The Greatest Australian, Chinese, German "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. 26. Carry Me Down by M.J. Hyland

    The novel is a coming-of-age story about a young boy named John Egan who lives in Ireland with his parents. John possesses an unusual gift for detecting lies, which he believes makes him a "human lie detector." As he navigates the complexities of adolescence, his family's financial struggles, and his own emotional turmoil, John's unique ability begins to cause more harm than good. The story explores themes of truth, deception, and the lengths one will go to preserve self-identity.

    The 5683rd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Blind Side of the Heart by Julia Franck

    "The Blind Side of the Heart" is a historical novel that explores the life of a German woman before, during, and after World War II. The story begins with her abandonment of her young son at a railway station, then flashes back to her own childhood, her experiences during the war, and her tumultuous relationships. The narrative provides a deep and unflinching look at the psychological effects of war and the struggle for survival, as well as the profound impact of trauma and loss.

    The 5834th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. The Great Fire by Shirley Hazzard

    "The Great Fire" is a historical novel set in the aftermath of World War II. The story follows a British war hero, Aldred Leith, who is sent to occupied Japan to research the effects of the war on the country's culture. During his stay, he falls in love with a young girl, Helen, who is the daughter of the Australian camp commander. Despite the age difference and societal expectations, the two form a deep bond. The book explores themes of love, war, cultural change, and personal transformation.

    The 5846th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Crabwalk by Günter Grass

    This novel delves into the tragic sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff, a German ship, during World War II, through the eyes of a journalist investigating the event's historical and personal ramifications. The narrative weaves together past and present, exploring the intergenerational impact of the catastrophe on survivors and their descendants. The author employs a unique storytelling technique, the "crabwalk," moving backward and forward in time to reveal the complexities of guilt, memory, and the reinterpretation of history. Through its intricate plot and deep character exploration, the book addresses the themes of nationalism, the repercussions of war, and the struggle to come to terms with one's heritage.

    The 6130th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Tomorrow, When The War Began by John Marsden

    The book follows a group of teenagers who return from a camping trip to discover that their country has been invaded and their families taken prisoner. As they grapple with the harsh reality of their situation, they must transform from carefree adolescents into resourceful and determined fighters, struggling to survive and launch a guerrilla war against the occupying forces. The story explores themes of friendship, survival, and the loss of innocence, as the characters are thrust into a brutal conflict that forces them to confront the complexities of adulthood and warfare.

    The 6301st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Looking For Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta

    The novel is a coming-of-age story that follows the life of a high school girl of Italian-Australian descent, living in Sydney. Throughout her final year at a prestigious Catholic school, she navigates the complexities of her family's immigrant history, her identity, and the social pressures of adolescence. As she deals with her own personal crises, including meeting her estranged father and grappling with an unexpected tragedy, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, challenging the expectations of her family and society to ultimately find her place in the world.

    The 6374th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. War Trash by Ha Jin

    The novel is a fictional memoir of a Chinese soldier who is captured during the Korean War and spends several years in American POW camps. He struggles to survive in the brutal conditions and navigate the political rivalries among the prisoners, while holding onto the hope of repatriation and the fear of being labeled a traitor by his own country. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, survival, and the human cost of war.

    The 6412th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

    In a seemingly idyllic beachside town, three women's lives become entangled when their children start kindergarten. As the school year progresses, secrets, lies, and betrayals slowly unravel, leading to a shocking incident that will change their lives forever. With a mix of humor, suspense, and poignant moments, this gripping novel explores the complexities of motherhood, friendship, and the consequences of keeping secrets.

    The 6449th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. The Riders by Tim Winton

    The novel follows the turbulent journey of an Australian man who travels to Ireland with his young daughter to reunite with his wife, only to discover upon arrival that she has mysteriously disappeared. As he searches across Europe for his missing wife, grappling with the uncertainty of her fate and the challenge of caring for his daughter alone, he is forced to confront his own shortcomings and the reality of his crumbling marriage. The narrative is a haunting exploration of hope, despair, and the complexities of love and identity, set against a backdrop of richly depicted landscapes that mirror the protagonist's inner turmoil.

    The 6481st Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang

    The book is a fantasy novel set in a world inspired by China's 20th century history. The protagonist, a war orphan, defies societal expectations by acing the empire-wide examination and earning a place at the prestigious military academy. However, her triumph is short-lived as she becomes embroiled in a violent conflict, which forces her to delve into the depths of her own magical abilities, inspired by shamanism. The story intertwines the brutal realities of war, mythology, and the exploration of power in a deeply divided society.

    The 6495th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Ancient Future Trilogy by Traci Harding

    The series blends elements of fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction, following the journey of a young woman who is transported back in time to the age of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. With her knowledge of the future and her emerging psychic abilities, she becomes a pivotal figure in the ancient world, influencing historical events and intertwining her destiny with legendary characters. As she navigates the challenges of her new life, she also uncovers mysteries that link the past, present, and future, revealing a timeless battle between light and darkness. Her adventures across time explore themes of destiny, reincarnation, and the interconnectedness of all things.

    The 6560th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Die Puppenspieler by Tanja Kinkel

    Set against the backdrop of the late Middle Ages, the novel weaves a tale of intrigue, power, and betrayal, following the lives of two families of puppeteers who become embroiled in the political machinations of their time. As they travel through the tumultuous landscapes of Europe, they encounter historical figures and events, from the fall of the Knights Templar to the turmoil of the Papal States. The families must navigate the treacherous waters of courtly life, where the art of puppetry becomes a metaphor for the control and manipulation exercised by the ruling classes. Their journey is not only a physical one but also a quest for artistic freedom and personal integrity in an era rife with corruption and upheaval.

    The 6570th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Jade City by Fonda Lee

    In a bustling city ruled by powerful crime families, the Kauls, who possess the rare ability to harness the magical powers of jade, struggle to maintain their control amidst rising tensions and rivalries. As the city teeters on the brink of chaos, the Kaul siblings find themselves caught in a dangerous web of betrayal, loyalty, and ambition, where the fate of their family and their city hangs in the balance. With vivid world-building and intricate character dynamics, "Jade City" is a gripping tale of power, honor, and the price of maintaining control.

    The 6587th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Ice Station by Matthew Reilly

    In this high-octane thriller, an elite team of American Marines is dispatched to a remote Antarctic research station after a distress signal indicates the discovery of an unknown entity buried deep in the ice. Upon arrival, the team finds themselves embroiled in a deadly battle with foreign commandos who are also intent on securing the mysterious find. As the soldiers navigate treacherous ice caverns and confront the harsh elements, they uncover a secret that could change the course of history, all while fighting to survive against overwhelming odds and prevent the artifact from falling into the wrong hands.

    The 6669th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin, Janet Song

    "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" is a children's fantasy novel about a young girl named Minli who lives in a poor village at the base of a mountain. She sets out on a journey to find the Old Man of the Moon, hoping he can answer her family's prayers for a better life. Along the way, she meets a talking goldfish, a dragon who cannot fly, and other magical creatures. Through her adventures, Minli learns valuable lessons about gratitude, kindness, and the power of storytelling.

    The 6670th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Jessica by Bryce Courtenay

    The novel is a gripping tale of a young Australian woman's resilience and determination in the face of overwhelming adversity. Born into a life of hardship in the bush, Jessica is a tomboy who is more at home with horses and fencing than in the kitchen. When her dreams and rights are trampled by her family's betrayal and a corrupt legal system, she must fight to clear her name and seek justice. Set against the backdrop of World War I and the harsh Australian outback, her story is one of love, loss, and the unyielding spirit of a woman who refuses to be broken by the world.

    The 6685th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Mondscheintarif by Ildikò von Kürthy

    "Mondscheintarif" is a humorous and witty novel that follows the life of a young woman navigating the complexities of modern relationships and the anxieties that come with waiting for a call from a new love interest. Set against the backdrop of contemporary Germany, the protagonist deals with the insecurities and self-doubt that plague many single women as they search for love and fulfillment. With a sharp and engaging narrative, the book delves into themes of romance, self-discovery, and the societal pressures faced by women, all while maintaining a light-hearted and relatable tone that resonates with readers who have experienced the trials and tribulations of dating.

    The 6828th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Deltora Quest Series by Emily Rodda

    The series is a collection of fantasy novels that follow the journey of a young boy named Lief, who is tasked with finding the seven lost gems of the Belt of Deltora. Accompanied by his companions Barda and Jasmine, he must travel across the land of Deltora, facing numerous challenges and adversaries, in order to restore the belt's magical properties and overthrow the tyrannical rule of the Shadow Lord. Each gem is hidden in a perilous location and guarded by a fearsome guardian, requiring courage, wit, and perseverance to be retrieved. The quest is not only a physical adventure but also a journey of self-discovery for the heroes as they learn the importance of friendship, trust, and bravery.

    The 6830th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Duck, Death And The Tulip by Wolf Erlbruch

    "Duck, Death And The Tulip" is a poignant and thought-provoking illustrated book that explores the themes of life, death, and friendship. The story follows a duck who unexpectedly befriends Death, and together they embark on a journey of contemplation and acceptance. Through their conversations and experiences, the book delicately tackles the existential questions surrounding mortality, while offering a tender and comforting perspective on the inevitability of death.

    The 6874th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Dirt Music by Tim Winton

    The novel explores the entangled lives of a small, tight-knit community in Western Australia, where the past and personal grief weigh heavily on the present. It centers on the illicit romance between Georgie Jutland, a woman feeling trapped in her relationship with a local fisherman, and Lu Fox, a poacher with a troubled history. Their connection sets off a chain of events that disrupts the community and sends Lu on a transformative journey into the remote Australian wilderness. As the narrative unfolds, the characters grapple with their inner demons, the harsh realities of love and survival, and the redemptive power of nature and music.

    The 6879th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. The Great World by David Malouf

    The novel explores the lives of two Australian men, Vic and Digger, whose paths cross during their time as prisoners of war in World War II. Their experiences in captivity and the relationships they form with fellow prisoners and captors profoundly affect their perspectives on life. After the war, the narrative follows their return to civilian life in Australia, where they struggle with the memories of their traumatic experiences and the challenge of reintegration into society. The story delves into themes of friendship, the enduring impact of war, and the search for meaning in a post-war world, all set against the backdrop of the changing Australian landscape and culture throughout the mid-20th century.

    The 6898th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Cafe Scheherazade by Arnold Zable

    "Cafe Scheherazade" is a poignant narrative that weaves together the stories of Jewish Holocaust survivors who have found a haven in a Melbourne cafe, where they share their harrowing experiences and the tales of their pasts. The cafe becomes a place of solace and storytelling, where memories of love, loss, and endurance amidst the horrors of war are exchanged. Through the recounting of personal histories, the novel explores themes of displacement, the importance of community, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

    The 6927th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Death's End by Cixin Liu

    In this science fiction epic, humanity confronts an uncertain future as the universe teeters on the brink of destruction. The narrative weaves through time and space, following a complex tapestry of characters and civilizations as they grapple with advanced alien technologies, cosmic dilemmas, and philosophical quandaries. The story explores the depths of human ingenuity and the vastness of the cosmos, culminating in a profound examination of survival, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of life in the face of an unfathomable cosmos. With a blend of hard science fiction and imaginative speculation, the novel pushes the boundaries of human understanding and presents a grand vision of the ultimate fate of the universe.

    The 7015th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. The Secret River by Kate Grenville

    "The Secret River" is a historical novel that explores the life of William Thornhill, a convict from London who is deported to Australia in the early 19th century. After serving his sentence, Thornhill stakes a claim on a stretch of land along the Hawkesbury River, where he and his family attempt to establish a new life. However, their presence leads to tension and brutal conflict with the Aboriginal people who have lived on the land for generations. The novel delves into themes of colonization, survival, and the moral complexities of claiming ownership in a new world, providing a poignant look at the personal and cultural consequences of European settlement in Australia.

    The 7038th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas

    "The Slap" is a thought-provoking novel that explores the repercussions of a single incident at a suburban barbecue. When a man slaps a misbehaving child who is not his own, it sets off a chain of events that unravels the lives of the characters involved. Told from multiple perspectives, the book delves into themes of family, morality, and the complexities of modern society, challenging readers to question their own beliefs and values.

    The 7066th 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