The Greatest Canadian, German "Satire, Fiction" Books Since 1970

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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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Satire

Satire is a genre of literature that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize and ridicule human vices, follies, and shortcomings. It is a form of social commentary that aims to expose the flaws and absurdities of society, politics, and culture. Satirical books often employ sarcasm, wit, and parody to challenge the status quo and provoke thought and reflection in readers. Satire can be both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it has been used throughout history as a powerful tool for social and political critique.

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  1. 1. The Parable of the Blind by Gert Hofmann

    "The Parable of the Blind" is a darkly comedic novel that follows six blind men who are hired to pose as models for a famous painter's depiction of a biblical parable. As they journey to the painter's studio, they struggle with their dependence on each other and the outside world, grappling with the limitations and challenges of their blindness. The narrative explores themes of human vulnerability, the nature of perception, and the absurdity of existence.

    The 3172nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Cunning Man by Robertson Davies

    The novel follows the life of a Toronto doctor who uses his knowledge of medicine and his understanding of human nature to treat his patients. He believes in the healing power of the human spirit and often uses unconventional methods to treat his patients. The narrative is filled with his interesting patients and their stories, as well as his own personal journey. The book also explores themes of spirituality, love, and the complexities of human nature.

    The 5066th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Solomon Gursky Was Here by Mordecai Richler

    This novel is a sprawling epic that traces the multi-generational saga of the Gursky family, rumored to have been inspired by the real-life Bronfman dynasty, Canadian liquor magnates. At its core, it follows the enigmatic figure of Solomon Gursky, whose life is shrouded in myth and mystery, from his forebears' escape from Jewish persecution in Europe to his own adventures in the Arctic, and the eventual establishment of a powerful business empire in North America. Through the eyes of Moses Berger, a writer obsessed with uncovering the truth about Solomon, the narrative delves into themes of identity, legacy, and the complexities of the human condition, all set against the backdrop of Canada's development and cultural history.

    The 5484th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. St. Urbain's Horseman by Mordecai Richler

    The novel revolves around a Canadian filmmaker living in London, grappling with a midlife crisis, a complex web of familial relationships, and the burden of his cultural identity. As he navigates through personal and professional challenges, he is haunted by the figure of the "Horseman," a symbol of moral judgment and a reminder of his own shortcomings. The protagonist's journey is interwoven with flashbacks to his childhood in Montreal, where the influence of his larger-than-life cousin and the vibrant Jewish community of St. Urbain Street shape his worldview. The narrative explores themes of guilt, the search for redemption, and the struggle to reconcile one's ambitions with the expectations of society and family.

    The 5947th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Die neuen Leiden des jungen W. by Ulrich Plenzdorf

    This novel tells the story of a young man from East Germany who rebels against the societal norms and expectations of his time. The protagonist, a skilled worker, flees from his apprenticeship and his home to Berlin, where he isolates himself in a summer house, devoting his time to his passions of reading and listening to Western music. Using the narrative style of a psychological confession, the book explores themes of youthful rebellion, the search for identity, and the conflict between individual desires and societal pressures. The protagonist's tragic end underlines the oppressive nature of the East German regime.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Flounder by Günter Grass

    The book is a rich tapestry of historical fiction and magical realism, weaving together the lives of a talking fish, a series of women cooks, and the men in their lives over several centuries. It explores themes of feminism, power, and the evolution of culinary arts, with the titular flounder serving as a guide and witness to the unfolding human drama. The narrative spans from the Stone Age to the modern era, reflecting on the changing roles and relationships between men and women, as well as the impact of these dynamics on culture and society. The novel is a blend of myth, satire, and allegory, presenting a unique perspective on the history of humanity through the lens of food and gender politics.

    The 7878th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Based On A True Story by Norm Macdonald

    The book is a memoir that blends fact with fiction, offering a comedic and surreal account of the life of a well-known comedian and former "Saturday Night Live" cast member. It delves into his upbringing in Canada, his rise to fame, and his experiences in the world of comedy, all while playing fast and loose with the truth. The narrative is filled with the author's trademark wit and deadpan humor, as he recounts stories of gambling, the pitfalls of celebrity, and his own unique perspective on life, often questioning the nature of storytelling and the reliability of memory itself.

    The 10469th 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