The Greatest Canadian, Greek "Fiction" 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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  1. 26. Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel

    "Station Eleven" is a post-apocalyptic novel that revolves around the lives of several characters before and after a devastating flu pandemic wipes out most of the world's population. The narrative jumps back and forth in time, exploring the interconnectedness of the characters' lives through their shared memories and experiences. The story also follows a traveling Shakespearean theatre company as they navigate the dangers of a collapsed civilization, emphasizing the importance of art and human connection in times of crisis.

    The 2385th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Runaway by Alice Munro

    "Runaway" is a collection of short stories that explore the depth of human relationships, the complexities of love, and the consequences of life's unpredictable turns. The stories revolve around women of varying ages and circumstances, each dealing with her own unique situation. Some are escaping from their past or present situations, while others are struggling to find their place in the world. The narratives delve into themes like betrayal, loss, and the often complicated dynamics between parents and children, and husbands and wives.

    The 2387th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. The Third Wedding by Kōstas Tachtsēs

    "The Third Wedding" is a powerful exploration of love, passion, and societal expectations set in mid-20th century Greece. The story revolves around a strong-willed and independent woman who has been married twice and is about to enter her third marriage. The narrative delves into her past love affairs, her struggle with the societal norms of the time, and her quest for personal freedom. The book is a poignant commentary on the condition of women in a patriarchal society and the sacrifices they make in the name of love and duty.

    The 2452nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. The Tin Flute by Gabrielle Roy

    "The Tin Flute" is a poignant narrative set in the working-class district of Montreal during World War II. The story revolves around a young woman who struggles with poverty and the harsh realities of her life while dreaming of a better future. Despite the harshness of her life, she constantly battles to keep her family together and to find love and happiness, even in the most challenging circumstances. The book vividly portrays the struggles of the working class, the impact of war, and the human spirit's resilience.

    The 2452nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Diviners by Margaret Laurence

    "The Diviners" is a novel about a woman named Morag Gunn who grows up in small-town Manitoba, Canada, and becomes a successful novelist. The story follows Morag's life from childhood to adulthood, exploring her relationships, struggles, and personal growth. The narrative delves into themes of identity, memory, and the importance of understanding one's past. The protagonist's journey to self-discovery and acceptance is interwoven with the broader cultural and historical context of Canada in the mid-20th century.

    The 2452nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. The Great Victorian Collection by Brian Moore

    "The Great Victorian Collection" is a captivating novel that follows the journey of a wealthy collector who becomes obsessed with acquiring a vast collection of Victorian artifacts. As he delves deeper into his obsession, he becomes entangled in a world of deception, greed, and scandal. Set in the backdrop of 1950s London, this thought-provoking and atmospheric tale explores the dark side of obsession and the consequences it can have on one's life.

    The 2625th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. The Wars by Timothy Findley

    "The Wars" is a historical novel that follows the life of a young Canadian soldier, Robert Ross, during World War I. The narrative explores Ross's experiences in the war, his struggles with his own morality, and the harsh realities of the battlefield. The book also delves into the psychological impact of war on soldiers, as well as the effects of war on animals, which Ross is particularly sensitive to. Through non-linear storytelling, the novel provides a visceral and poignant commentary on the brutality and senselessness of war.

    The 2744th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Generation X by Douglas Coupland

    The book is a novel that captures the disaffections of young adults growing up in the late 20th century, specifically those born in the late 1950s to the early 1980s. It follows the lives of three friends who have retreated to the California desert to escape the complexities and frustrations of the modern world. Through their stories, the novel explores themes of aimlessness, consumer culture, and the search for authenticity in a society saturated with media and technology. The characters' tales are interspersed with quirky definitions and cartoons that reflect their cynical, yet deeply yearning outlook on life, coining terms and concepts that resonate with a generation struggling to find its identity amidst economic and social uncertainty.

    The 2938th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Emily of New Moon by L. M. Montgomery

    The novel follows the life of Emily Starr, an imaginative young girl who is sent to live with her strict Aunt Elizabeth and kind Aunt Laura at New Moon Farm after her father's death. Despite the challenges she faces in her new home, Emily's creative spirit and love for writing help her navigate her new life. As she grows older, she forms deep friendships and experiences various adventures, all while cultivating her passion for writing and dreaming of one day becoming a published author.

    The 2944th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. In Praise Of Older Women by Stephen Vizinczey

    The book is a candid and provocative exploration of the romantic and sexual relationships of a young man, particularly with older, more experienced women. Through a series of intimate encounters and personal reflections, the protagonist embarks on a journey of emotional and sensual education. Set against the backdrop of mid-20th century Europe, the narrative delves into themes of love, passion, and the complexity of human connections, challenging societal norms and offering a fresh perspective on the dynamics between the sexes and the transformative power of relationships.

    The 2944th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Open Secrets: Stories by Alice Munro

    "Open Secrets: Stories" is a collection of eight short stories that delve into the complex lives of women, exploring themes of love, loss, and the secrets that bind and divide people. Set in various locations, from small-town Ontario to Australia, the stories feature characters grappling with their pasts, negotiating relationships, and confronting the mysteries of life. The narrative oscillates between past and present, revealing the profound and often unsettling truths hidden beneath the surface of ordinary lives.

    The 3058th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage by Alice Munro

    "Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage" is a collection of nine short stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Each story delves into the intricate web of emotions and experiences that define the human condition, including love, hate, friendship, courtship, and marriage. The characters are rendered with depth and nuance, their lives marked by moments of profound change and subtle transformation. The stories are set against the backdrop of rural and urban landscapes, offering a rich, evocative portrayal of life in all its complexities and contradictions.

    The 3071st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. The First Garden by Anne Hébert

    "The First Garden" is a historical fiction novel set in 17th-century Canada. It tells the story of a young woman who is sent to New France (now Quebec) to be a "Filles du roi" or "King's Daughter" - a program where women were sent to marry the men of New France in order to populate the colony. The protagonist struggles to adapt to her new life, facing harsh winters, cultural differences, and the challenges of frontier life while grappling with her feelings for a local trapper. The book explores themes of survival, love, and the clash of cultures.

    The 3378th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Purple Springs by Nellie L. McClung

    "Purple Springs" is a novel that continues the journey of its spirited protagonist, a young woman from the Canadian prairies who is determined to fight for women's rights and social justice. Set in the early 20th century, the narrative follows her as she navigates the challenges of political activism, advocating for suffrage, and pushing against the societal norms that restrict women's roles. Through her personal growth, community involvement, and unwavering commitment to her cause, the story captures the essence of the feminist movement of the time, highlighting the importance of perseverance, education, and the power of collective action in effecting change.

    The 3464th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence

    The novel is a poignant exploration of an elderly woman's life as she reflects on her past with a mixture of pride, bitterness, and regret. The protagonist, a feisty and independent 90-year-old, grapples with her impending death and the loss of her autonomy while recounting her life's journey. Through her eyes, readers experience the struggles of growing up in the prairies of Western Canada, her rebellious youth, the challenges of marriage and motherhood, and the weight of societal expectations. The narrative delves into themes of pride, aging, and the search for self-identity, as the protagonist confronts the stone angel monument that serves as a metaphor for her own unyielding nature and emotional isolation.

    The 3464th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. The Pegnitz Junction by Mavis Gallant

    "The Pegnitz Junction" is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships and the nuances of life's experiences. The narratives, set in various European locales, explore themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time through the eyes of characters often caught between cultures and histories. The title story, which stands out in the collection, focuses on a young girl's coming-of-age during a train journey, symbolizing the transitions and connections that define the human condition. The stories are marked by their psychological depth, sharp observation, and the author's skillful prose, which captures the subtleties of her characters' inner worlds and the intricacies of their interactions with the world around them.

    The 3464th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Weeds by Edith Summers Kelley

    The novel explores the life of a strong-willed woman named Judith, who is trapped in a stifling marriage and struggles to maintain her individuality and spirit amidst the hardships of rural Kentucky life in the early 20th century. As she toils on a tobacco farm with her husband and children, Judith grapples with the societal expectations placed upon her and the limited opportunities available to women of her time. The narrative delves into themes of feminism, poverty, and the human connection to the land, painting a vivid portrait of the challenges faced by women seeking autonomy in a patriarchal society.

    The 3464th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. I Heard The Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven

    In this poignant novel, a young vicar is unknowingly sent to a remote Native American village in British Columbia after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Unaware of his fate, he immerses himself in the lives of the Kwakiutl community, learning their traditions, struggles, and the encroaching pressures of the modern world. As he forms deep connections and confronts the meaning of life and death, he experiences a profound personal transformation. The story is a tender exploration of cultural understanding, spiritual growth, and the poignant beauty of human connections in the face of mortality.

    The 3464th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. The Moccasin Maker by E. Pauline Johnson

    "The Moccasin Maker" is a collection of short stories and essays that delve into the lives and experiences of Indigenous people at the turn of the 20th century. Through a blend of fiction and autobiographical elements, the work explores themes of identity, cultural conflict, and the impact of colonization on Indigenous communities in Canada. The author, herself of mixed heritage, provides a nuanced portrayal of the struggles and resilience of her characters, often challenging the prevailing stereotypes and offering a unique perspective on the complexities of living between two worlds. The stories are notable for their rich characterizations and the author's lyrical prose, which captures the beauty and sorrow of the cultural landscape she describes.

    The 3464th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. The Daughter by Pavlos Matesis

    "The Daughter" is a powerful novel set in Greece during the Second World War. The narrative follows the life of a young girl who is forced to grow up quickly due to the harsh realities of war. Her father, a communist, is executed by the Germans, and the girl is left to navigate the complexities of life, politics, and love in a world that is rapidly changing. The book offers a poignant exploration of the human capacity for resilience, survival, and hope in the face of unimaginable adversity.

    The 3608th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Astradeni by Eugenia Fakinou

    "Astradeni" is a coming-of-age novel set in post-World War II Greece. The story follows the life of a young girl named Astradeni, who is forced to grow up quickly due to the harsh realities of war and poverty. Despite the hardships she faces, Astradeni maintains a hopeful and imaginative spirit, often escaping into a world of myths and legends. The novel explores themes of resilience, the power of storytelling, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

    The 3685th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Brown Girl In The Ring by Nalo Hopkinson

    Set in a dystopian future Toronto that has been abandoned by the government and cordoned off from the rest of Canada, the novel follows a young, spirited woman of Caribbean descent who must navigate the perilous, gang-ruled cityscape while harnessing her newfound, ancestral spiritual powers. As she grapples with her identity and the demands of the community that relies on her, she is drawn into a dangerous quest to save her dying grandmother and confronts a malevolent spirit. The story is a rich tapestry of Afro-Caribbean culture, folklore, and tradition, exploring themes of resilience, heritage, and the transformative power of love and family.

    The 3728th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Uncle Petros and Goldbach's Conjecture by Apostolos Doxiadis

    The novel follows the story of a young man who becomes fascinated by his reclusive and eccentric Uncle Petros. As he delves into his uncle's past, he uncovers Petros' obsession with proving Goldbach's Conjecture, a famous unsolved problem in number theory. This obsession led to Petros' alienation from society and ultimately his downfall. The book explores themes of mathematical obsession, family relationships, and the fine line between genius and madness.

    The 3762nd Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Difficult Nights by Melpo Axioti

    This book is a poignant exploration of human emotions and experiences, delving into the depths of despair, love, and the quest for meaning in a tumultuous world. Through a series of interconnected stories, the narrative weaves together the lives of various characters, each struggling with their own inner turmoil and societal constraints. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Europe, the book captures the essence of the human condition, portraying the complex interplay between personal desires and the harsh realities of life. With its rich, lyrical prose, the novel invites readers to reflect on the nature of difficulty, the nights of the soul we all must navigate, and the glimmers of hope that sustain us through our darkest hours.

    The 3796th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. The Story Of Andreas Kordopatis by Thanassis Valtinos

    This novel unfolds the life journey of Andreas Kordopatis, tracing his odyssey from his origins in the Peloponnese, through his ventures in the United States and his return to Greece. Set against the backdrop of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the narrative weaves through the personal and historical, exploring themes of migration, identity, and the pursuit of a better life. Through a blend of personal accounts, letters, and third-person narration, the reader is immersed in the struggles and aspirations of a man navigating the complexities of diaspora and the relentless quest for home and belonging amidst the turbulent tides of history.

    The 3796th 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