The Greatest British, German "Drama, Fiction" 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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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. 26. Sacred Hunger by Barry Unsworth

    "Sacred Hunger" is a historical novel that explores the Atlantic slave trade in the 18th century. The story follows the journey of a Liverpool merchant's ship, filled with slaves, as it travels from Africa to the Americas. The narrative delves into the harsh realities of the slave trade, the inhuman conditions aboard the ship, and the moral complexities faced by the crew. After a mutiny, the survivors establish a utopian community in Florida, only to face the threat of civilization once again. The novel is a profound examination of greed, power, and the human capacity for cruelty.

    The 5161st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Felicia's Journey by William Trevor

    "Felicia's Journey" is a psychological thriller about a young, pregnant Irish girl who travels to England in search of her boyfriend, only to be taken in by a middle-aged man with a dark past. As the story unfolds, the man's sinister intentions become increasingly apparent, creating a suspenseful tale of manipulation and deception. The novel explores themes of loneliness, innocence, and the capacity for evil, offering a chilling exploration of human nature.

    The 6534th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. 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
  4. 29. The Crimson Petal And The White by Michel Faber

    This novel transports readers to Victorian London, where we follow the complex and interwoven lives of a young, intelligent prostitute named Sugar and a well-to-do businessman, William Rackham. As Sugar becomes Rackham's mistress, her influence expands beyond the bedroom, affecting his personal and professional life. The narrative, rich in detail and social commentary, delves into the stark contrasts of the era, from the grim realities of poverty and exploitation to the opulent lifestyles of the elite, while exploring themes of ambition, desire, and the quest for a better life amidst the rigid class structures of the time.

    The 6665th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Asylum by Patrick McGrath

    The book is a psychological thriller that delves into the mind of Stella Raphael, the wife of a forensic psychiatrist working at a high-security mental hospital. Stella becomes dangerously infatuated with Edgar Stark, a charismatic patient and artist who is institutionalized for the gruesome murder of his wife. As Stella's obsession with Edgar deepens, she embarks on a passionate affair that leads her down a path of emotional turmoil and moral ambiguity. Her reckless actions threaten to unravel not only her own life but also the lives of those around her, as the narrative explores themes of madness, desire, and the blurred lines between sanity and insanity.

    The 7889th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Copenhagen by Michael Frayn

    "Copenhagen" is a thought-provoking play that delves into the historical meeting between two prominent physicists during World War II. Set as a posthumous reimagining, it explores the complex relationship between the two men, their discussions on nuclear physics, and the moral implications of their work on atomic weapons. The narrative structure blurs the lines between past and present, as the characters attempt to unravel their motivations and the potential consequences of their actions, against the backdrop of a Europe engulfed in conflict. The play raises deep questions about science, ethics, and the elusive nature of memory and human interaction.

    The 8110th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. 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
  8. 33. 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
  9. 34. Blasted by Sarah Kane

    "Blasted" is a controversial and provocative play that explores themes of violence, war, and human suffering. Set initially in a luxurious hotel room, the narrative follows a middle-aged journalist and a young woman as their seemingly private encounter is violently disrupted by the intrusion of a soldier and the horrors of an unnamed war. The play's graphic depiction of physical and sexual violence, as well as its bleak examination of the darkest aspects of human nature, has made it a seminal work in the in-yer-face theatre genre, challenging audiences with its raw, unflinching portrayal of brutality and despair.

    The 9009th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Frozen by Bryony Lavery

    "Frozen" is a gripping play that intertwines the lives of three individuals: a grieving mother whose daughter has been abducted and murdered, the serial killer responsible for the crime, and a psychiatrist researching the nature of such evil. The narrative explores themes of forgiveness, justice, and the psychological depths of crime, as it follows the mother's struggle to deal with her loss and the killer's journey through imprisonment and psychological evaluation. The play delves into the complexities of the human psyche and the possibility of redemption, challenging the audience to confront uncomfortable questions about morality, retribution, and the capacity for change.

    The 9181st Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta

    This novel is a bold and lyrical coming-of-age story that follows the life of a mixed-race gay teenager as he grapples with his identity and finds his voice through the art of drag performance. Told in verse, the narrative captures the protagonist's journey from a young boy struggling with the complexities of race, masculinity, and sexuality to a confident performer who embraces his uniqueness. The protagonist's transformation into the Black Flamingo becomes a powerful metaphor for self-discovery and self-acceptance, offering an inspiring message about the importance of being true to oneself.

    The 9251st Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Far Away by Caryl Churchill

    "Far Away" is a dystopian drama that unfolds through a series of vignettes, revealing a world where everything in nature is at war. It begins with a young girl visiting her aunt, who discovers a disturbing secret that sets the tone for the play. As the narrative progresses, it becomes clear that the conflict is all-encompassing, with humans, animals, and even the elements themselves engaged in a relentless battle. The play examines themes of complicity, the blurring of moral boundaries, and the desensitizing effects of a world engulfed in perpetual conflict, all while questioning the nature of art, justice, and human responsibility in a society where the lines between right and wrong have been irrevocably blurred.

    The 9329th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Justine by Alice Thompson

    "Justine" by Alice Thompson is a haunting and atmospheric novel set in 19th-century France. The story follows a young woman named Justine who becomes a governess for a wealthy family in a remote mansion. As she delves into the secrets of the house and its inhabitants, Justine finds herself trapped in a web of manipulation, deceit, and madness. With its Gothic undertones and psychological suspense, the book explores themes of identity, power, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination.

    The 9367th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Tamara Drewe by Posy Simmonds

    The graphic novel revolves around a young journalist who returns to her small English village and becomes the center of attention among the local residents. Her arrival and subsequent transformation from an awkward teenager to a glamorous woman stir up a whirlwind of jealousy, infidelity, and gossip within the rural community, particularly among the guests and owners of a writers' retreat. The narrative, which is a modern reworking of Thomas Hardy's "Far from the Madding Crowd," explores themes of desire, the impact of beauty, and the complexities of romantic relationships, all while offering a satirical look at literary life and rural idylls.

    The 9424th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. The History Boys by Alan Bennett

    The book is a captivating exploration of a group of bright, yet unruly British schoolboys vying for a place at Oxford or Cambridge under the guidance of three contrasting teachers: the charismatic Hector, the pragmatic Mrs. Lintott, and the ambitious newcomer Irwin. Set in the 1980s, it delves into themes of education, history, and sexuality, as the boys and their educators navigate the complexities of knowledge and morality. Through witty dialogue and poignant moments, the narrative challenges conventional notions of education and success, while examining the impact that teachers have on shaping young minds and the often-unpredictable directions life can take.

    The 9457th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

    The novel centers around the transformative bond that forms between a quirky and creative young woman who becomes a caregiver for a wealthy young banker left paralyzed from an accident. Despite their contrasting backgrounds and initial reservations, they develop a deep connection that challenges their preconceived notions of love, life, and what it means to truly live. As she becomes determined to show him that life is worth living, they embark on a series of adventures together that lead to unexpected consequences, forcing them to confront what they are willing to sacrifice for love and each other.

    The 9494th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. 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
  18. 43. An Oak Tree by Tim Crouch

    "An Oak Tree" is a unique and avant-garde play that explores themes of loss, perception, and the power of suggestion through an unconventional narrative structure. The story revolves around two main characters: a hypnotist who is grappling with the guilt of having accidentally killed a girl with his car, and the girl's father, who is seeking closure. In a compelling twist, the father is played by a different actor in each performance, who has not seen the script and is guided through the play by the hypnotist. This innovative approach results in a dynamic and interactive theatrical experience that challenges the audience's understanding of reality and fiction, as the lines between actor and character, and between the play and the play within the play, become intriguingly blurred.

    The 9617th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. 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
  20. 45. Jerusalem by Jez Butterworth

    "Jerusalem" is a contemporary play set in the English countryside, which vividly captures the spirit of an eccentric local daredevil, Johnny "Rooster" Byron, on St. George's Day. The story delves into the tensions between the modern world and old English folklore, as Rooster, a defiant and charismatic outsider, tells outlandish tales and provides sanctuary to the town's youth against the encroaching forces of authority and gentrification. The narrative unfolds with a mix of humor and tragedy, exploring themes of national identity, social change, and the erosion of rural traditions in the face of progress and conformity.

    The 9741st Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. One Man, Two Guvnors by Richard Bean

    Set in 1960s Brighton, the play is a hilarious farce that follows the bumbling and perpetually hungry Francis Henshall, who becomes separately employed by two men – Roscoe Crabbe, a local gangster, and Stanley Stubbers, an upper-class criminal. Unbeknownst to Francis, Roscoe is actually Roscoe's sister Rachel in disguise, her twin brother having been killed by her boyfriend, who is none other than Stanley Stubbers. As Francis tries to keep each of his guvnors unaware of the other, he becomes entangled in a web of deception, love triangles, and mistaken identities, leading to a series of comedic mishaps and slapstick humor as he struggles to satisfy his insatiable appetite and keep his dual employment a secret.

    The 10027th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

    The novel centers on a young Jamaican British woman living in London, navigating the complexities of her identity, mental health, and relationships. After a painful breakup with her long-term boyfriend, she finds herself in a downward spiral, struggling with her self-worth and the pressures of societal expectations. As she deals with workplace discrimination, problematic dating experiences, and familial issues, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing, supported by a cast of well-drawn friends and family members. The story offers a candid and often humorous exploration of contemporary issues such as race, feminism, and mental health, while providing a nuanced portrayal of the protagonist's resilience and growth.

    The 10063rd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. The Effect by Lucy Prebble

    "The Effect" is a thought-provoking play that delves into the complexities of the human mind and the nature of love. Set within the controlled environment of a clinical drug trial, two young volunteers find themselves drawn to each other as they partake in an experiment for a new antidepressant. As their doses increase, so does their connection, leading to passionate romance. However, the play challenges the audience to question whether their feelings are genuine or merely induced by the chemicals they are ingesting. The narrative explores themes of mental health, the ethics of pharmaceutical testing, and the essence of emotional experience, blurring the lines between reality and the side effects of medication.

    The 10086th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. A Sight for Sore Eyes by Ruth Rendell

    "A Sight for Sore Eyes" is a psychological thriller that intertwines the lives of three characters: a beautiful, but emotionally scarred girl; a charming, but psychopathic young man; and a woman obsessed with the Victorian age. The narrative explores their complex relationships and the devastating effects of obsession, mental illness, and the desire for beauty and perfection. The story builds towards a shocking climax, where the protagonists' lives collide with deadly consequences.

    The 10311th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Racing Demon by David Hare

    "Racing Demon" is a compelling exploration of the personal and professional crises faced by a group of clergymen in the Church of England. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society, the play delves into the lives of four vicars as they grapple with their faith and the relevance of the church in contemporary London. Confronting issues such as homosexuality, the ordination of women, and the clash between progressive and traditionalist views, the narrative weaves a complex tapestry of moral dilemmas, ecclesiastical politics, and the struggle to maintain personal integrity amidst institutional decay. Through sharp dialogue and nuanced character development, the play presents a thought-provoking examination of spirituality and the human condition in the modern world.

    The 11051st 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