The Greatest Swedish, Dutch, Cuban "Fiction" Books Since 1950

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 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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Fiction

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Swedish

Dutch

Cuban

Add additional country filters

Date Range

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
  1. 1. 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
  2. 2. 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
  3. 3. Barabbas by Par Lagerkvist

    This novel tells the story of Barabbas, the man who was pardoned instead of Jesus Christ, according to the New Testament. After being released, Barabbas grapples with his newfound freedom and the guilt of being spared at the expense of Jesus. As he witnesses the rise of Christianity and the profound impact Jesus' teachings have on those around him, he struggles with his own beliefs and the meaning of his existence. The narrative explores themes of faith, redemption, and the human condition.

    The 893rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

    A disgraced journalist is hired by a wealthy industrialist to solve a forty-year-old mystery involving the disappearance of his niece. He is assisted in his investigation by a brilliant but deeply troubled hacker. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a twisted web of family secrets, corruption, and murder. The story is a dark and gripping exploration of Swedish society, as well as a thrilling mystery.

    The 948th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Christmas Oratorio by Göran Tunström

    "The Christmas Oratorio" is a poignant story set in a small Swedish town, revolving around a boy who loses his mother and his relationship with his silent, grieving father. The narrative is deeply embedded in music, specifically Bach's Christmas Oratorio, which becomes a source of solace for the boy. The tale is a rich tapestry of love, loss, and the healing power of music, exploring the deep emotional bonds between father and son, and the transformative power of art.

    The 1080th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. 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
  7. 7. Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell

    In this thrilling crime novel, an elderly farmer and his wife are brutally murdered and the only clue is the wife's dying word: "foreign." This sets off a series of events that involves a dedicated detective who must solve the crime while dealing with his own personal problems. The investigation becomes even more complex when the press catches wind of the dying word, sparking a wave of xenophobia in the community. The detective must navigate through the fear and prejudice to find the truth and bring the killers to justice.

    The 1295th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Karlson On The Roof by Astrid Lindgren

    The book revolves around the adventures of a mischievous, self-confident man named Karlson who lives in a small house on the roof of an apartment building. He befriends a young boy named Smidge, who lives in the building below. Together, they embark on various escapades filled with fun and humor, often involving Karlson's quirky inventions and his love for tasty treats. Despite the skepticism of adults, the bond between Karlson and Smidge grows, showcasing a world where the fantastical and the everyday merge through the eyes of a child and his peculiar, flying friend.

    The 3380th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Laughing Policeman by Maj Sjöwall, Per Wahlöö

    In this gripping crime novel, a mass shooting on a bus in Stockholm leaves eight people dead, including a police officer. Inspector Martin Beck and his team are assigned to solve the case, but as they delve deeper, they uncover a complex web of corruption and deceit within the police force. With time running out, Beck must navigate through a labyrinth of clues and personal vendettas to catch the laughing policeman responsible for this heinous act.

    The 1352nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Simon and the Oaks by Marianne Fredriksson

    "Simon and the Oaks" is a poignant tale set against the backdrop of World War II, depicting the life of a young Swedish boy, Simon, who comes from a working-class family but dreams of a world beyond his own. His life changes when he befriends Isak, a boy from a wealthy Jewish family fleeing from Nazi Germany. The book explores their friendship, the stark contrast between their worlds, their shared love for literature and music, and the impact of war on their lives. It also delves into themes of identity, love, loss, and the enduring power of human spirit.

    The 1636th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Brothers Lionheart by Astrid Lindgren

    "The Brothers Lionheart" is a heartwarming and adventurous tale that follows the lives of two brothers, Karl and Jonathan, who embark on an extraordinary journey in the magical realm of Nangijala after their untimely deaths. In this enchanting world, they find themselves caught in a battle between good and evil, where they must summon their bravery and loyalty to protect their newfound friends and fight against the oppressive forces that threaten to destroy everything they hold dear. This timeless story explores themes of love, friendship, and the power of hope, captivating readers of all ages.

    The 2087th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. 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
  13. 13. 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
  14. 14. 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
  15. 15. 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
  16. 16. Ronia, The Robber's Daughter by Astrid Lindgren

    In a secluded forest, Ronia, the daughter of a feared robber chieftain, grows up surrounded by nature and the wild creatures that inhabit it. Despite her father's wishes for her to be tough and ruthless like him, Ronia's gentle heart and love for the forest lead her to form an unlikely friendship with Birk, the son of a rival robber chief. Together, they navigate the challenges of their feuding families, discovering the power of friendship, loyalty, and the importance of following their own paths.

    The 2292nd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. 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
  18. 18. 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
  19. 19. The Days of His Grace by Eyvind Johnson

    "The Days of His Grace" is a historical novel set in the 14th century, during the time of the Hundred Years' War between France and England. The narrative follows a Swedish nobleman who becomes involved in the political and religious conflicts of the era, while also dealing with his own personal struggles and relationships. The book is a complex exploration of power, faith, and the human condition, reflecting on the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in times of war and upheaval.

    The 2711th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Stockholm series by Per Anders Fogelström

    The "Stockholm series" is a historical fiction saga that spans over a century, chronicling the lives of various generations of families living in Stockholm, Sweden. The narrative begins in the mid-19th century and ends in the 1960s, providing a detailed and vivid picture of the city's transformation during this period. The series explores themes of love, poverty, wealth, class struggle, and social change, offering an immersive view of Stockholm's history through the personal stories of its characters.

    The 2711th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Mio, My Son by Astrid Lindgren

    "Mio, My Son" is a fantasy novel about a young Swedish boy who is transported to a magical kingdom where he discovers he is the prince. He embarks on a quest to defeat an evil knight and rescue his best friend, with the help of a magical horse and a golden sword. Along the way, he learns about courage, friendship, and the power of love.

    The 2711th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. 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
  23. 23. 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
  24. 24. Samuels bok by Sven Delblanc

    "Samuels bok" is a historical novel set in 18th century Sweden, focusing on the life of Samuel, a Jewish man who immigrates to Sweden to escape persecution in his home country. The book explores his journey and struggles as he navigates through a society filled with prejudice and discrimination, while also trying to maintain his faith and cultural identity. The story is a vivid portrayal of the harsh realities faced by immigrants and minorities, providing a powerful commentary on social and religious intolerance.

    The 3050th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Sidetracked by Henning Mankell

    In this gripping Scandinavian crime novel, a renowned detective finds himself embroiled in a complex investigation when a brutal murder occurs just before a high-profile conference on African issues. As he delves into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit and corruption that extends beyond the borders of Sweden. Simultaneously, he must grapple with personal distractions and the challenge of keeping his own life from derailing. The detective's pursuit of justice leads him down a path where the distinction between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred, and the stakes are as much personal as they are professional.

    The 3083rd Greatest Book of All Time

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