The Greatest Hungarian, Nigerian, Colombian Books of All Time

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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. The Door by Szabó, Magda

    "The Door" by Magda Szabo is a novel about the relationship between two women, one of whom is a writer and the other is her housekeeper. The story explores themes of class, power, and the complexities of human relationships. As the two women become increasingly intertwined, their relationship becomes more and more complicated, leading to unexpected consequences for both of them. The novel is a powerful exploration of the human condition, and a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding and empathy in our interactions with others.

    The 2390th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Labyrinths by Christopher Okigbo

    "Labyrinths" is a collection of poetry that delves into the complexities of identity, love, and the human experience. Through vivid imagery and lyrical language, the poems explore themes of cultural heritage, spirituality, and the impact of colonialism. With a profound sense of introspection, the author invites readers on a journey through the labyrinth of his mind, offering a glimpse into the depths of his emotions and the intricate web of his thoughts.

    The 2411th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. The Case Worker by György Konrád

    "The Case Worker" is a novel that follows the life of a young, disillusioned social worker in Hungary who is struggling with the grim realities of his job. He is constantly faced with the harsh and desperate situations of his clients, which include the poor, the mentally ill, and the elderly. As he tries to help them, he becomes increasingly aware of the bureaucratic and social systems that often hinder rather than aid these vulnerable individuals. This leads him to question the effectiveness of his role and the larger societal structures in place.

    The 2454th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Epepe by Ferenc Karinthy

    The book revolves around a linguist who finds himself inexplicably trapped in a nightmarish city where he cannot understand the language or communicate with the inhabitants. Despite his expertise in languages, the protagonist's skills are rendered useless in this alien environment, leading to a series of Kafkaesque encounters as he desperately tries to make sense of his surroundings and find a way back home. His isolation is compounded by the city's indifferent bureaucracy and the strange, often absurd, customs of its citizens, turning his ordeal into an existential struggle for identity and understanding in the face of an incomprehensible world.

    The 2948th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    "Purple Hibiscus" follows the story of a 15-year-old Nigerian girl, Kambili, and her older brother Jaja, who live a privileged life in Enugu. However, their father is a religious fanatic and a domestic tyrant. The siblings are sent to their Aunty Ifeoma's home, a university professor, who provides them a taste of freedom and shows them a different way of life outside their father's oppressive rule. The novel explores themes of colonialism, religious fanaticism, and the post-colonial political situation in Nigeria.

    The 3056th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Idu by Flora Nwapa

    This novel explores the life of Idu, a devoted wife whose existence becomes deeply intertwined with that of her husband, Amadi, who is the love of her life. Set against the backdrop of traditional Igbo society in Nigeria, the story delves into themes of love, loss, and the societal expectations placed upon women. When tragedy strikes and Idu is faced with Amadi's untimely death, her world is shattered, leading her to challenge the conventions and expectations of widowhood. Her profound connection to her husband transcends the physical realm, showcasing the depth of her love and commitment. Through Idu's journey, the narrative presents a poignant exploration of the roles of women, the significance of tradition, and the power of love to transcend the boundaries of life and death.

    The 3100th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Children Of Blood And Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

    In a world where magic has been suppressed and the maji people have been oppressed, Zélie, a young maji girl, embarks on a dangerous quest to restore magic and bring justice to her people. Alongside her brother and a rogue princess, Zélie must confront her own powers and face formidable enemies, navigating a treacherous landscape of betrayal and sacrifice. As they race against time, Zélie discovers that she may hold the key to not only saving her people, but also to changing the destiny of their entire nation.

    The 3201st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. An Image Of Africa by Chinua Achebe

    "An Image of Africa" is a critical essay that explores the portrayal of Africa and Africans in Western literature, focusing particularly on Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness." The author argues that Conrad, despite being celebrated as a paragon of modernist literature, presents Africa as an antithesis to Europe and civilization, and Africans as culturally and humanly inferior. This work challenges the implicit racism in treating Africa as merely a backdrop for the breakdown of Europeans, urging a reevaluation of how African people and their cultures are depicted in literature and beyond.

    The 3372nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Efuru by Flora Nwapa

    The novel is a poignant exploration of the life of a strong and independent woman in a traditional Igbo community in Nigeria. The protagonist, after whom the book is named, is admired for her beauty, intelligence, and wealth, but she faces personal tragedies and societal pressures. Despite her successes in business and her contributions to her community, she struggles with the expectations placed on her as a woman, particularly with respect to marriage and childbearing. The narrative delves into themes of feminism, tradition, and the role of women in a changing society, as the protagonist navigates her relationships and seeks fulfillment in a culture that often values women primarily through their husbands and children.

    The 3469th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Hannah Senesh by Hannah Senesh

    This book is a collection of the diaries, letters, and poems of a young Jewish woman who emigrated from Hungary to Palestine in the 1930s, driven by her Zionist beliefs. She joined the Haganah and later volunteered for a daring military operation to parachute into Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II, with the aim of aiding Allied forces and rescuing Hungarian Jews from the Holocaust. Her writings reflect her courage, literary talent, and the depth of her commitment to her cause. Tragically captured, tortured, and eventually executed by the Nazis, she became an enduring symbol of bravery and sacrifice in the face of tyranny.

    The 3469th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Bride Price by Buchi Emecheta

    "The Bride Price" is a novel that explores the life of a young Nigerian girl who, despite her father's disapproval, dreams of furthering her education. After her father's death, she is forced into an arranged marriage due to cultural traditions, but she defies the system and elopes with her lover. However, the consequences of unpaid bride price haunt her, leading to a tragic ending. The book highlights the clash between traditional African values and modern aspirations, the struggles of women in patriarchal societies, and the impact of colonialism on African cultures.

    The 3705th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Death And The King's Horsemen by Wole Soyinka

    "Death And The King's Horsemen" is a powerful play set in Nigeria during the colonial era. It explores the clash between traditional African beliefs and the influence of Western culture. The story follows the tragic consequences that unfold when a British colonial officer tries to prevent the ritual suicide of the king's horseman, who is duty-bound to accompany his deceased king to the afterlife. The play delves into themes of cultural identity, the clash of civilizations, and the consequences of interfering with sacred traditions.

    The 3739th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. The History Of The Yorubas by Reverend Samuel Johnson

    "The History of the Yorubas" is a comprehensive account of the rich cultural heritage and historical development of the Yoruba people, a major ethnic group in Nigeria. Written by Samuel Johnson, the book delves into the origins, traditions, and societal structures of the Yoruba, exploring their religious beliefs, political systems, and significant historical events. Through meticulous research and detailed storytelling, Johnson provides valuable insights into the Yoruba civilization, making this book an essential resource for anyone interested in African history and culture.

    The 3802nd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts by Amos Tutuola

    The book is a phantasmagorical narrative that follows the harrowing journey of a young boy who, while fleeing from slave traders, becomes lost in a supernatural realm known as the Bush of Ghosts. This mystical forest is inhabited by a myriad of spirits and creatures drawn from Yoruba folklore. As the boy navigates through this eerie landscape, he encounters a series of ghostly domains, each ruled by its own peculiar entities. Throughout his surreal odyssey, which spans several years, he is subjected to bizarre and often terrifying experiences, all the while yearning for a return to his human family and the normal world. The story is a blend of traditional African folklore, myth, and the author's own rich imagination, offering a vivid exploration of the themes of survival, bravery, and the clash between the natural and supernatural worlds.

    The 3802nd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Forest of A Thousand Daemons by Daniel O. Fagunwa

    "Forest of A Thousand Daemons" is a captivating exploration of Yoruba folklore and mythology, narrated through the adventures of Akara-ogun, the son of a renowned hunter. As he ventures into a mystical forest filled with supernatural creatures and deities, the protagonist encounters a myriad of fantastical beings and faces numerous challenges. The novel, rich in proverbs and poetic language, delves into themes of bravery, wisdom, and the supernatural, providing a vivid portrayal of traditional Nigerian culture and its storytelling traditions. This seminal work is celebrated for its pioneering use of indigenous African life and lore in a written narrative form.

    The 3802nd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. The Adventures and Misadventures of Maqroll by Alvaro Mutis

    "The Adventures and Misadventures of Maqroll" is a collection of seven novellas that follow the life of Maqroll, a seafarer and adventurer. The stories, set in various locations around the globe, are filled with philosophical musings, poetic language, and vivid descriptions of exotic locales. Maqroll's encounters with a host of characters, from pirates to prostitutes, and his experiences with love, loss, and loneliness, all contribute to a richly textured narrative that explores the human condition and the nature of existence.

    The 4061st Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Our Lady of the Assassins by Fernando Vallejo

    This novel is a dark and gripping exploration of life in Medellín, Colombia, during the height of the drug wars. The protagonist, a middle-aged writer, returns home after many years abroad, only to find his city ravaged by violence and death. He falls in love with two teenage assassins, who guide him through the underworld of the city, exposing him to the brutal realities of life in a place where human life has lost all value. The story is a bleak commentary on the devastating effects of drug trafficking and political corruption on society.

    The 4115th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. The Paul Street Boys by Ferenc Molnár

    The book is a classic coming-of-age tale set in Budapest, Hungary, at the turn of the 20th century. It follows a group of adolescent boys who are engaged in a territorial battle over a vacant lot they call the "grund," which they use as their playground. The story highlights themes of loyalty, camaraderie, and the struggles of youth as the boys defend their cherished space against a rival group. The narrative focuses on the experiences of the protagonist, who is faced with difficult moral choices and the harsh realities of growing up, as the boys' conflict mirrors the larger social and economic tensions of their time.

    The 4132nd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Abigél by Szabó, Magda

    Set against the backdrop of World War II in Hungary, the novel follows a young girl sent to a strict boarding school in the countryside by her father, a high-ranking general who fears for her safety amidst the war. Struggling to fit in and feeling abandoned, she eventually discovers the school harbors deep secrets, including the mysterious "Abigél," a statue that seems to be at the center of a clandestine operation protecting those persecuted by the war. As the protagonist navigates the complexities of adolescence, authority, and the harsh realities of her time, she learns valuable lessons about trust, loyalty, and the power of community in the face of adversity.

    The 4133rd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. The Man With The Golden Touch by Mór Jókai

    The novel revolves around the life of a man who, after a series of fortunate events, discovers a secret method to turn lead into gold, leading to immense wealth and the title of 'The Man with the Golden Touch'. However, his newfound riches bring him more misery than happiness, as he grapples with the corrupting influence of money, the envy and greed of those around him, and the realization that true value lies not in material wealth but in love and human relationships. His journey is a cautionary tale about the moral and emotional consequences of unchecked avarice and the pursuit of wealth at the expense of more meaningful aspects of life.

    The 4136th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Tüskevár by István Fekete

    The novel is a coming-of-age story that follows two city boys who spend their summer in the Hungarian countryside, near a place called Tüskevár, to learn about nature, survival, and self-reliance. Under the guidance of an old woodsman, they encounter various adventures and challenges, from learning to fish and hunt to dealing with the harsh realities of the natural world. Throughout their stay, they gain a deep appreciation for the environment and experience personal growth, ultimately leaving behind their naïve views and becoming more mature and responsible individuals.

    The 4149th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Abel Alone by Áron Tamási

    "Abel Alone" is a poignant narrative that follows the life of a young shepherd named Abel, who lives in the isolated, pastoral landscapes of Transylvania. The story delves into Abel's solitary existence, his deep connection with nature, and his struggles with the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations. As he grapples with personal growth and the challenges of adulthood, Abel's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the search for identity and belonging in a world that often feels vast and indifferent.

    The 4150th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. The Baron's Sons by Mór Jókai

    "The Baron's Sons" is a historical novel set in the backdrop of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, which follows the diverging paths and ideologies of three aristocratic brothers. As the nation struggles for independence from Habsburg rule, the brothers find themselves torn between loyalty to their noble heritage and the revolutionary cause. Their personal conflicts and romances intertwine with the larger political turmoil, painting a vivid picture of a family caught in the crossfire of rebellion, loyalty, and national identity. The novel explores themes of honor, betrayal, and the complexities of patriotism during a pivotal moment in Hungarian history.

    The 4151st Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Indul A Bakterház by Sándor Rideg

    "Indul A Bakterház" is a Hungarian novel that follows the life of a young boy growing up in a rural village during the interwar period. The narrative centers around the boy's experiences in a strict, yet comical, educational system and his interactions with a cast of eccentric characters, including his family members and schoolmates. Through a series of humorous and poignant episodes, the novel paints a vivid picture of village life, exploring themes of adolescence, tradition, and the universal journey of growing up amidst the challenges of poverty and societal change.

    The 4152nd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Be Faithful Unto Death by Zsigmond Móricz

    The novel is a poignant coming-of-age story set in a Hungarian boarding school at the turn of the 20th century. It follows the life of a young boy from a poor family who earns a scholarship to attend the prestigious institution. His journey is marked by the struggle to fit in among wealthier peers, the harsh discipline of school authorities, and the challenges of adolescence. When a valuable violin goes missing, he is unjustly accused of theft, leading to a profound examination of morality, integrity, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of injustice and hardship.

    The 4153rd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

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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.

Download