The Greatest Dutch, Argentinian, Cuban "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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  1. 1. Labyrinths by Jorge Luis Borges

    "Labyrinths" is a collection of short stories and essays that explore complex themes of infinity, parallel universes, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. The narratives often feature protagonists who are scholars or librarians, trapped in surreal, metaphysical landscapes. The author's unique writing style combines elements of magical realism, philosophy, and detective fiction, creating an intricate web of narratives that challenge the reader's perception of reality and fiction.

    The 304th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Hopscotch by Julio Cortázar

    This avant-garde novel invites readers into a non-linear narrative that can be read in two different orders, following the life of Horacio Oliveira, an Argentine intellectual living in Paris with his lover, La Maga. The story explores philosophical and metaphysical themes, delving into the nature of reality and the human condition, while also examining the struggles of intellectual and emotional life. The second part of the novel takes place in Buenos Aires, where Horacio returns after La Maga disappears, and where he grapples with his past, his identity, and his place in the world.

    The 530th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Lost Steps by Alejo Carpentier

    The novel tells the story of a disillusioned American musicologist who leaves his life in New York City to embark on a journey to an untouched, primitive part of the Amazon jungle in South America. He is in search of ancient musical instruments. Along the way, he experiences a spiritual and philosophical transformation as he reconnects with nature and the primal roots of humanity. He also falls in love with a native woman, further deepening his connection to the land and its people.

    The 710th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Three Trapped Tigers by Guillermo Cabrera Infante

    Three Trapped Tigers is a novel that explores the nightlife, culture, and history of Havana, Cuba, during the 1950s. The narrative is fragmented and experimental, employing a range of styles and techniques, including stream-of-consciousness, wordplay, and parody. The book presents a vivid and humorous depiction of the city and its inhabitants, while also offering a critical examination of the political and social conditions of the time.

    The 728th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Discovery of Heaven by Harry Mulisch

    "The Discovery of Heaven" is a philosophical novel that explores the relationship between mankind and the divine. The story revolves around two friends, an astronomer and a philologist, who are manipulated by heavenly forces to father a child who is destined to return the Ten Commandments to God. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into complex themes such as friendship, love, art, science, and the existence of God, presenting a thought-provoking analysis of the human condition.

    The 1137th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Kiss of the Spider Woman by Manuel Puig

    "Kiss of the Spider Woman" is a novel set in an Argentine prison where two cellmates, a gay window dresser and a political revolutionary, share stories to pass the time. The window dresser recounts various films he's seen, which often involve strong, glamorous women, while the revolutionary shares his political ideologies. As they spend time together, they form an unlikely bond, exploring themes of sexuality, oppression, and the power of storytelling.

    The 1908th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Dreaming in Cuban by Cristina García

    "Dreaming in Cuban" is a multi-generational narrative that explores the lives of several women from a Cuban family, spanning from the 1930s to the 1980s. The story oscillates between Cuba and the United States, reflecting on the Cuban revolution, exile, and identity. Through the perspectives of each character, the novel delves into themes of political turmoil, family dynamics, and personal struggles amidst cultural shifts and geographical displacement.

    The 2115th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Paradiso by José Lezama Lima

    "Paradiso" is a dense and lyrical novel that delves into the life of a young Cuban man named José Cemí, exploring his intellectual and sensual coming-of-age against the backdrop of early 20th-century Havana. The narrative is rich with poetic language and complex imagery, weaving together themes of family, sexuality, and the search for identity. Through a series of vivid, dreamlike episodes, the protagonist's personal growth is paralleled with the cultural and historical evolution of Cuba itself, presenting a tapestry of philosophical reflections and a deep dive into the nature of reality, time, and existence.

    The 2232nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Explosion In A Cathedral by Alejo Carpentier

    The novel is a historical narrative set in the Caribbean during the time of the French Revolution, following the lives of a family caught in the tumult of the era. It explores the impact of European political upheaval on the colonies, as the protagonist becomes involved with historical figures and events, including the revolutionary missions of Victor Hugues. The story delves into themes of power, freedom, and the complex interplay between history and the individuals who live through it, painting a vivid picture of the colonial world and its transformation under the forces of revolution and counterrevolution.

    The 2256th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. All Souls' Day by Cees Nooteboom

    "All Souls' Day" is a novel about a Dutch documentary filmmaker, who, after losing his wife and daughter in a car accident, moves to Berlin to escape his grief. The protagonist becomes entangled in a series of romantic relationships while struggling to come to terms with his loss. The book blends narrative with philosophical musings on memory, loss, and the nature of time, using the city of Berlin as a backdrop to illustrate the protagonist's internal journey.

    The 2258th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Betrayed by Rita Hayworth by Manuel Puig

    The novel explores the life of a young boy growing up in a small town in Argentina during the 1930s and 1940s. It is a coming-of-age story that uses a unique narrative structure, incorporating a mix of dialogues, inner thoughts, and film scripts to depict the protagonist's life. The boy's obsession with Hollywood films and glamorous actresses, particularly Rita Hayworth, serves as an escape from his oppressive environment and shapes his understanding of the world. The book also delves into themes of sexuality, identity, and the impact of popular culture.

    The 2353rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Garden Where the Brass Band Played by Simon Vestdijk

    This novel explores the life of a young boy named Nol Rieske, who falls in love with the daughter of a bandmaster in a small Dutch town. As he grows older, he becomes a successful musician, but his obsession with the bandmaster's daughter, who is mentally ill, continues to dominate his life. The story is a detailed exploration of a man's lifelong infatuation and its profound impact on his personal and professional life.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Return to Oegstgeest by Jan Wolkers

    "Return to Oegstgeest" is a semi-autobiographical narrative that explores the author's childhood and adolescence in the small Dutch town of Oegstgeest during the pre and post-World War II era. The book delves into the author's troubled relationship with his stern, religious parents, his struggles with faith, and his burgeoning artistic and sexual awakening. The narrative is a poignant exploration of memory, family, and the experiences that shape one's identity.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Heartbreak Tango by Manuel Puig

    "Heartbreak Tango" is a tragicomedy that explores the intertwined lives of the inhabitants of a small town in Argentina. The narrative revolves around the life and death of a charismatic but flawed young man, Juan Carlos, who has relationships with multiple women, each of whom remember him differently. The story is told through a series of letters, diary entries, police reports, and gossip, presenting a multifaceted view of Juan Carlos and the impact he had on those around him. The novel also critiques the shallowness and hypocrisy of society, particularly in its treatment of women.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Dreamtigers by Jorge Luis Borges

    "Dreamtigers" is a collection of short stories, essays, and poems that delve into the realm of metaphysics, infinity, mirrors, and changing identities. The book explores the author's fascination with the dream world and the blurred boundaries between reality and imagination. The narrative is filled with complex themes, paradoxes, and illusions, often inspired by the author's own experiences and his love for literature and philosophy.

    The 2636th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Smell of Sadness by Alfred Kossmann

    "Smell of Sadness" is a poignant narrative that revolves around a man who, after being separated from his wife during the Second World War, embarks on a journey to find her. The story takes us through the protagonist's experiences, his encounters with various people, and his personal struggles. The book is a deep exploration of human emotions, particularly the profound sadness that permeates through the protagonist's life, making it a moving and thought-provoking read.

    The 2885th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Rituals by Cees Nooteboom

    "Rituals" is a philosophical novel that explores the lives of three men, each dealing with existential crises in post-World War II Netherlands. The narrative delves into their individual searches for meaning and purpose, their struggles with societal norms, and their attempts to establish personal rituals as a way to create order in a seemingly chaotic world. The book is a profound meditation on the human condition, examining themes of time, death, and the nature of reality.

    The 2885th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. The Witness by Juan José Saer

    "The Witness" is a novel that explores the life of a young European boy who is the only survivor of a shipwreck in the 16th century. He is found and raised by a tribe of Indians in South America, where he spends ten years of his life. The boy is eventually found by a band of Spanish conquistadors and returns to Europe, where he becomes a well-respected scholar. The story unfolds as the man, now in his 90s, recounts his experiences and struggles to reconcile his European identity with his decade-long immersion in the tribal culture.

    The 3032nd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Gimmick! by Joost Zwagerman

    "Gimmick!" is a novel that explores the life of a young artist in the Amsterdam art scene during the 1980s. The protagonist is caught in a world of excess, parties, drugs, sex, and betrayal while trying to find his place and make a name for himself. The story delves into the struggles of artistic life, the lure of fame and the pitfalls of success, providing a raw and gritty depiction of the times.

    The 3428th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. All Fires The Fire by Julio Cortázar

    "All Fires The Fire" is a collection of short stories that explores the complexities of human relationships and the blurred lines between reality and imagination. Through vivid and imaginative storytelling, the author delves into themes of love, desire, and the search for meaning in a world filled with uncertainty. Each story presents a unique and thought-provoking narrative, inviting readers to question the boundaries of their own perceptions and the nature of existence itself.

    The 3612th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The Laws by Connie Palmen

    "The Laws" is a philosophical novel that follows the life of a young woman studying philosophy who becomes intrigued by the concept of laws, both societal and personal. Over the course of seven years, she engages in relationships with seven different men, each representing a different aspect of her studies including a priest, a physicist, an artist, a psychiatrist, a lawyer, a biologist, and a writer. Each relationship provides a new perspective on her quest to understand the laws of the universe and human nature.

    The 3681st Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Censors by Luisa Valenzuela

    "The Censors" is a satirical short story that delves into the life of a man who takes a job as a censor at a government agency in an attempt to intercept and approve his own letter, which he had previously sent abroad. As he becomes increasingly absorbed in his role, he starts to censor letters with zeal, losing sight of his original purpose. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and the ease with which one can become complicit in oppressive systems, ultimately leading to a grim and ironic conclusion where the protagonist falls victim to the very system he sought to manipulate.

    The 3695th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. The Wandering Unicorn by Manuel Mujica Lainez

    "The Wandering Unicorn" is a historical fantasy novel that weaves a tapestry of medieval legends, chivalric adventures, and magical realism. It follows the journey of a young unicorn who, under the guise of a beautiful page, seeks to protect Melusine, a cursed fairy who is half-woman, half-serpent. Set against the backdrop of the Crusades, the narrative intertwines the unicorn's quest for redemption and love with a rich cast of characters, including knights, sorcerers, and mythical creatures. The story delves into themes of immortality, transformation, and the enduring power of myth, all while painting a vivid picture of a bygone era filled with enchantment and intrigue.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. The Twins by Tessa De Loo

    "The Twins" is a poignant narrative about twin sisters, separated at a young age due to the Second World War. One sister grows up in the Netherlands under Nazi occupation, while the other is raised in Germany as part of the Hitler Youth. After six decades of separation, they meet again and begin to share their experiences, discovering the impact of the war on their lives and the stark differences in their upbringing. The book explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the long-lasting effects of war on individuals and families.

    The 4050th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Santa Evita by Tomás Eloy Martínez

    "Santa Evita" is a fictionalized account of the life and death of Eva Peron, the beloved First Lady of Argentina. The book delves into the mysterious journey of her embalmed corpse which was moved around the world and hidden for 16 years after her death. The narrative, interwoven with historical facts, explores the cult-like fascination and devotion that surrounded her during her life and continues after her death.

    The 4374th 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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