The Greatest French, Irish "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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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. A Star Called Henry by Roddy Doyle

    The novel follows the life of Henry Smart, a boy born into the slums of early 20th-century Dublin, who becomes a soldier and fighter for the Irish independence movement. With a wooden leg from his deceased father as his talisman, Henry navigates through the violent and tumultuous era of Irish history, experiencing both the personal and political struggles of the time. His journey is marked by loss, love, and the relentless quest for identity and purpose amidst the chaos of war and the shaping of a nation's future.

    The 8993rd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. This Blinding Absence Of Light by Tahar Ben Jelloun

    The novel delves into the harrowing experience of a man who, after participating in a failed coup, is sentenced to life imprisonment in a Moroccan desert concentration camp. In this hellish environment, he and his fellow inmates endure unimaginable suffering, with the narrative exploring themes of survival, hope, and the human spirit's resilience. Through the protagonist's eyes, the reader witnesses the brutality of his conditions, the struggle to maintain sanity in the face of relentless darkness, and the power of storytelling as a means of preserving one's identity and humanity amidst the most oppressive circumstances.

    The 9112th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Nora Webster by Colm Tóibín

    Set in a small town in Ireland in the late 1960s, the novel follows Nora Webster, a recently widowed mother of four struggling to forge a new life after the death of her beloved husband. As she navigates her grief and the complexities of raising her children alone, Nora gradually begins to rediscover her own identity beyond her roles as a wife and mother. Through her journey, she confronts societal expectations and personal setbacks, ultimately finding a renewed sense of self and independence. The narrative captures the subtle transformations of Nora's character and the intimate details of her everyday life with profound emotional depth and insight.

    The 9164th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry

    "The Secret Scripture" is a deeply moving tale of Roseanne McNulty, a centenarian who has spent most of her life in a mental institution in Ireland. As the institution is about to be demolished, her psychiatrist Dr. Grene must determine whether she's fit to be released. As he delves into her past, Roseanne reveals her life story through a secret memoir she's been writing. The narrative alternates between Roseanne's recollections and Dr. Grene's observations, revealing a tragic and complex history of Ireland's social and political changes, while also exploring themes of memory, identity, and sanity.

    The 9520th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Un Attieké Pour Elgass by Tierno Monenembo

    "Un Attieké Pour Elgass" is a heartwarming and thought-provoking novel that follows the journey of Elgass, a young Guinean boy, as he navigates the challenges of growing up in a small village. Faced with poverty, cultural traditions, and the desire for a better life, Elgass embarks on a quest to fulfill his dreams and find his place in the world. Through vivid storytelling and rich character development, the book explores themes of identity, resilience, and the power of human connection.

    The 9583rd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. 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 10022nd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. The Art Of Losing by Alice Zeniter

    The novel explores the complex layers of identity, belonging, and the legacy of colonialism through the story of a French-Algerian family across three generations. It delves into the life of a young woman who grapples with her grandfather's painful past as a harki, an Algerian who fought for the French during the Algerian War of Independence. As she uncovers her family's history, she confronts the silence and trauma that have shaped their experiences of dislocation and cultural disconnection. The narrative weaves between past and present, revealing the enduring impact of historical events on individual lives and the struggle to reconcile with one's heritage in a modern world.

    The 10308th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. 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 10601st Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Paris Nocturne by Patrick Modiano

    This novel unfolds as a mysterious and evocative narrative centered around a young man who becomes embroiled in a perplexing incident one night in Paris. After being hit by a car, he finds himself plunged into a deep investigation of his past, guided by cryptic clues and shadowy figures who drift in and out of his life. As he delves deeper, the boundaries between past and present blur, leading him on a haunting journey through the streets of Paris. The city, with its hidden corners and forgotten stories, becomes a character in its own right, enveloping the protagonist in a labyrinth of memory, identity, and intrigue. This atmospheric tale weaves together themes of memory, loss, and the search for truth, all set against the backdrop of a beautifully rendered Parisian nightscape.

    The 10604th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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