The Greatest Norwegian, Chilean, Austrian "Coming of age" 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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Coming of age

The "Coming of age" category of books typically refers to stories that explore the transition from adolescence to adulthood. These books often focus on the challenges and experiences that young people face as they navigate the complexities of growing up, including issues such as identity, relationships, sexuality, and personal growth. Coming of age stories can be set in any time period or cultural context, and may feature protagonists of any gender, race, or background. Overall, the genre offers readers a glimpse into the universal struggles and triumphs of youth, and the process of becoming a fully realized adult.

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Norwegian

Chilean

Austrian

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  1. 1. The Confusions of Young Törless by Robert Musil

    This novel explores the moral and psychological development of a young student sent to a military boarding school in Austro-Hungarian Empire. The protagonist witnesses and participates in the bullying and humiliation of a fellow student, leading him to question the nature of power, morality, and the thin line between civilization and barbarity. The book is a profound exploration of adolescence, authority, and the loss of innocence.

    The 554th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Alberta Trilogy by Cora Sandel

    "The Alberta Trilogy" is a series of three novels that follow the life of Alberta Selmer, a young woman growing up in a small Norwegian town in the early 20th century. The trilogy explores Alberta's struggle with societal expectations, her pursuit of independence and her journey to becoming a painter. Set against the backdrop of a harsh Norwegian landscape, the series highlights the protagonist's struggle with poverty, her relationships, and her exploration of her identity and place in the world.

    The 1348th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Confusion by Stefan Zweig

    "Confusion" is a compelling narrative that explores the intense and passionate relationship between a student and his charismatic professor. Set in the early 20th century, the story unfolds as the protagonist becomes entangled in the professor's personal life, discovering his mentor's secret past, his struggling marriage, and his hidden homosexual desires. The book presents a profound exploration of human emotions, identity, and the complexities of love, against the backdrop of the societal norms of the time.

    The 2030th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Birds by Tarjei Vesaas

    "The Birds" is a poignant story about Mattis, a mentally challenged man living in rural Norway who struggles to fit into society. He lives with his sister, who is his only caretaker and connection to the outside world. Mattis's life changes when he becomes fascinated by a pair of rare birds that decide to nest near his home. The arrival of these birds and a subsequent encounter with a lumberjack disrupt the quiet routine of his life, leading to a series of events that force him to grapple with his place in the world.

    The 2454th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson

    The novel is a poignant exploration of a man's relationship with his father and his own identity. Set in Norway, it follows the protagonist's decision to live in solitude after the death of his wife and sister. Through a series of flashbacks, he recalls his childhood, particularly the summer of 1948 when he lived with his father in the country. As he delves into his past, he uncovers his father's involvement in the resistance during World War II and the lasting impact it had on their relationship and his own life. The narrative intertwines the past and the present, reflecting on themes of loss, betrayal, and the complexity of human relationships.

    The 2846th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The District Governor's Daughters by Camilla Collett

    The book is a poignant exploration of the societal constraints and expectations placed upon women in 19th-century Norway. Through the lives of the titular characters, it delves into themes of love, marriage, and the pursuit of personal freedom. The narrative critically examines the limited roles available to women and the pressures to conform to an ideal of feminine propriety. As the daughters navigate their way through the social landscape, their experiences reveal the often harsh realities of seeking independence and happiness in a world dominated by patriarchal values. The novel is considered a significant work in the Norwegian literary canon, highlighting the author's early feminist perspective and challenging the status quo of gender dynamics of her time.

    The 3469th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Why Is There Salt In The Sea? by Brigitte Schwaiger

    The novel explores the life of a young Austrian woman who finds herself in a stifling marriage with a fisherman in a small coastal village. As she grapples with the mundane and oppressive nature of her daily life, she yearns for freedom and self-discovery. The sea, with its salt, becomes a metaphor for her tears and the bitterness she experiences, as well as the vast possibilities that lie beyond her current existence. Her internal struggle and the choices she faces reflect the broader themes of women's liberation and the search for identity in a world that often limits female autonomy.

    The 3753rd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Alberta And Jacob by Cora Sandel

    Set against the backdrop of a small Norwegian coastal town around the early 20th century, the novel explores the life of Alberta Selmer, a young woman stifled by the constraints of her conservative family and society. Yearning for freedom and an identity of her own, Alberta struggles with the expectations placed upon her as a woman, her complex relationship with her brother Jacob, and her desire to break free from the oppressive environment that surrounds her. Through Alberta's journey, the narrative delves into themes of personal growth, the search for independence, and the challenging path toward self-discovery amidst societal pressures.

    The 4162nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. City of the Beasts by Isabel Allende

    A 15-year-old boy is forced to move in with his eccentric grandmother after his mother falls ill. Together, they embark on a journey to the Amazon rainforest in search of a legendary, healing beast. Along the way, they encounter various challenges, including dangerous animals, harsh environments, and a group of indigenous people with mystical powers. The boy learns to overcome his fears and prejudices, forming a strong bond with the indigenous people and the rainforest itself.

    The 5388th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Half Brother: A Novel by Lars Saabye Christensen

    "The Half Brother" is a compelling narrative that follows the life of a young man named Barnum Nilsen. Born into a Norwegian family with a mysterious past, Barnum navigates through life with a half-brother, Fred, who is both his best friend and his rival. As Barnum grows older, he becomes a successful writer, but his personal life is marked by loss, loneliness, and the weight of his family's secrets. The book is a profound exploration of identity, love, and the bonds of family.

    The 6483rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Franz Series by Christine Nöstlinger

    The "Franz Series" follows the adventures and everyday life of a young boy named Franz. Through a series of engaging and humorous stories, readers experience Franz's school days, family interactions, and evolving friendships. The series captures the essence of childhood, portraying Franz's challenges and triumphs in a relatable and endearing manner. Each book provides insights into Franz's thoughts and feelings, making it a delightful read for children navigating their own paths through early life experiences.

    The 9127th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Eva Luna by Isabel Allende

    "Eva Luna" is a magical realism novel that tells the story of the eponymous protagonist, an orphaned girl in a South American country who uses her gift of storytelling to navigate through life. As she grows, she becomes a servant, a lover, and a revolutionary, always using her stories to bring comfort, provoke thought, and incite change. The narrative is a rich tapestry of characters, politics, and history, all woven together with a touch of the fantastical.

    The 9816th 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