The Greatest British "Psychological, Fiction, Historical fiction" Books Since 1900

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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

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.

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. Bid Me To Live by Hilda Doolittle

    "Bid Me to Live" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the emotional turmoil and personal growth of a young woman named Julia Ashton during World War I. Set against the backdrop of the literary circles of London, the narrative delves into Julia's complex relationships with her husband, a poet suffering from war trauma, and her passionate affair with another writer. The novel poignantly captures the struggles of love, the search for artistic identity, and the impact of war on personal lives, reflecting the author's own experiences within the bohemian world of early 20th-century poets and artists.

    The 8726th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Thursbitch by Alan Garner

    The book follows two parallel narratives. The first is set in the 18th century, focusing on a packman named Jack Turner who is mysteriously found dead in the valley of Thursbitch. The second narrative is set in the present day, where a woman named Sal and her friend Ian explore the same area, finding themselves mysteriously drawn to the mystery of Jack's death. The narratives intertwine as the boundaries between past and present blur, revealing the mystical and spiritual significance of the valley. The story explores themes of time, memory, and the enduring power of place.

    The 10822nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Hopeful Monsters by Nicholas Mosley

    "Hopeful Monsters" is a novel that explores the lives of two intellectuals, a German physicist and a British anthropologist, against the backdrop of the political and scientific upheavals of the 20th century. Their personal journeys and love story are intertwined with their pursuit of understanding in the realms of physics, biology, and anthropology, as they grapple with issues such as quantum mechanics, genetics, and the nature of consciousness. The narrative also delves into the moral and ethical challenges posed by the rise of fascism and the advent of the atomic bomb.

    The 10854th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Born Yesterday by Gordon Burn

    "Born Yesterday" is a unique take on the events of 2007, using them to reflect on the state of Britain. The book examines the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, the floods that swept Britain, and the transition of power from Tony Blair to Gordon Brown. The author blends fact and fiction, creating a hybrid novel that offers a snapshot of a nation in transition and crisis, exploring themes of celebrity, power, and tragedy.

    The 10882nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Pure by Andrew Miller

    Set in pre-revolutionary France, the novel follows a young engineer who is tasked with demolishing an overflowing cemetery in Paris. As he undertakes this macabre task, he encounters a variety of characters, including a rebellious nun, a gravedigger, and a family living on the cemetery grounds. The book explores themes of mortality, the inevitability of progress, and the fragility of existence, all set against the backdrop of a society on the brink of dramatic change.

    The 11035th 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