surrender by Dubravka Ugrešić

    "The Museum of Unconditional Surrender" is a poignant and surreal narrative that explores the dislocation and fragmentation experienced by an unnamed narrator who has been exiled from her homeland, former Yugoslavia. The novel is presented as a collection of fragments, including letters, diary entries, and observations, which together portray a deep longing for a lost homeland and an exploration of memory, identity, and the power of art. The story is centered around a photograph of a walrus in a Berlin zoo, which serves as a metaphor for the narrator's own feelings of displacement and alienation.

    The 4577th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. As If I Am Not There by Slavenka Drakulic

    The book is a harrowing tale of a young woman's survival in a Balkan concentration camp during the Bosnian War. The protagonist, a school teacher, is taken from her village and forced into sexual slavery by the enemy soldiers. It's a stark exploration of the brutalities of war, the dehumanization of individuals, and the resilience of the human spirit. The narrative is a poignant commentary on the horrors of war and the resilience of women in the face of unimaginable atrocities.

    The 4849th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Ministry Of Pain by Dubravka Ugrešić

    "The Ministry of Pain" is a powerful and introspective novel that follows the life of Tanja Lucić, a Croatian immigrant and former professor of literature, as she navigates the challenges of living in exile in Amsterdam. Through Tanja's perspective, the book explores themes of loss, displacement, and the struggle to preserve one's identity in a foreign land. With a blend of dark humor and poignant observations, the author delves into the complexities of memory, trauma, and the enduring pain of war, offering a profound exploration of the human condition.

    The 6432nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Dirt Music by Tim Winton

    The novel explores the entangled lives of a small, tight-knit community in Western Australia, where the past and personal grief weigh heavily on the present. It centers on the illicit romance between Georgie Jutland, a woman feeling trapped in her relationship with a local fisherman, and Lu Fox, a poacher with a troubled history. Their connection sets off a chain of events that disrupts the community and sends Lu on a transformative journey into the remote Australian wilderness. As the narrative unfolds, the characters grapple with their inner demons, the harsh realities of love and survival, and the redemptive power of nature and music.

    The 6903rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas

    "The Slap" is a thought-provoking novel that explores the repercussions of a single incident at a suburban barbecue. When a man slaps a misbehaving child who is not his own, it sets off a chain of events that unravels the lives of the characters involved. Told from multiple perspectives, the book delves into themes of family, morality, and the complexities of modern society, challenging readers to question their own beliefs and values.

    The 7089th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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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