The Greatest "Psychological, 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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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.

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  1. 326. The Queen of the Tambourine by Jane Gardam

    The novel follows the life of Eliza Peabody, a bored, middle-aged housewife living in a wealthy London suburb. As her life starts to unravel, she begins writing a series of unsolicited letters to her neighbor, Joan, offering unsolicited advice. When Joan disappears, Eliza continues her one-sided correspondence, revealing more about her own life and its gradual descent into madness. The novel is a darkly comic exploration of loneliness, mental illness, and the human need for connection.

    The 10862nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 327. The Carhullan Army by Sarah Hall

    In a dystopian future, England has been devastated by economic collapse and climate change, and is now under the control of an authoritarian regime. The protagonist, known only as Sister, escapes from her life of forced labor and her loveless marriage to join a self-sustaining, all-female community in the remote hills of Cumbria. This community, known as the Carhullan Army, trains rigorously in both survival skills and combat, preparing for a rebellion against the oppressive government. Sister's life in the community and her eventual rise to leadership form the core of the story, which explores themes of freedom, gender, and the human spirit's resistance to tyranny.

    The 10872nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 328. Let The Northern Lights Erase Your Name by Vendela Vida

    The novel follows a 28-year-old woman on a poignant journey of self-discovery and a quest for truth after the death of her father. Upon uncovering a shattering family secret, she travels to the stark, wintry landscape of Lapland, near the Arctic Circle, in search of her real father. Her odyssey leads her into the heart of the Sami culture, where she confronts her past and the complexities of identity amidst the ethereal backdrop of the Northern Lights, seeking both closure and a new beginning.

    The 10873rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 329. 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. 330. Slow River by Nicola Griffith

    The novel follows the story of a young woman who comes from a wealthy family involved in high-tech environmental solutions but finds herself estranged and on the run after being kidnapped and then escaping. She assumes a new identity and struggles to build a life from scratch, taking a job at a waste treatment facility. As she navigates the complexities of her new, lower-class existence, she must deal with the trauma of her past, her family's dark secrets, and the intricate politics of the world she left behind. The narrative weaves together her present challenges with flashbacks to her privileged yet troubled upbringing, exploring themes of identity, environmentalism, and the intersection of technology and society.

    The 10889th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 331. The Unnamed by Joshua Ferris

    This novel explores the life of a successful lawyer who is afflicted with a mysterious condition that compels him to walk without any control over when or where. His uncontrollable walks disrupt his professional life and strain his family relationships, leading to a profound examination of identity, mental illness, and the impermanence of life. As he grapples with his condition, the narrative delves into themes of love, the essence of self, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. Through his journey, the protagonist confronts the fundamental question of what it means to truly live when one's basic autonomy is stripped away.

    The 10900th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 332. Evil And The Mask by Fuminori Nakamura

    This novel delves into the dark and complex world of a young man who is raised under the chilling belief that he is destined to be a "cancer" to the world, as per his father's sinister philosophy. Struggling with this cruel fate and the heavy burden of his family's expectations, he embarks on a journey that blurs the lines between good and evil, identity, and the possibility of redemption. Through his attempts to defy his destiny, the protagonist explores the depths of human nature, the concept of free will, and the capacity for change, leading readers on a gripping psychological exploration that questions the very essence of morality and the potential for transformation within us all.

    The 10900th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 333. Bad Marie by Marcy Dermansky

    The novel follows the story of a woman recently released from prison who takes a job as a nanny for her childhood friend. Her life takes a tumultuous turn when she becomes romantically involved with her friend's husband and subsequently flees to Paris with their child. Throughout the story, the protagonist's flawed yet compelling character is explored as she grapples with her desires, the consequences of her impulsive actions, and her search for redemption and meaning in a life marred by poor decisions and a challenging past. Her journey is one of self-discovery, recklessness, and the complex nature of human relationships.

    The 10900th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 334. Dare Me by Megan Abbott

    This novel delves into the dark and complex world of competitive high school cheerleading, exploring themes of power, loyalty, and obsession. The story is centered around the intense and sometimes toxic relationships between the cheerleaders, particularly focusing on the bond between the team's captain and her best friend. The arrival of a new coach with a mysterious past brings about a dramatic shift in the team's dynamics, leading to a series of events that culminates in a shocking crime. As the investigation unfolds, secrets are revealed, testing the limits of friendship and loyalty, and challenging the characters' understanding of themselves and each other.

    The 10925th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 335. The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon

    The novel explores the life of an autistic man who excels at pattern recognition while working for a pharmaceutical company. His orderly world is disrupted when he is offered an experimental treatment that could potentially "cure" his autism. The story delves into themes of identity, neurodiversity, and the ethical implications of altering the human brain. As he grapples with the decision of whether to undergo the treatment, the protagonist must confront questions about what it means to be normal and whether the changes would fundamentally alter who he is. The narrative challenges the reader to consider the value of individual differences and the societal pressures to conform.

    The 10962nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 336. 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
  12. 337. Disappearance At Devil's Rock by Paul Tremblay

    This novel is a gripping and eerie tale that unfolds in a small town where a teenage boy mysteriously vanishes from a local park, Devil's Rock, during a night out with friends. The story delves into the harrowing aftermath of his disappearance, as his mother and sister grapple with the unknown, piecing together clues that emerge in the form of shadowy figures, inexplicable diary entries, and unsettling folklore surrounding the park. The narrative masterfully blends elements of horror, suspense, and the supernatural, while also exploring themes of grief, family bonds, and the haunting nature of uncertainty. As the search intensifies, the community is drawn into a chilling quest for answers that blurs the lines between reality and nightmare.

    The 11063rd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 338. The Art Of Starving by Sam J. Miller

    This novel follows the life of a young, gay teenager who believes that his eating disorder grants him supernatural abilities, enabling him to see the truth about people's intentions and to manipulate the world around him. As he navigates the complexities of high school, bullying, and family issues, he embarks on a dark and dangerous journey of self-discovery. The story is a raw and powerful exploration of desire, the need for control, and the struggle to find one's place in the world, all while dealing with the challenges of growing up and the painful realities of human vulnerability.

    The 11067th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 339. An Unkindness Of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon

    The novel explores the harsh life aboard the HSS Matilda, a spaceship organized much like the antebellum South, where the lower decks are populated by dark-skinned sharecroppers ruled by white overseers. The protagonist, a neurodivergent, queer black woman, serves as the ship's healer and navigates the oppressive social structure while uncovering the secrets of her mother's past and the ship's mysterious journey. Her search for truth leads to revelations that could alter the fate of the Matilda's segregated society, as she grapples with the complexities of identity, autonomy, and resistance against a backdrop of systemic injustice and intergenerational trauma.

    The 11220th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 340. The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson

    In this science fiction novel, the protagonist, born in a world where travel between parallel universes is possible, is one of the rare individuals who can traverse these alternate realities due to her counterparts being dead in other worlds. The story delves into themes of identity, privilege, and survival, as she navigates complex relationships and a web of secrets. Her unique position allows her to gather intel across worlds, but it also places her in grave danger, leading her to confront her own past and the stark disparities between different versions of her life and society. As she moves through these spaces, she must grapple with the moral implications of her actions and the true meaning of having a place to call home.

    The 11253rd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 341. The Tyrant Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson

    The novel follows the story of Baru Cormorant, a brilliant young woman from a small island nation who is swept up by an imperial power known as the Masquerade that seeks to dominate her homeland through cultural assimilation and economic control. Using her wits and strategic acumen, Baru infiltrates the ranks of the Masquerade's civil service with the ultimate goal of tearing down the empire from within. However, as she rises in power and influence, she must grapple with the complex moral dilemmas of her actions and the personal cost of her quest for vengeance against the forces that have colonized and reshaped her world. Her journey is fraught with treachery, rebellion, and difficult choices that challenge her loyalties and threaten to compromise her principles.

    The 11253rd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 342. Riot Baby by Tochi Onyebuchi

    The narrative unfolds through the lives of two siblings endowed with extraordinary powers, set against the backdrop of systemic racism and societal turmoil in America. The older brother's abilities emerge amidst the violence of the Los Angeles riots, while his younger sister's powers manifest as a form of telekinesis. As they navigate a world rife with injustice and the carceral state's oppressive reach, the siblings grapple with the potential and limitations of their gifts. The story is a searing exploration of anger, hope, and the indomitable spirit of resistance, examining whether supernatural abilities can be a catalyst for change in a world entrenched in institutionalized inequality.

    The 11253rd Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 343. The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey

    The book revolves around a brilliant scientist who specializes in cloning and genetic engineering. Her life takes a dark turn when she discovers that her husband has been having an affair with a clone she created—a replica of herself, but more compliant and tailored to his desires. When a violent incident leaves her husband dead, the scientist and her clone must dispose of the body and cover up the crime. As they work together, they grapple with complex questions of identity, morality, and the ethics of cloning, all while trying to outsmart a world that may not be ready to understand or accept their existence. The narrative delves into themes of betrayal, personal autonomy, and the very essence of what it means to be human.

    The 11265th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 344. Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee

    In this gripping finale to an epic fantasy trilogy, two rival clans battle for control of their island nation and its valuable magical resource, jade, which grants its wearers superhuman abilities. As modernity encroaches, with new technologies and foreign powers vying for influence, the Kaul family must navigate treacherous political waters, grapple with the implications of their jade-infused legacy, and face personal sacrifices. Their choices will determine not only the fate of their own family and the clan they lead but also the future of their entire culture and country, as ancient traditions clash with the unstoppable force of progress.

    The 11265th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 345. Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King, Owen King

    In a small Appalachian town, an extraordinary event unfolds: women who fall asleep become shrouded in a cocoon-like gauze. If disturbed, they awaken in a violent, primal state. Meanwhile, in this bizarrely evolving world, Evie Black, a mysterious woman with a unique immunity to the sleeping phenomenon, emerges as both a potential savior and a harbinger of doom. As tensions between men and women escalate, the town becomes a battleground for a deeper societal confrontation, with Evie at its center. This novel weaves a rich tapestry of character and conflict, exploring themes of gender, power, and survival in a world teetering on the brink of an unfathomable transformation.

    The 11306th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 346. A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher

    In "A House With Good Bones," readers are plunged into a gripping tale of suspense and horror that revolves around Sam Montgomery, who returns to her childhood home only to confront unsettling family secrets and a sinister presence lurking within. As Sam delves deeper into her family's past, she uncovers dark truths that challenge her understanding of her mother's eccentric behavior and her own identity. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly ordinary house that harbors malevolent forces, this story masterfully blends elements of psychological horror with the complexities of familial relationships, leading to a chilling conclusion that questions the very nature of home and heritage.

    The 11327th Greatest Book of All Time

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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.

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