The Greatest British "Contemporary, Psychological, Drama" 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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Genres

Contemporary

Contemporary books are a genre that focuses on stories set in the present day, often exploring current social, cultural, and political issues. These books are typically written in a modern style and often feature relatable characters dealing with real-life situations. Contemporary books can cover a wide range of topics, from romance and family drama to coming-of-age stories and thrillers. The genre is constantly evolving to reflect the changing world we live in, making it a popular choice for readers who want to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and issues.

Psychological

The Psychological genre of books typically explores the inner workings of the human mind and emotions, often delving into complex and sometimes disturbing psychological states. These books may focus on mental illness, trauma, relationships, or personal growth, and often challenge readers to confront their own beliefs and perceptions. Psychological books may be suspenseful, thought-provoking, and emotionally intense, offering readers a deep and often unsettling glimpse into the human psyche.

Drama

Drama is a genre of literature that typically deals with serious and emotional themes, often exploring the complexities of human relationships and the struggles individuals face in their lives. These books often feature intense character development and intricate plotlines, delving into the depths of human experience and the challenges of navigating the world around us. From family dramas to political intrigue, the drama genre encompasses a wide range of stories that aim to captivate readers with their raw and powerful storytelling.

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  1. 1. The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst

    Set in the 1980s during the era of Margaret Thatcher's conservative government in Britain, this novel follows the life of a young gay man named Nick Guest. Coming from a middle-class background, he moves into the home of his wealthy friend's family and becomes infatuated with the opulence and power of the upper class. As he navigates his way through this new world, he also explores his sexuality, all while dealing with the societal and political implications of the AIDS crisis.

    The 861st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Hotel du Lac by Anita Brookner

    The novel follows the story of a romance novelist, who, after a love affair with a married man, is sent by her friends to a Swiss hotel to recover. At the hotel, she meets various eccentric characters, including a wealthy woman and her daughter, a mysterious, wealthy man, and a couple on their honeymoon. As she observes and interacts with these characters, she is forced to examine her own life and choices, ultimately deciding whether to accept a marriage proposal from a man she doesn't love or to continue living independently.

    The 1339th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Never Mind by Edward St Aubyn

    "Never Mind" is a darkly humorous and deeply disturbing narrative about an aristocratic English family. The story primarily focuses on a five-year-old boy who is the victim of his sadistic and sexually abusive father, while his mother, an alcoholic, ignores the situation. The narrative also provides a scathing critique of the British upper class through its exploration of the family's decadent lifestyle and morally corrupt behavior.

    The 1378th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. NW: A Novel by Zadie Smith

    This novel follows the lives of four Londoners - Leah, Natalie, Felix, and Nathan - as they navigate adulthood in the diverse, vibrant, and sometimes volatile neighborhood where they grew up. The narrative explores themes of identity, class, friendship, and the complex nature of urban life, intertwining the characters' stories in a way that reflects the interconnectedness and fragmentation of city living.

    The 1611th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Bad News by Edward St Aubyn

    "Bad News" is the second novel in a series that follows the life of Patrick Melrose, a man from a wealthy but deeply troubled family. In this installment, Patrick, now 22, must travel to New York to collect his father's ashes. As he navigates the city, he struggles with his addiction to drugs and alcohol, and grapples with the traumatic memories of his abusive father. The narrative provides a darkly comic and deeply poignant exploration of addiction, trauma, and the struggle for redemption.

    The 2147th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Crow Road by Iain Banks

    "The Crow Road" is a darkly humorous and complex tale of a Scottish family, told through the eyes of a young man who is trying to make sense of his life and the mysterious disappearance of his uncle. The protagonist's journey takes him through various experiences including love, death, and the discovery of a novel written by his missing uncle. The narrative is a fascinating blend of family saga, coming-of-age story, and mystery thriller, all set against the backdrop of Scotland's landscapes and culture.

    The 2163rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Some Hope by Edward St Aubyn

    "Some Hope" is a darkly humorous novel that delves into the life of a man who struggles to overcome his traumatic past and drug addiction. He is invited to a lavish party filled with Britain's aristocracy, where he must confront his past and deal with the pretentious and shallow society he is part of. The narrative explores themes of abuse, recovery, and the struggle to find redemption and hope amidst despair.

    The 2227th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Mother's Milk by Edward St Aubyn

    The novel follows the life of Patrick Melrose, a man battling with his drug addiction and his troubled relationship with his parents. Patrick tries to come to terms with his mother’s decision to leave her estate to a New Age foundation rather than to him, her only son. The story delves into the complexities of inheritance, parenthood, and the lasting impact of childhood trauma. The narrative shifts between the perspectives of Patrick, his wife, and their two young sons, providing a multi-dimensional view of the family's struggles.

    The 2288th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood

    "A Single Man" follows a day in the life of George, a middle-aged English professor in 1960s Southern California, who is struggling to find meaning in his life after the death of his partner, Jim. The novel explores themes of loneliness, grief, and the human condition as George navigates his daily routine, interacts with students and friends, and reflects on his past. His efforts to persist in the face of despair, while dealing with the everyday challenges of life and the societal prejudices of the time, form the crux of the narrative.

    The 2399th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Saturday by Ian McEwan

    "Saturday" is a novel that unfolds over a single day in London, following the life of a successful neurosurgeon. His day is disrupted by a violent encounter with a petty criminal, which leads to a series of tense situations that force him to confront his values, his family's safety, and his view of the world. The narrative explores themes of love, fear, and the randomness of life, all set against the backdrop of a post-9/11 world.

    The 2611th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Child in Time by Ian McEwan

    A man's life is dramatically altered when his young daughter is kidnapped during a routine shopping trip. As he grapples with the loss, he also deals with a failing marriage, a best friend who becomes a government official, and a strange time-warp phenomenon. The narrative delves into themes of parenthood, loss, and the fluidity of time, while exploring the protagonist's struggle to maintain his sanity amidst the chaos.

    The 5090th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell

    This novel weaves together the lives of diverse characters through a narrative that spans decades, centering on a teenage runaway with psychic abilities. As she becomes embroiled in a covert war between immortal factions, the story explores themes of mortality, power, and the interconnectedness of human lives. The intricate plot moves through different times and places, revealing a hidden world of mysticism and a looming apocalyptic crisis, all while examining the impact of our actions on the future of the planet.

    The 6585th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Notes on a Scandal by Zoë Heller

    The novel centers around a middle-aged high school teacher who develops an illicit relationship with her student, which is discovered by her older, lonely colleague. The colleague, who is envious of the teacher's seemingly perfect life, uses the scandal as leverage to foster a twisted friendship. The story unfolds as a complex exploration of obsession, loneliness, and manipulation.

    The 8281st Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Banishing Verona by Margot Livesey

    The novel centers around the unexpected and profound connection between Zeke, a man with Asperger's syndrome who is skilled in carpentry and house renovation, and Verona, a pregnant radio host who is significantly older than him. Their lives intersect when Verona hires Zeke to work on her house, and despite their differences, they form an intense bond. However, when Verona suddenly leaves for London, Zeke is compelled to follow her, embarking on a journey that takes him out of his comfort zone and into a series of unpredictable and transformative experiences. The story explores themes of love, the challenges of communication, and the ways in which people's lives can become intertwined in the most unexpected of ways.

    The 8584th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. After You’d Gone by Maggie O'Farrell

    The novel revolves around a young woman named Alice Raikes, who, after an unexpected and traumatic event, slips into a coma. As she lies unconscious in a hospital, the narrative delves into her past, unraveling the complexities of her relationships with her family and her intense love affair. Through a series of flashbacks and the perspectives of different characters, the story explores themes of love, loss, and the intricate tapestry of human emotions that bind and separate us. The reader is taken on a poignant journey through Alice's life, uncovering the secrets and memories that led up to the fateful moment that changed everything.

    The 9597th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oyeyemi

    In "Boy, Snow, Bird," a young woman named Boy Novak escapes her abusive father in New York City to settle in a small town in Massachusetts, where she marries a widower and becomes stepmother to his daughter, Snow. After giving birth to her own daughter, Bird, who is dark-skinned, it is revealed that her husband and stepdaughter are light-skinned African Americans passing as white. The book explores themes of identity, beauty, and the damaging effects of racism as Boy grapples with her feelings towards Snow and Bird, and the societal implications of their different skin tones.

    The 9679th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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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.

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