The Greatest Dutch, Chilean, Argentinian "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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  1. 1. The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolaño

    "The Savage Detectives" is a novel that follows the lives of two Latin American poets, Arturo Belano and Ulises Lima, who are founders of a literary movement called "visceral realism." The book is divided into three parts and is narrated by multiple characters, providing different perspectives on the protagonists. The narrative spans over 20 years, following the poets' journey from Mexico City to Europe, Israel, and Africa, as they search for a mysterious poetess and navigate through the world of literature, sex, drugs, and the complexities of life.

    The 452nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. 2666 by Roberto Bolaño

    The novel is a sprawling, ambitious work that spans continents and time periods, centering around an elusive, reclusive German author. It intertwines five different narratives: a group of European academics searching for the author, a professor in Mexico dealing with his own personal crises, a New York reporter sent to cover a boxing match in Mexico, an African-American journalist in Detroit, and the horrifying and unsolved murders of hundreds of women in a Mexican border town. The narratives are linked by themes of violence, mystery, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

    The 488th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Discovery of Heaven by Harry Mulisch

    "The Discovery of Heaven" is a philosophical novel that explores the relationship between mankind and the divine. The story revolves around two friends, an astronomer and a philologist, who are manipulated by heavenly forces to father a child who is destined to return the Ten Commandments to God. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into complex themes such as friendship, love, art, science, and the existence of God, presenting a thought-provoking analysis of the human condition.

    The 1137th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. All Souls' Day by Cees Nooteboom

    "All Souls' Day" is a novel about a Dutch documentary filmmaker, who, after losing his wife and daughter in a car accident, moves to Berlin to escape his grief. The protagonist becomes entangled in a series of romantic relationships while struggling to come to terms with his loss. The book blends narrative with philosophical musings on memory, loss, and the nature of time, using the city of Berlin as a backdrop to illustrate the protagonist's internal journey.

    The 2258th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Laws by Connie Palmen

    "The Laws" is a philosophical novel that follows the life of a young woman studying philosophy who becomes intrigued by the concept of laws, both societal and personal. Over the course of seven years, she engages in relationships with seven different men, each representing a different aspect of her studies including a priest, a physicist, an artist, a psychiatrist, a lawyer, a biologist, and a writer. Each relationship provides a new perspective on her quest to understand the laws of the universe and human nature.

    The 3681st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Twins by Tessa De Loo

    "The Twins" is a poignant narrative about twin sisters, separated at a young age due to the Second World War. One sister grows up in the Netherlands under Nazi occupation, while the other is raised in Germany as part of the Hitler Youth. After six decades of separation, they meet again and begin to share their experiences, discovering the impact of the war on their lives and the stark differences in their upbringing. The book explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the long-lasting effects of war on individuals and families.

    The 4050th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. 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
  8. 8. City of the Beasts by Isabel Allende

    A 15-year-old boy is forced to move in with his eccentric grandmother after his mother falls ill. Together, they embark on a journey to the Amazon rainforest in search of a legendary, healing beast. Along the way, they encounter various challenges, including dangerous animals, harsh environments, and a group of indigenous people with mystical powers. The boy learns to overcome his fears and prejudices, forming a strong bond with the indigenous people and the rainforest itself.

    The 5369th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Abessijnse Kronieken by Moses Isegawa

    "Abessijnse Kronieken" is a powerful and captivating novel set in Uganda during the tumultuous era of Idi Amin's dictatorship. The story follows the life of Mugezi, a young man navigating through the complexities of love, family, and political upheaval. With richly drawn characters and vivid descriptions, the book explores themes of identity, cultural clash, and the struggle for freedom in a country torn apart by corruption and violence.

    The 6211th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Internal Ecology Morals For Xxi Century by Dario Salas Sommer

    This book delves into the intricate relationship between individual moral development and the broader ecological balance of our planet, proposing that the environmental crises of the 21st century are deeply intertwined with the moral and ethical decay observed in contemporary society. The author argues that by fostering a deeper understanding of our internal ecology—our thoughts, emotions, and spiritual well-being—we can cultivate a more harmonious relationship with the external world. Through a blend of philosophical insight and practical guidance, the text invites readers to embark on a journey of personal transformation as a foundational step towards addressing the global environmental challenges of our time, emphasizing the critical role of individual responsibility and ethical conduct in shaping a sustainable future.

    The 6568th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Dancing In The Dark by Caryl Phillips

    "Dancing in the Dark" delves into the complex life and career of Bert Williams, a pioneering black entertainer in early 20th-century America. The novel explores Williams' struggles with his racial identity and the societal pressures that come with it, as he performs in blackface to gain acceptance and success in the predominantly white entertainment industry. Through a poignant narrative, the book examines themes of race, performance, and the personal costs of compromise in a society divided by color lines, revealing the emotional and psychological toll of Williams' choices on his personal and professional life.

    The 6721st Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Distant Star by Roberto Bolaño

    "Distant Star" is a chilling novel set in Chile following the 1973 coup that overthrew Salvador Allende. The story focuses on a character who uses his position as a member of the Chilean Air Force to commit heinous acts of violence. His fascination with poetry and aerial acrobatics is interwoven with his terrifying actions, creating a disconcerting contrast. The narrative explores the horrific realities of political upheaval, the fine line between art and brutality, and the long-lasting effects of trauma.

    The 7773rd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Death And The Maiden by Ariel Dorfman

    In a post-dictatorship country, a former political prisoner, Paulina, encounters a man whom she believes to be her former torturer. She takes him captive and subjects him to a mock trial, seeking justice for the atrocities she endured. As the tension escalates, the play delves into themes of truth, revenge, and the complex aftermath of trauma, challenging the audience to question the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator in a society grappling with its dark past.

    The 7902nd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Daughter Of Fortune by Isabel Allende

    This novel is a sweeping tale of love, adventure, and discovery set against the backdrop of the California Gold Rush. It follows the journey of a young orphan raised in the British colony of Valparaíso, Chile, who embarks on a daring quest to find her lover in the goldfields of California. Along the way, she transforms from a naive girl into a strong and independent woman, encountering a diverse cast of characters who shape her destiny. The story delves into themes of freedom, identity, and the pursuit of fortune, offering a rich exploration of historical events through the eyes of a determined protagonist seeking her place in a rapidly changing world.

    The 8190th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Trust by Hernán Díaz

    "Trust" by Hernán Díaz is a novel that follows the journey of a young man named Rafael, who leaves his home in Mexico to pursue the American Dream in the 19th century. Rafael's journey takes him through the Wild West, where he encounters a diverse cast of characters and faces numerous challenges. Along the way, he learns about the complexities of trust and betrayal, and ultimately discovers the true meaning of home and belonging. The novel is a poignant exploration of identity, immigration, and the American experience.

    The 9464th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Twin by Gerbrand Bakker

    The novel revolves around a middle-aged man who, after his twin brother's accidental death, is left to take care of the family farm and his ailing father in the Dutch countryside. Trapped by duty and familial expectations, he struggles with loneliness and the burden of an unfulfilled life. The narrative delves into themes of isolation, identity, and the profound impact of family dynamics as the protagonist grapples with his past and the stark reality of his present circumstances. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the stark, flat landscape, mirroring the protagonist's internal desolation and longing for a different existence.

    The 9473rd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. 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
  18. 18. We Had To Remove This Post by Hanna Bervoets

    In this thought-provoking novel, the story delves into the dark and complex world of content moderation on the internet, where a protagonist employed to filter out the worst of humanity's online activities grapples with the psychological toll of the job. The narrative explores themes of morality, censorship, and the impact of constant exposure to graphic content, as the protagonist becomes increasingly entangled in the lives of strangers online while struggling to maintain a sense of reality and personal identity amidst the relentless stream of posts that must be evaluated and often removed.

    The 10044th 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

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