The Greatest Czech, Argentinian, Peruvian "Fiction" Books Since 1980

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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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  1. 1. The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

    Set against the backdrop of the Prague Spring period of Czechoslovak history, the novel explores the philosophical concept of Nietzsche's eternal return through the intertwined lives of four characters: a womanizing surgeon, his intellectual wife, his naïve mistress, and her stoic lover. The narrative delves into their personal struggles with lightness and heaviness, freedom and fate, love and betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships, all while offering a profound meditation on the nature of existence and the paradoxes of life.

    The 114th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The War of the End of the World by Mario Vargas Llosa

    The book is a historical novel that recounts the War of Canudos, a conflict in late 19th-century Brazil over religious fanaticism, political instability, and social inequality. The story is centered around an apocalyptic movement led by a charismatic, messianic figure who convinces the poor and downtrodden to rise up against the Brazilian government, leading to a brutal and bloody conflict. The book explores themes of faith, power, poverty, and the destructive potential of fervent belief.

    The 718th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Feast of the Goat: A Novel by Mario Vargas Llosa

    "The Feast of the Goat" is a historical novel set in the Dominican Republic during the rule of dictator Rafael Trujillo. It follows the story of Urania Cabral, a successful lawyer returning to her homeland after 30 years of self-imposed exile, and her struggle to confront the traumatic past that led to her departure. The narrative alternates between Urania's personal story and the brutal regime of Trujillo, providing a stark depiction of political tyranny and its effects on individual lives.

    The 1266th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. I Served The King Of England by Bohumil Hrabal

    "I Served The King Of England" is a captivating novel that follows the life of a young Czech waiter named Ditie, who dreams of becoming a millionaire and serving the highest-ranking clientele. Set against the backdrop of World War II and the Communist regime, the story takes readers on a journey through Ditie's experiences in various hotels and restaurants, his encounters with eccentric characters, and his pursuit of love and success. With humor, wit, and a touch of satire, the book explores themes of ambition, identity, and the impact of historical events on an individual's life.

    The 1916th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Witness by Juan José Saer

    "The Witness" is a novel that explores the life of a young European boy who is the only survivor of a shipwreck in the 16th century. He is found and raised by a tribe of Indians in South America, where he spends ten years of his life. The boy is eventually found by a band of Spanish conquistadors and returns to Europe, where he becomes a well-respected scholar. The story unfolds as the man, now in his 90s, recounts his experiences and struggles to reconcile his European identity with his decade-long immersion in the tribal culture.

    The 3032nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Real Life of Alejandro Mayta by Mario Vargas Llosa

    This novel revolves around a failed Peruvian revolution and the man who attempted to lead it, Alejandro Mayta. The story is told from the perspective of a novelist who is researching Mayta's life and the events surrounding the failed uprising. The narrative oscillates between the present and the past, unraveling the complex threads of Mayta's personal history, political beliefs, and the broader socio-political context of Peru. The novel explores themes of truth, fiction, and the blurry lines between them.

    The 4019th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Waiting for the Dark, Waiting for the Light by Ivan Klíma

    The novel is set in the twilight of Communist rule in Czechoslovakia and follows the life of a television cameraman named Pavel. Despite his dreams of becoming a filmmaker and capturing the truth, he is trapped in a job that requires him to distort it. As the regime starts to crumble, Pavel grapples with the opportunities and challenges that freedom brings. He is forced to confront his past, his moral choices, and his dreams, leading to a deep exploration of the human condition and the struggle for personal and artistic freedom.

    The 4050th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. City, Sister, Silver by Jáchym Topol

    This novel follows the journey of a young Czech man, Potok, as he navigates the tumultuous period of the Velvet Revolution and its aftermath. The story is filled with surreal and often disturbing imagery as it explores themes of chaos, transformation, and the struggle for identity in a rapidly changing world. Potok's adventures take him from the crumbling infrastructure of post-communist Czechoslovakia to the burgeoning world of Western Europe, and his experiences reflect the larger societal upheaval of the time.

    The 4105th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Santa Evita by Tomás Eloy Martínez

    "Santa Evita" is a fictionalized account of the life and death of Eva Peron, the beloved First Lady of Argentina. The book delves into the mysterious journey of her embalmed corpse which was moved around the world and hidden for 16 years after her death. The narrative, interwoven with historical facts, explores the cult-like fascination and devotion that surrounded her during her life and continues after her death.

    The 4374th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Impenetrable Madam X by Griselda Gambaro

    "The Impenetrable Madam X" is a provocative play that delves into the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations. Set against a backdrop of surrealism and absurdity, the narrative follows the titular character, a woman shrouded in mystery and power, who interacts with various other characters in a series of disjointed scenes. Through sharp dialogue and symbolic interactions, the play explores themes of identity, power dynamics, and the struggle for understanding within the confines of a world that oscillates between the real and the fantastical. The work challenges audiences to question the nature of reality and the masks people wear in their daily lives.

    The 4787th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Storyteller by Mario Vargas Llosa

    "The Storyteller" is a novel that explores the tension between modern civilization and indigenous culture. The narrative alternates between two perspectives: one of a successful documentary filmmaker in Italy who is haunted by his past in Peru, and the other of an indigenous storyteller from an Amazonian tribe. The filmmaker recalls his college friend, who was fascinated by the indigenous cultures of Peru and disappeared into the Amazon rainforest. As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly apparent that the indigenous storyteller and the filmmaker's lost friend are one and the same. This revelation leads to a profound examination of the effects of cultural assimilation, the value of tradition, and the power of storytelling.

    The 5858th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. We All Love Glenda So Much And Other Tales by Julio Cortazar

    This collection of short stories delves into the surreal and the everyday with equal finesse, exploring the boundaries of reality and the quirks of human relationships. The narratives range from the titular tale, which examines the obsessive adoration of a famous actress, to more abstract and fantastical explorations of human experience. The author's masterful prose and innovative storytelling techniques invite readers to question the nature of truth and fiction, often blurring the lines between the two, while presenting a series of vignettes that are both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

    The 6085th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Identity: A Novel by Milan Kundera

    "Identity: A Novel" is a philosophical exploration of the complexities of love, identity, and the human psyche. It revolves around the lives of two lovers, Chantal and Jean-Marc, who are living in Paris. As their relationship progresses, they grapple with existential questions, the nature of identity, and the fear of oblivion. The novel delves into their individual and shared insecurities, their perceptions of each other, and how these perceptions shape their identities. The narrative offers a profound reflection on the intricacies of human relationships, the concept of self, and the role of memory and imagination in identity formation.

    The 6211th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Death In Andes by Mario Vargas Llosa

    "Death in the Andes" is a haunting and atmospheric novel set in the remote Andean village of Naccos, where two soldiers are sent to investigate the mysterious disappearance of three men. As they delve deeper into the village's secrets, they uncover a dark history of violence, political turmoil, and superstition. Blending elements of mystery, political commentary, and magical realism, this gripping tale explores the complexities of human nature and the impact of Peru's turbulent past on its present.

    The 7079th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Judge On Trial by Ivan Klima

    "Judge on Trial" is a novel that delves into the life of Adam Kindl, a judge in Communist Czechoslovakia who is struggling with the moral dilemmas of his profession and personal life. As he presides over a politically charged case, Kindl grapples with the oppressive regime's influence on justice and his own sense of integrity. The narrative explores themes of power, corruption, and the quest for truth, while also examining the complexities of love, fidelity, and the human condition. Through Kindl's introspective journey, the novel provides a poignant critique of the judicial and political systems of the time.

    The 8204th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Bad Girl by Mario Vargas Llosa

    The novel follows the life of Ricardo Somocurcio, a man from Lima, Peru, who becomes infatuated with a mysterious girl he meets in his youth. This girl, who constantly reinvents her identity, reappears throughout his life in various guises and names, leading him on a tumultuous and passionate journey that spans continents and decades. As Ricardo pursues a career as a translator and moves through different countries, he encounters the enigmatic woman in various circumstances, each time falling under her spell despite the pain and complexity she brings into his life. The story is a reflection on love, obsession, and the transformative power of relationships over time.

    The 8338th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Largo Desolato by Vaclav Havel

    "Largo Desolato" is a play that delves into the psychological turmoil of a dissident intellectual living under an oppressive regime. The protagonist, who has gained notoriety for a political essay, faces the paralyzing fear of being constantly watched and the possibility of arrest. As various friends, admirers, and government officials visit him, he grapples with the moral and existential dilemma of whether to stand by his beliefs or succumb to the pressures of the authorities. The play explores themes of identity, responsibility, and the nature of freedom, capturing the protagonist's struggle with his conscience and the surreal experience of living in a society where personal integrity is under siege.

    The 8393rd Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Things We Lost In The Fire by Mariana Enríquez

    "Things We Lost in the Fire" is a gripping collection of short stories set in contemporary Argentina, weaving together elements of horror, social commentary, and the supernatural. The stories delve into the lives of characters grappling with the country's dark history, poverty, and political unrest, while confronting personal demons and societal violence. Themes of addiction, inequality, and the resilience of women in the face of patriarchal oppression are explored through haunting narratives that challenge the boundary between reality and the macabre, leaving readers unsettled yet deeply moved by the raw humanity within each tale.

    The 9938th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Invented Part by Rodrigo Fresán

    The Invented Part is a novel that explores the life and mind of a renowned writer who is struggling with writer's block and feeling irrelevant in a rapidly changing world. As he grapples with his own existence, reality, and the nature of fiction, he embarks on a journey that takes him through his past, the lives of his friends and family, and even through the works of his literary heroes. The novel is a mix of science fiction, pop culture references, and philosophical musings, all woven together by the writer's desire to understand and redefine his place in the world.

    The 10243rd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin

    "Fever Dream" is a gripping and unsettling narrative that unfolds as a conversation between a woman named Amanda, who is lying in a rural hospital bed, and a young boy named David, who urgently prompts her to recount the events leading up to her illness. Through their dialogue, a sense of dread builds as Amanda recalls the strange occurrences and the sense of impending doom she felt while vacationing in the countryside. Central to the story is the theme of maternal love and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child, as well as the mysterious connection between Amanda's daughter and David. The novel's fragmented and hallucinatory style creates a disorienting experience, reflecting the title's suggestion of a dream-like state where reality blurs with nightmare, leaving the reader to piece together the haunting puzzle.

    The 10953rd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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