The Greatest "Social & Cultural Fiction, Fiction, Tragedy" Books Since 1900

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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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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.

Fiction

Tragedy

Tragedy is a genre of literature that explores the darker aspects of human nature and the human experience. It typically involves a protagonist who is faced with a series of challenges and obstacles that ultimately lead to their downfall or demise. Tragic stories often deal with themes of loss, grief, and the struggle to find meaning in a world that can be cruel and unforgiving. Despite their often bleak subject matter, tragic stories can be deeply moving and thought-provoking, offering readers a powerful glimpse into the complexities of the human condition.

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  1. 26. Lives Other Than My Own by Emmanuel Carrère

    "Lives Other Than My Own" is an emotionally charged narrative that explores the lives of two women who have experienced immense loss, one from a tsunami and the other from cancer. The author, through his personal encounters, delves into the raw emotions, resilience, and the profound bonds of family and friendship that emerge from these tragic circumstances. The book is a thoughtful exploration of empathy, offering a poignant look at the strength of human spirit in the face of adversity.

    The 8320th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Coolie by Mulk Raj Anand

    "Coolie" is a poignant and powerful novel that delves into the life of Munoo, a young boy from a small village in India who is forced into a life of labor as a coolie. Set during the British colonial era, the story explores themes of exploitation, poverty, and the harsh realities faced by the lower classes. Munoo's journey takes him from his village to bustling cities, encountering both cruelty and kindness along the way, ultimately shedding light on the injustices of the time.

    The 8473rd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. A Novel About My Wife by Emily Perkins

    "A Novel About My Wife" is a captivating exploration of a marriage on the brink of collapse. Told from the perspective of the husband, the story delves into the complexities of love, desire, and the secrets that can unravel even the strongest of relationships. As the husband grapples with his own insecurities and suspicions, he becomes consumed by the mystery surrounding his wife's past, leading him down a path of self-discovery and ultimately forcing him to confront the truth about their marriage.

    The 9618th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Advise and Consent by Allen Drury

    This political novel delves into the world of U.S. Senate politics. The plot revolves around the contentious confirmation process of a controversial Secretary of State nominee, who is suspected of having communist sympathies. As the Senate battles over the nomination, the novel reveals the complex web of political maneuvering, personal secrets, and power struggles among the country's leaders. The story provides an insightful exploration of American politics, ethics, and the consequences of past actions.

    The 10168th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Town by Conrad Richter

    "The Town" is the final installment in a trilogy depicting the pioneering American spirit. It follows Sayward Wheeler, the daughter of a pioneer, as she witnesses the transformation of the Ohio wilderness into a bustling town. She experiences the joy and pain of motherhood, the comfort and loneliness of marriage, and the satisfaction and despair of building a home, all while observing the encroachment of civilization on the wilderness she loves. The novel explores themes of progress, change, and the cost of civilization.

    The 10168th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. In This Our Life by Ellen Glasgow

    This novel tells the story of the Timberlake family, focusing on two sisters, Stanley and Roy. Stanley is a selfish, manipulative woman who abandons her husband for her sister Roy's husband, causing a series of tragic events. Meanwhile, Roy, the more responsible and virtuous sister, must navigate the fallout of Stanley's actions. The book explores themes of family, morality, and the destructive power of selfishness, all set against the backdrop of the American South in the early 20th century.

    The 10168th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Scarlet Sister Mary by Julia Peterkin

    This novel is a powerful portrayal of the life of an African American woman named Mary, who grows up in a religious community in the South during the early 20th century. Mary, who is initially a devout follower of her faith, is led astray by her desires and ends up bearing many children out of wedlock. Her community ostracizes her for her transgressions and she must find a way to survive and care for her children on her own. The story explores themes of faith, sin, redemption, and resilience in the face of adversity.

    The 10168th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. So Big by Edna Ferber

    "So Big" is a novel that follows the life of Selina Peake De Jong, a woman who moves from Chicago to a rural Dutch community in Illinois after the death of her father. She becomes a school teacher and marries a farmer, living a life of hardship and poverty. Despite the challenges, she instills a love of beauty and art in her son Dirk, who grows up to become a successful architect. The book explores themes of resilience, the American Dream, and the often overlooked value of hard work and artistic integrity.

    The 10168th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Heroine by Mindy McGinnis

    "Heroine" by Mindy McGinnis follows the story of Mickey Catalan, a talented high school softball player whose life takes a dark turn when she gets injured and is prescribed OxyContin for pain relief. As Mickey becomes addicted to the drug, she spirals into a world of deceit, desperation, and self-destruction, jeopardizing her relationships and future. This raw and gripping novel explores the devastating consequences of addiction and the resilience required to find redemption.

    The 10413th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. The Glorious Heresies by Lisa McInerney

    "The Glorious Heresies" is a darkly comedic novel set in post-recession Ireland, chronicling the interconnected lives of a cast of colorful characters. When a accidental murder takes place, the lives of a gangster, a prostitute, a teenage drug dealer, and a mother struggling to survive become entangled in a web of secrets and lies. As their paths converge, they are forced to confront the consequences of their actions and grapple with the complexities of love, redemption, and forgiveness in a gritty and unforgiving world.

    The 10722nd 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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