The Greatest Israeli, Portuguese "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 300 '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. The Book of Disquiet by Fernando Pessoa

    "The Book of Disquiet" is a posthumously published collection of thoughts and musings of a solitary dreamer, who is a Lisbon-based bookkeeper. The book delves into the mind of a man who is discontented with his mundane life and finds solace in dreaming and writing. The narrative is a profound reflection on life, solitude, and the nature of humanity, filled with philosophical insights and poetic language. The protagonist's introspective journey and his struggles with existential despair make it a seminal work in the genre of literary modernism.

  2. 2. The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis by José Saramago

    The novel is a metaphysical narrative about a doctor named Ricardo Reis who returns to Lisbon, Portugal after learning about the death of his friend. He finds himself in a society on the brink of dictatorship, and as he navigates through his daily life, he encounters his deceased friend's ghost and a hotel maid with whom he begins a love affair. The book explores themes of identity, love, and the nature of reality, set against the backdrop of political turmoil.

  3. 3. Blindness by José Saramago

    In this dystopian novel, an unexplained epidemic of "white blindness" sweeps through an unnamed city, causing chaos and panic. The government responds by quarantining the afflicted in an abandoned mental hospital, where conditions quickly deteriorate into violence and squalor. Amid the despair, one woman mysteriously retains her sight and guides a small band of the blind, including her husband, through the harrowing ordeal. The novel explores themes of loss, human nature, and the fragility of civilization.

  4. 4. Baltasar and Blimunda by José Saramago

    "Baltasar and Blimunda" is a historical love story set in 18th century Portugal. The narrative follows a maimed soldier, Baltasar, and a young clairvoyant woman, Blimunda, as they navigate the hardships of life during the Inquisition. Their love story is intertwined with the construction of the Convent of Mafra, a grandiose project initiated by the King. The novel explores themes of love, faith, human resilience, and the struggle against political and religious oppression.

  5. 5. The Gospel According To Jesus Christ by José Saramago

    This novel offers a provocative and humanized retelling of the life of Jesus Christ, diverging from traditional biblical narratives. It presents a Jesus who is all too human, grappling with the complexities of life, love, and a sense of destiny. Through a blend of biblical lore and imaginative fiction, the story explores themes of divinity, free will, and morality, challenging readers to reconsider the foundations of faith and the nature of storytelling itself. The narrative delves into Jesus's relationships, his encounters with figures such as God and the Devil, and ultimately portrays a deeply philosophical and introspective version of a figure central to Western civilization.

  6. 6. The Land At The End Of The World by António Lobo Antunes

    This novel is a poignant and harrowing account of the Angolan War of Independence from the perspective of a disillusioned Portuguese medic. Through a series of barroom confessions to an unnamed interlocutor, the narrator recounts his experiences of the brutal conflict, the horrors he witnessed, and the impact it had on his psyche. The narrative is a blend of vivid war memories and reflections on the post-war life, exploring themes of love, loss, and the haunting legacy of colonialism. The author's rich, poetic language and innovative storytelling techniques create a powerful, immersive experience, capturing the futility of war and the indelible scars it leaves on individuals and nations alike.

  7. 7. Fado Alexandrino by António Lobo Antunes

    "Fado Alexandrino" is a complex narrative that follows the lives of four Portuguese men who meet at a dinner in Lisbon to commemorate their return from the colonial war in Mozambique ten years prior. Each man, representing different social classes, recounts his life before, during, and after the war, revealing their personal struggles and the impact of the war on their lives. The novel also reflects the political and social changes in Portugal from the dictatorship era to the revolution and its aftermath.

  8. 8. Signs Of Fire by Jorge de Sena

    "Signs of Fire" is a historical novel set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War and the onset of World War II, exploring the coming-of-age of a young Portuguese man. The protagonist, caught between the expectations of his bourgeois family and his own political awakening, grapples with the tumultuous events of the era, his personal relationships, and his burgeoning intellectual and ideological convictions. As he navigates love, friendship, and the struggle for meaning in a world on the brink of chaos, the novel delves into themes of identity, resistance, and the impact of historical forces on individual lives.

  9. 9. Black Box by Amos Oz

    "Black Box" is a novel that explores the complex dynamics of a broken family. The story revolves around a divorced couple who are forced to reconnect after their son begins to display troubling behavior. The husband, a stern and disciplined judge, and the wife, a free-spirited Holocaust survivor, must navigate their personal differences, past hurts, and current relationships to address their son's issues. The book is written in the form of letters, revealing the characters' inner thoughts and struggles, making it a profound exploration of human relationships, regret, and reconciliation.

  10. 10. The History of the Siege of Lisbon by José Saramago

    This narrative revolves around a proofreader named Raimundo Silva, who, while working on a historical text about the Siege of Lisbon, decides to alter history by adding a single word to the text, turning the factual account into a fictional one. This act of rebellion leads him into a relationship with his boss, Maria Sara, and together they explore the consequences of questioning historical facts and narratives. The story also delves into the power of language and storytelling, and the blurred lines between history and fiction.

  11. 11. A Tale of Love and Darkness by Amos Oz

    This book is a poignant memoir that explores the complexities of love, darkness, loss, and the endurance of the human spirit. Set against the backdrop of the end of the British Mandate for Palestine and the early years of the State of Israel, the author recounts his childhood in Jerusalem, the suicide of his mother, and his path to becoming a writer. The narrative is both a personal account and a portrait of a society in turmoil, providing a profound exploration of the individual and collective psyche.

  12. 12. The Return Of The Caravels by António Lobo Antunes

    In this novel, the ghosts of Portugal's colonial past return to haunt the present, as the caravels from the age of exploration sail back into the Tagus River, bringing with them the historical figures from the 15th and 16th centuries. The narrative weaves together the lives of these returned explorers with those of contemporary Lisbon's denizens, blurring the lines between past and present. Through a series of interconnected stories, the book explores themes of identity, nostalgia, and the complex legacy of colonialism, as characters grapple with the dissolution of the Portuguese empire and the reintegration of its former colonies, reflecting on the impact of history on individual lives and national consciousness.

  13. 13. Treaty Of The Soul's Passions by António Lobo Antunes

    "Treaty of the Soul's Passions" is a profound exploration of human emotions and the complexities of the inner self. Through a series of interconnected stories and reflections, the narrative delves into the depths of love, despair, joy, and suffering, painting a vivid picture of the human condition. The author masterfully weaves a tapestry of characters and experiences, each revealing different facets of the soul's journey through life. With poetic language and rich psychological insight, the book invites readers to confront their own passions and question the nature of existence itself.

  14. 14. Karingana Ua Karingana by José Craveirinha

    "Karingana Ua Karingana" is a collection of poetry that delves into the rich cultural heritage and history of Mozambique. Through vivid and evocative imagery, the author explores themes of love, loss, and the struggles faced by the people of his country. Craveirinha's powerful and poignant verses offer a glimpse into the complexities of Mozambican society, while also celebrating its resilience and beauty.

  15. 15. Twilight And Other Stories by Shulamith Hareven

    "Twilight and Other Stories" is a collection of evocative short stories that delve into the complexities of human experience, exploring themes of love, loss, identity, and the passage of time. The narratives, set against diverse backdrops, from ancient times to modern-day Israel, weave together a tapestry of characters each confronting their own moral dilemmas and emotional struggles. With a poetic and introspective style, the stories in this anthology invite readers to reflect on the subtle shades of humanity and the profound impact of seemingly ordinary moments.

  16. 16. The Stone Raft by José Saramago

    In this surreal exploration, the Iberian Peninsula breaks off from the rest of Europe and begins to drift across the Atlantic Ocean. As the governments and international community scramble to understand and respond to the phenomenon, five disparate individuals find themselves drawn together on a journey across the newly isolated landscape. Through their experiences and interactions, the narrative explores themes of identity, nationality, and the arbitrary nature of borders.

  17. 17. Terra Sonâmbula by Mia Couto

    "Terra Sonâmbula" by Mia Couto is a captivating novel set in war-torn Mozambique, where two individuals, a young boy and an old man, cross paths and embark on a journey that intertwines their lives. Through their encounters with other characters and their shared experiences, the book explores themes of loss, displacement, and the power of storytelling to heal and provide hope in the face of adversity. The lyrical prose and magical realism elements create a rich and evocative narrative that immerses readers in the complex and haunting world of post-colonial Mozambique.

  18. 18. Cain by José Saramago

    The novel explores the biblical story of Cain and Abel from the perspective of Cain, after he murdered his brother. The author reimagines the Old Testament by having Cain time travel to key events and interact with biblical figures such as Noah and Abraham, challenging the traditional interpretations of morality, justice, and faith. Cain's journey reveals a critical view of God and the paradoxes of the human condition.

  19. 19. Arabesques by Anton Shammas

    "Arabesques" is a novel that intricately blends autobiography, fiction, and historical narrative to explore the complexities of identity and heritage. Set primarily in the Arab village of Fassuta in northern Israel, the story delves into the life of the narrator and his extended family, tracing their roots and experiences across generations and borders. Through a tapestry of memories, stories, and shifting perspectives, the novel examines themes of displacement, belonging, and the cultural and political tensions in the Middle East, all while challenging the boundaries between history and memory, and truth and fiction.

  20. 20. A Dress Of Fire by Dalia Ravikovitch

    "A Dress of Fire" is a poignant collection of poetry that delves into the complexities of human emotion, exploring themes of love, loss, and the enduring human spirit. The poet employs rich imagery and a deep understanding of the human condition to weave together verses that reflect on personal and collective experiences. Through a tapestry of metaphor and allegory, the poems confront the harsh realities of life, war, and mortality, while also celebrating the delicate beauty found in everyday moments. The collection serves as a testament to the resilience of the soul and the transformative power of grief and hope.

  21. 21. Past Continuous by Yaakov Shabtai

    The novel is a rich and intricate tapestry of life in Israel during the 1970s, following the intertwined lives of three men—Cecil, Goldman, and Israel—who are grappling with existential crises after the death of their friend, Yehuda. The narrative delves deeply into their personal histories, relationships, and the complex web of their social milieu, painting a vivid portrait of urban Israeli society. Through a stream-of-consciousness style, the book explores themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a world marked by political turmoil and cultural change, offering a poignant reflection on the human condition.

  22. 22. Badenheim 1939 by Aharon Appelfeld

    The book is a haunting allegory of the Holocaust, set in a fictional Austrian resort town on the eve of World War II. As the summer progresses, the vacationers, mostly Jewish intellectuals and artists, remain oblivious to the ominous changes occurring around them, even as their freedoms are incrementally stripped away and they are eventually herded towards an unknown, but clearly grim, fate. The narrative captures the denial and complacency of the characters in the face of impending doom, serving as a chilling reminder of the dangers of ignoring the signs of societal collapse and the atrocities it can lead to.

  23. 23. Ballad Of Dogs' Beach by José Cardoso Pires

    The book is a gripping narrative that delves into the political and social turmoil of Portugal during the 1960s, as seen through the lens of a mysterious crime. When a body washes up on a beach near Lisbon, the ensuing investigation exposes the dark undercurrents of a society under a repressive regime. The story weaves together the perspectives of various characters, including those in power and ordinary citizens, to create a tapestry of intrigue and resistance. The novel's exploration of memory, identity, and the struggle for justice serves as a poignant commentary on the human condition amidst political oppression.

  24. 24. A Perfect Peace by Amos Oz

    Set against the backdrop of a kibbutz in Israel during the 1960s, the novel delves into the life of a young man struggling with the expectations of his family and community. As he grapples with his own desires and the looming specter of war, the protagonist embarks on a journey of self-discovery that leads him away from the communal life of the kibbutz. The narrative explores themes of individuality, freedom, and the complexities of human relationships, all while painting a vivid portrait of Israeli society during a time of tension and change.

  25. 25. A Late Divorce by A. B. Yehoshua

    The novel delves into the complexities of family dynamics and personal identity through the lens of an Israeli family facing the impending divorce of the elderly parents. As the estranged father returns from America to finalize the divorce, the reunion with his adult children and their mother in Israel brings to the surface long-simmering tensions, secrets, and unresolved emotional conflicts. Set against the backdrop of Passover, the narrative unfolds in a series of perspectives from each family member, revealing the intricate web of relationships and the individual struggles within the family unit. The story examines themes of love, betrayal, and the search for self amidst the trials of familial obligations and societal expectations.

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