The Greatest Hungarian, Nigerian, Russian "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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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. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

    Set in 19th-century Russia, this novel revolves around the life of Anna Karenina, a high-society woman who, dissatisfied with her loveless marriage, embarks on a passionate affair with a charming officer named Count Vronsky. This scandalous affair leads to her social downfall, while parallel to this, the novel also explores the rural life and struggles of Levin, a landowner who seeks the meaning of life and true happiness. The book explores themes such as love, marriage, fidelity, societal norms, and the human quest for happiness.

    The 14th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

    Set in the backdrop of the Napoleonic era, the novel presents a panorama of Russian society and its descent into the chaos of war. It follows the interconnected lives of five aristocratic families, their struggles, romances, and personal journeys through the tumultuous period of history. The narrative explores themes of love, war, and the meaning of life, as it weaves together historical events with the personal stories of its characters.

    The 16th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky

    This classic novel explores the complex, passionate, and troubled relationship between four brothers and their father in 19th century Russia. The narrative delves into the themes of faith, doubt, morality, and redemption, as each brother grapples with personal dilemmas and family conflicts. The story culminates in a dramatic trial following a murder, which serves as a microcosm of the moral and philosophical struggles faced by each character, and by extension, humanity itself.

    The 32nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov

    "The Cherry Orchard" is a classic play about an aristocratic Russian woman and her family as they return to their family estate, which includes a large and well-known cherry orchard. The family is on the brink of financial ruin and the estate is slated to be auctioned off. Despite various attempts to save their beloved home and orchard, they are ultimately unable to prevent the sale. The play is a poignant reflection on the changing social order and the decline of the aristocracy in Russia at the turn of the 20th century.

    The 455th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    The novel is set in Nigeria during the Biafran War, exploring the impact of the conflict on the lives of its characters. The story is told from the perspective of three characters: a young houseboy, a radical university professor, and the professor's wealthy lover. The narrative delves into themes of love, race, and war, offering a vivid depiction of the horrors of conflict and the resilience of the human spirit.

    The 654th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov

    "Three Sisters" is a play that revolves around the lives of three sisters, Olga, Masha, and Irina, who live in a provincial Russian town and yearn for their former life in Moscow. The story explores their relationships, dreams, and disappointments, as well as their interactions with the military officers stationed nearby. The narrative is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the relentless passage of time, highlighting the human struggle for meaning and happiness.

    The 657th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Second-class Citizen by Buchi Emecheta

    "Second-Class Citizen" is a poignant narrative about a young Nigerian woman, Adah, who dreams of getting an education and moving to the United Kingdom. Despite cultural and societal obstacles, Adah manages to achieve her dream but is met with more hardship as she faces racial discrimination, an abusive marriage, and the struggle of raising five children in a foreign land. Through her resilience, she continues to strive for a better life, depicting the struggles of immigrants and the strength of women.

    The 1243rd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Mother by Maxim Gorky

    This novel centers around a working-class Russian woman who becomes involved in revolutionary activities after witnessing the struggles and injustices faced by her son and his comrades. Despite her initial fear and hesitation, she evolves into a dedicated activist, smuggling illegal literature and participating in strikes. The narrative provides a powerful exploration of the personal and societal transformations brought about by political activism, set against the backdrop of pre-revolutionary Russia.

    The 1566th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Seagull by Anton Chekhov

    The play revolves around the complex interplay of love, art, and the pursuit of happiness among a group of characters gathered at a Russian country estate. Central to the narrative is a young aspiring playwright, who yearns for the recognition of his art and the love of a woman, an actress infatuated with a successful writer. The story unfolds as these characters grapple with unrequited affections, artistic ambitions, and the crushing weight of societal expectations, leading to a tapestry of human desires, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in life.

    The 1610th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Government Inspector by Nikolai Gogol

    The play is a satirical comedy that exposes the corruption and foolishness of the bureaucracy in a small Russian town. When officials mistake a lowly civil servant for a feared government inspector traveling incognito, they fall over themselves to cover up their town's numerous misdeeds. The visitor exploits the situation for personal gain, accepting bribes and enjoying the sycophantic hospitality of the town's officials, who are oblivious to his true identity. The story unfolds with a series of comedic misunderstandings and ironic twists, culminating in a final revelation that leaves the townspeople facing the consequences of their deception and moral laxity.

    The 1712th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov

    "Uncle Vanya" is a play that explores the themes of existential boredom and human folly through the story of an elderly professor and his young wife visiting their rural estate run by the professor's brother-in-law, Vanya, and daughter, Sonya. The visit disrupts the monotonous life of the estate, leading to emotional chaos, unrequited love, and a failed murder attempt. The play ends with the departure of the professor and his wife, leaving Vanya and Sonya to return to their life of drudgery, finding solace in the hope of a better life in the afterlife.

    The 1933rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Joys Of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta

    "The Joys of Motherhood" is a poignant and powerful novel that explores the life of Nnu Ego, a Nigerian woman who struggles to find fulfillment and happiness in the traditional role of motherhood. Set against the backdrop of colonial Nigeria, the story delves into themes of gender inequality, cultural expectations, and the sacrifices mothers make for their children. Through Nnu Ego's experiences, the author offers a thought-provoking examination of the complexities and contradictions of motherhood in a rapidly changing society.

    The 2009th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Clay Machine-gun by Victor Pelevin

    "The Clay Machine-gun" is a surreal and complex novel that explores the nature of reality and illusion. The story is set in post-Soviet Russia and follows a protagonist who has multiple identities, including a poet in 19th-century Russia, a 20th-century psychiatric patient, and a 21st-century advertising executive. The narrative moves between these identities and realities, blurring the lines between them and creating a layered and philosophical exploration of Russian society, identity, and the human psyche.

    The 2275th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Bedbug And Selected Poetry by Vladimir Mayakovsky

    "The Bedbug And Selected Poetry" is a collection of poems by Vladimir Mayakovsky, a prominent Russian poet of the early 20th century. The book features a mix of Mayakovsky's avant-garde and politically charged works, showcasing his unique style and themes of revolution, love, and the struggles of the working class. Through his powerful and dynamic verses, Mayakovsky offers readers a glimpse into the social and cultural landscape of his time, while leaving a lasting impact with his thought-provoking and emotive poetry.

    The 2285th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Boris Godunov by Alexander Pushkin

    The narrative centers on the tumultuous political landscape of Russia following the death of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It delves into the ascent of Boris Godunov to the Russian throne amidst power struggles, rumors, and the specter of a pretender claiming to be the rightful heir. The story explores themes of ambition, guilt, and the heavy burden of leadership as Boris grapples with his conscience and the consequences of his actions in a period marked by political intrigue, betrayal, and the quest for legitimacy in a nation on the brink of turmoil.

    The 2389th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Lower Depths by Maxim Gorky

    The book is a stark depiction of the lives of the impoverished and dispossessed at the bottom of the Russian social ladder in the early 20th century. Set in a squalid shelter, it presents a group of destitute individuals from various backgrounds—thieves, prostitutes, and the down-and-out—who share their stories and philosophies as they grapple with the harsh realities of poverty and survival. The narrative delves into themes of human suffering, the struggle for dignity, and the elusive nature of truth, offering a grim commentary on the social conditions of the time and the human condition itself.

    The 3014th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. 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 3051st Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Little Devil by Fedor Sologub

    "Little Devil" is a dark and symbolic tale set in pre-revolutionary Russia, exploring the themes of evil and corruption through the eyes of a young boy. The protagonist, an outcast in his rural village, is both tormented and fascinated by the malevolent forces he perceives around him. As he delves deeper into his own imagination and the sinister aspects of human nature, the line between reality and fantasy blurs, leading to a series of tragic events. The novel delves into the psychological and moral decay of its characters, reflecting the broader societal decay of the time.

    The 3645th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Woe From Wit by Alexander Griboyedov

    The play is a sharp satire on the social and political life of 19th-century Russia, depicting the clash between progressive ideas and the inertia of a society anchored in old-fashioned conventions and protocols. The protagonist, a witty and intellectual young man, returns to Moscow from abroad, only to find himself entangled in the superficial and hypocritical world of Moscow's elite. His sharp tongue and criticisms of the societal norms lead to misunderstandings and a tragic series of events, reflecting the author's commentary on the futility of intelligence and wit in a society that values appearance over substance.

    The 3684th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. 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 3699th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The Little Tragedies by Alexander Pushkin

    "The Little Tragedies" is a collection of four dramatic poems that delve into themes of greed, envy, lust, and the destructive nature of human passions. Each poem presents a compact narrative focusing on a protagonist who succumbs to a fatal flaw, leading to their downfall. The characters, drawn from various historical and fictional sources, are placed in intense, morally complex situations that ultimately bring about tragedy through their own actions. The work is a profound exploration of the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of unchecked desires, showcasing the author's skill in blending poetic language with dramatic intensity.

    The 3715th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. 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 3733rd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Scenes From The Past by Alexander Sukhovo-Kobylin

    "Scenes from the Past" is a trilogy of satirical plays that delve into the corruption and injustices of Russian society during the 19th century. Through a blend of dark humor and tragedy, the narrative follows the protagonist, a young nobleman, as he navigates a treacherous legal system and the decadent aristocracy. The plays critique the bureaucratic nightmare and moral decay of the time, exposing the absurdities of the judicial process and the societal norms that allow the powerful to exploit the weak. The work is a scathing commentary on the author's own experiences with the law and a timeless reflection on the universal themes of power, greed, and injustice.

    The 3760th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Christmas At The Ivanovs' by Alexander Vvedensky

    "Christmas at the Ivanovs'" is a satirical play that delves into the absurdities of Soviet life during the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds during a Christmas celebration at the Ivanov family's home, where a series of bizarre and surreal events take place. The characters, including a detective, a poet, and various family members, engage in nonsensical dialogues and actions, reflecting the author's avant-garde approach to theater. The play critiques the disconnect between the state's ideological propaganda and the grim realities of everyday life, using dark humor and chaotic scenes to challenge the audience's perception of normalcy and rationality within a society under strict political control.

    The 3792nd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. The Zone by Sergei Dovlatov

    "The Zone" is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the life of a writer who is confined to a Soviet labor camp. Through a series of vignettes, the protagonist reflects on his experiences in the camp, the absurdities of the Soviet system, and the struggles of maintaining his identity and integrity in the face of oppression. With dark humor and sharp observations, the book offers a poignant and satirical portrayal of life in the Soviet Union.

    The 4076th 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