The Greatest "Contemporary, Fiction, Historical 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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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.

Fiction

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

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  1. 26. The Lazarus Project by Aleksandar Hemon

    The novel follows two intertwined narratives. In the first, set in 1908, a Jewish immigrant is wrongfully accused of anarchism and murdered by the Chicago Chief of Police. In the second, set in modern times, a writer from Eastern Europe is investigating the century-old murder, leading him on a journey across Eastern Europe and eventually back to the United States. The narratives explore themes of love, immigration, and the pursuit of the American dream.

    The 8165th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Book Of Fame by Lloyd Jones

    "The Book of Fame" by Lloyd Jones is a captivating novel that delves into the lives of the 1905 All Blacks, New Zealand's first national rugby team. Through a series of interconnected stories, the book explores themes of fame, identity, and the impact of sport on society. It offers a unique perspective on the players' journey to international recognition, their struggles, triumphs, and the lasting legacy they leave behind. With its lyrical prose and rich characterization, this book is a celebration of both rugby and the human spirit.

    The 9035th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. The Old Drift by Namwali Serpell

    "The Old Drift" by Namwali Serpell is a sweeping and ambitious novel that spans generations and continents, exploring the intertwined lives of three families in Zambia. Set against the backdrop of colonialism, technological advancements, and political upheaval, the story delves into themes of love, power, and identity. From the early days of the British settlers to the rise of an experimental town and the emergence of a new generation, Serpell weaves a rich tapestry of characters and narratives, offering a thought-provoking exploration of history, race, and the impact of human actions on the world.

    The 9251st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Moonglow by Michael Chabon

    The novel unfolds as a faux memoir, structured around a grandson's conversations with his dying grandfather, revealing a tapestry of secret histories and hidden truths. The narrative spans the grandfather's adventurous life, from his involvement in hunting Nazis during World War II to his personal and emotional battles on the home front. The story delves into themes of love, loss, and the impact of secrets through the lens of a family's complex dynamics, set against the backdrop of mid-20th-century America, blending historical events with the fantastical elements of space exploration and model rocketry.

    The 9350th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri

    The book chronicles the divergent paths of two Bengali brothers whose lives are marked by a tragic event during the tumultuous 1960s in Kolkata. The younger brother becomes involved in the Naxalite movement, leading to his untimely death, while the elder brother, a scientist, migrates to America, carrying the weight of grief and responsibility. The narrative spans across generations, exploring the themes of political activism, family ties, and the immigrant experience as it delves into the enduring effects of loss and the search for identity amidst the crosscurrents of history and culture.

    The 9524th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Raavan & Eddie by Kiran Nagarkar

    "Raavan & Eddie" is a captivating coming-of-age story set in the bustling streets of Mumbai. The book follows the lives of two young boys, Raavan and Eddie, who grow up in the same chawl and share a unique bond. As they navigate the challenges of poverty, family dynamics, and societal expectations, their friendship is tested, and their dreams take them on unexpected paths. With humor, heart, and a vivid depiction of Mumbai's vibrant culture, this novel explores themes of identity, love, and the pursuit of dreams in a rapidly changing world.

    The 9709th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese

    The novel is a poignant story of a young Ojibway boy, Saul Indian Horse, who is torn from his family and placed in a residential school in Northern Ontario, Canada. Within the harsh and oppressive environment aimed at eradicating his culture and identity, Saul finds salvation in the form of ice hockey. His extraordinary talent on the ice becomes a means of escape and a source of pride. However, as he grows and moves through the ranks of the hockey world, he continues to battle the racism and the lingering effects of his painful past. The story is a powerful exploration of Canadian history, the resilience of the human spirit, and the healing power of sport.

    The 9835th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. The Impressionist by Hari Kunzru

    "The Impressionist" is a captivating novel that follows the life of a mixed-race boy named Pran Nath. Born in India during the British Raj era, Pran's fate takes a dramatic turn when he is mistaken for the son of a wealthy British aristocrat. As he navigates through various identities and encounters, Pran's journey becomes a reflection of the complexities of race, class, and colonialism. With vivid prose and a keen exploration of identity, this book offers a thought-provoking exploration of one man's quest for belonging and self-discovery in a rapidly changing world.

    The 9923rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. This Is Happiness by Niall Williams

    Set in a remote Irish village, the novel unfolds through the eyes of a young man who, during a transformative summer, witnesses the arrival of electricity and the changes it brings to the community. As the village buzzes with anticipation and skepticism, the protagonist also encounters personal growth and the complexities of love, as he is drawn into the lives and stories of the local inhabitants. The narrative is a poignant exploration of progress and tradition, the power of memory, and the bittersweet nature of coming-of-age, all set against a backdrop of lyrical landscapes and the whimsical charm of rural Ireland.

    The 9993rd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

    "Red at the Bone" is a multi-generational novel that explores the lasting impact of past decisions on the present and future. The story begins at a 16-year-old girl's coming-of-age ceremony in Brooklyn and then delves into the past, revealing the complex histories of her parents and grandparents. The narrative is a powerful exploration of identity, ambition, love, and the ways in which history and personal circumstances can shape a family's life.

    The 10355th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Little Red Chairs by Edna O'Brien

    "The Little Red Chairs" is a novel that explores the impact of a charismatic stranger who arrives in a small Irish village, claiming to be a healer and spiritual leader. The community, particularly a local woman named Fidelma, is drawn to him, but his mysterious past soon catches up with him, revealing his true identity as a war criminal. The revelation shatters the village and leads Fidelma on a harrowing journey across Europe, seeking redemption and healing in the aftermath of profound betrayal and violence. The novel delves into themes of evil, forgiveness, and the possibility of redemption, set against the backdrop of international conflicts and human rights abuses.

    The 10573rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Twelve Bar Blues by Patrick Neate

    "Twelve Bar Blues" is a multi-generational tale that spans across time and continents, intertwining the lives of characters from New Orleans to London and Africa. The narrative explores the roots and evolution of jazz music through the life of a legendary cornet player, his granddaughter who is in search of her roots, and an Englishman obsessed with the history of jazz. The book delves deep into the themes of love, identity, race, and music, presenting a vibrant portrayal of the jazz age and its cultural impact.

    The 10939th 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