The Greatest British, Irish "Fiction, Coming of age" Books Since 1990

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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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Fiction

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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  1. 26. Old Filth by Jane Gardam

    The novel follows the life of Sir Edward Feathers, a successful but emotionally stunted barrister, who is known by the nickname "Old Filth" (Failed in London, Try Hong Kong). The protagonist's life is traced from his birth in Malaya, his upbringing in Wales, to his successful law career in Hong Kong, and retirement in England. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the lasting effects of the British Empire, while revealing the personal history and emotional landscape of a man who has spent his life avoiding introspection and emotional connections.

    The 3008th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson

    The novel is a unique blend of family saga and historical fiction, told from the perspective of Ruby Lennox, whose narrative begins before her birth and spans over three generations of women in her family. Ruby's story is interwoven with "footnotes" that delve into the lives of her ancestors, revealing secrets, tragedies, and the complexity of their relationships. The book explores themes of motherhood, loss, and identity, while providing a humorous and poignant look at life in the 20th century England.

    The 3024th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

    The novel is a vibrant portrayal of the lives of twelve different characters, primarily black British women, spanning over a century. Each character has their own unique story, tackling issues such as feminism, politics, sexuality, and identity. The narrative is a blend of poetry and prose, exploring the interconnected lives of these women and their personal struggles and triumphs. It is a powerful exploration of race, gender, and the changing face of Britain.

    The 3050th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman

    In the second installment of a fantasy trilogy, a young boy discovers a magical knife that can cut through the fabric of reality, allowing him to travel between parallel worlds. As he learns to master the knife's powers, he meets a girl from another universe on a quest to understand a mysterious substance called Dust. Their paths intertwine with a war brewing across the multiverse, involving witches, armored bears, and shadowy organizations, as they uncover dark truths and face grave dangers in their journey to understand the knife's true purpose and the nature of their own destinies.

    The 3637th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Netherland by Joseph O'Neill

    "Netherland" is a post-9/11 novel set in New York City, which explores the life of a Dutch banker named Hans. After his wife and son move back to London, Hans becomes immersed in the world of cricket, where he befriends a charismatic Trinidadian named Chuck Ramkissoon who dreams of building a cricket stadium in the city. The novel is a meditation on the American Dream, identity, and the immigrant experience, all set against the backdrop of a city and a country grappling with a new reality.

    The 3770th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Looking For The Possible Dance by A. L. Kennedy

    The novel explores the life of Margaret, a young woman living in Glasgow, as she navigates her relationships, her past, and her future. As she deals with her father's death and her mother's mental health issues, Margaret also grapples with her complicated relationship with her boyfriend Colin, her best friend Katherine, and her boss Mr. Phillips. The book provides an insightful look into the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of growing up.

    The 4055th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

    The novel follows the unusual life of a boy named Nobody "Bod" Owens who, after his family is murdered, is raised by the supernatural inhabitants of a graveyard. Under the protection of ghosts and his guardian, who is neither living nor dead, Bod learns about the living world and the dangers it holds, including the man Jack who continues to hunt for him. As he grows up among tombstones and crypts, Bod explores the limits of his graveyard home, encounters creatures of the night, and ultimately confronts the sinister forces that took his family from him, all while trying to lead a normal life despite his extraordinary upbringing.

    The 4066th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Brick Lane by Monica Ali

    This novel tells the story of a Bangladeshi woman named Nazneen who moves to London at the age of 18 for an arranged marriage to a man 20 years her senior. The narrative explores her life in the city, her struggles with her unhappy marriage, her affair with a young radical, and her attempts to reconcile her traditional upbringing with her new surroundings. The book also explores the lives of immigrants in the UK, the clash of cultures, and the struggle for identity.

    The 4086th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

    This novel follows the story of a young boy who moves from Berlin to a house near a concentration camp during World War II. Unaware of the grim reality of his surroundings, he befriends another boy on the other side of the camp fence. The two develop a deep friendship despite the horrific circumstances, leading to a devastating and unforgettable ending.

    The 4783rd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre

    The book revolves around the life of a 15-year-old boy, Vernon Little, living in a small town in Texas. After a horrific school shooting where his best friend kills 16 of their classmates before committing suicide, Vernon becomes the prime suspect. With the media and law enforcement on his tail, he attempts to escape to Mexico, resulting in a series of unfortunate events and dark comedic situations. The narrative is a biting satire of America's obsession with fame and the justice system.

    The 4830th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Power by Naomi Alderman

    "The Power" by Naomi Alderman is a speculative fiction novel that imagines a world where women develop the ability to produce electrical shocks from their bodies, giving them a newfound physical power over men. The novel follows the lives of four characters as they navigate this new reality and the societal and political upheaval that comes with it. Through their experiences, the book explores themes of gender, power, and the corrupting nature of authority.

    The 4903rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Circle Of Friends by Maeve Binchy

    The novel centers around a group of friends from a small town in Ireland who embark on their university journey in Dublin in the 1950s. As they navigate the complexities of young adulthood, their relationships are tested by love, betrayal, and societal expectations. The story primarily follows the kind-hearted Benny and the beautiful and independent Eve as they form new friendships, confront personal challenges, and experience the pain and joy of first loves. The narrative explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood, capturing the essence of Irish life and the universal intricacies of human connections.

    The 5117th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Yoruba Girl Dancing by Simi Bedford

    The novel explores the life of a young Nigerian girl who is sent to England for a better education by her affluent family. Uprooted from her Yoruba culture, she faces the challenges of assimilation, racism, and identity crisis in a predominantly white British society. As she grows up, the protagonist navigates the complexities of her dual heritage, trying to reconcile her African roots with her Western upbringing. The story is a poignant reflection on the loss of cultural identity and the struggle to find a sense of belonging in a foreign land.

    The 5185th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Swing Time by Zadie Smith

    This novel follows the lives of two biracial girls who dream of becoming professional dancers. Although they both have talent, only one of them has the ambition to pursue it. As their lives diverge, one girl becomes a personal assistant to a pop star while the other lives a life of relative obscurity. The narrative explores themes of race, class, friendship, and identity, weaving a story that spans decades and continents.

    The 5372nd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. The Folding Star by Alan Hollinghurst

    "The Folding Star" by Alan Hollinghurst is a captivating novel that follows the life of a young Englishman named Edward Manners who moves to Belgium to become a language tutor. As he immerses himself in the local culture, Edward becomes infatuated with one of his students, a 17-year-old boy named Luc. The novel explores themes of obsession, desire, and the complexities of relationships, as Edward's infatuation leads him down a path of self-discovery and ultimately reveals the dark secrets of his own past.

    The 5483rd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. The Future Homemakers Of America by Laurie Graham

    The novel centers on a group of American military wives stationed with their husbands at an Air Force base in England during the 1950s. It follows their lives, friendships, and the challenges they face as they navigate cultural differences, personal dreams, and the shifting social landscape of the 20th century. Despite the varied paths their lives take over the years, the women share a bond that endures through love affairs, family strife, and societal changes, capturing the essence of an era and the enduring power of friendship.

    The 5652nd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

    The protagonist, a middle-aged man, returns to his childhood home for a funeral and is drawn to the farm at the end of the road where he encounters a pond that was once an ocean in his childhood memories. He recalls a series of strange and terrifying events that occurred when he was seven, involving the mystical Hempstock women who live on the farm and their battle against malevolent supernatural entities that threatened his existence. The book explores themes of memory, magic, and the darkness that lies beneath the surface of everyday life.

    The 5880th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Paradise by Abdulrazak Gurnah

    "Paradise" is a novel set in early 20th century colonial East Africa, where a young boy named Yusuf is given away by his father to settle a debt with a wealthy merchant. The story follows Yusuf's journey as he travels with the merchant through the diverse and complex landscapes of the African continent, encountering different cultures, communities, and the harsh realities of colonial exploitation. As Yusuf matures, he grapples with issues of freedom, identity, and personal autonomy against the backdrop of a world marked by violence, trade, and the impact of European colonialism.

    The 6172nd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. The Suitcase Kid by Jacqueline Wilson

    The book centers on a young girl named Andrea, known as Andy, who is struggling to cope with her parents' divorce. She is shuffled between her mother's new family in a cramped, unwelcoming house and her father's life with his new girlfriend, feeling out of place and longing for the past. Andy clings to a small suitcase filled with memories of her former life and her beloved doll, Radish, as she dreams of reuniting her parents and returning to Mulberry Cottage, the only place she ever felt truly at home. Throughout the story, Andy grapples with the complexities of a divided family, the challenges of adapting to new environments, and the journey towards finding a sense of belonging amidst the turmoil of change.

    The 6392nd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

    A 15-year-old New Yorker is sent to live with her eccentric British cousins on a remote farm in England, where she falls in love with her cousin. Their idyllic summer is shattered when war breaks out and the country falls under martial law. The protagonist must learn to survive in this brutal new world, while also grappling with love, loss, and the complexities of adolescence.

    The 6485th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. The Mighty Walzer by Howard Jacobson

    This novel is a coming-of-age story set in 1950s Manchester, revolving around the life of Oliver Walzer, a shy Jewish boy with a prodigious talent for table tennis. Growing up in a close-knit community, Oliver navigates the complexities of adolescence, family dynamics, and cultural identity, all while trying to perfect his game. His journey is filled with humor, heartache, and the pursuit of personal and athletic excellence. As he moves from the safety of his family's home to the broader world, Oliver's experiences reflect the universal challenges of growing up and finding one's place in the world.

    The 6496th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. The South by Colm Tóibín

    "The South" by Colm Toibin is a compelling novel that follows the journey of a young Irish woman named Katherine as she leaves her troubled marriage behind and embarks on a new life in Spain. Set against the backdrop of political unrest and cultural differences, Katherine's experiences in the vibrant and mysterious south of Spain shape her identity and challenge her perceptions of love, art, and self-discovery. With rich prose and nuanced characters, Toibin explores themes of longing, transformation, and the complexities of human relationships in this captivating tale.

    The 6510th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Spies by Michael Frayn

    In the novel, two boys, Stephen and Keith, live in a quiet English suburb during World War II. Keith's mother becomes the object of their spy games when they suspect her of being a German spy. As the boys delve deeper into their espionage, they uncover secrets that change their understanding of their families, their neighborhood, and themselves. The story is a poignant exploration of childhood innocence, friendship, and the loss of innocence that comes with knowledge.

    The 6557th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. 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 6596th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett

    In this humorous fantasy novel, a young witch named Tiffany Aching embarks on a quest to rescue her kidnapped brother, armed only with a frying pan and the assistance of the Nac Mac Feegle—a clan of rowdy, blue-skinned, six-inch-tall pictsies. As Tiffany ventures into the realm of Fairyland, she must rely on her wits, courage, and newfound magical abilities to navigate a world filled with dreams and nightmares, where nothing is as it seems. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about responsibility, the power of knowledge, and the importance of standing up for oneself and others.

    The 6610th 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