The Greatest Hungarian, Chilean, Unknown "Fiction" Books Since 1900

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Fiction

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Hungarian

Chilean

Unknown

Add additional country filters

Date Range

Filter

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
  1. 1. The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende

    "The House of the Spirits" is a multi-generational saga that explores the lives of the Trueba family, set against the backdrop of political upheaval in an unnamed Latin American country. The narrative is driven by the family's strong and magical women, including clairvoyant Clara and her granddaughter Alba. The story spans over three generations, weaving together personal, social, and political threads, and is rich in elements of magical realism. The novel explores themes of love, violence, social class, and the struggle for power.

    The 167th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. 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
  3. 3. 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
  4. 4. Fateless by Imre Kertész

    "Fateless" is a harrowing account of a Hungarian Jewish boy's experiences in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. The protagonist is sent to Auschwitz, then Buchenwald, and finally to a factory in Zeitz, enduring brutal conditions and witnessing unimaginable horrors. Despite his experiences, he maintains a detached, almost indifferent perspective, focusing on the mundane aspects of life in the camps, which further highlights the absurdity and horror of the situation. The novel explores themes of identity, survival, and the arbitrary nature of fate.

    The 686th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Embers by Sandor Marai

    "Embers" is a novel about two old friends who reunite after being apart for 41 years. The story takes place in a secluded castle in the Carpathian Mountains, where the two men confront each other about a long-kept secret that has kept them apart. The narrative delves into themes of friendship, love, loyalty, and betrayal, while exploring the intricate dynamics of human relationships. The novel is a poignant examination of the nature of time and memory, and the ways in which they can shape and define our lives.

    The 722nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Notebook: The Proof ; The Third Lie : Three Novels by Agota Kristof

    "The Notebook: The Proof ; The Third Lie : Three Novels" is a trilogy of novels that follow the lives of twin brothers, living through the harsh realities of war, separation, and betrayal. The first novel, "The Notebook," tells the story of their survival as children in a rural town at the end of World War II. The second book, "The Proof," continues their story into adulthood, exploring the effects of their traumatic childhood. The final book, "The Third Lie," delves into the complexities of their relationship and the secrets they kept from one another. The trilogy is a poignant exploration of identity, love, and the enduring bond of brotherhood.

    The 1298th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Journey by Moonlight by Antal Szerb

    "Journey by Moonlight" tells the story of a newlywed Hungarian couple, Mihály and Erzsi, who honeymoon in Italy. Mihály, however, is haunted by his past and becomes increasingly obsessed with his adolescent years, his old friends, and a mysterious brother and sister. This results in him abandoning Erzsi in order to embark on a strange and dark journey of self-discovery. The novel explores themes of nostalgia, love, and the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations.

    The 1350th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Legend by David Gemmell

    In a post-apocalyptic world, an aging warrior known as Druss comes out of retirement to defend his homeland from invading hordes. Despite his advanced age, he is still a formidable fighter and is revered as a living legend. As he prepares for a seemingly impossible battle, he must confront not only his enemies but also his own personal demons and the specter of his own mortality. The novel is a compelling blend of action, adventure, and introspection, exploring themes of heroism, honor, and the human capacity for courage in the face of overwhelming odds.

    The 1778th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Sound Of His Horn by Sarban

    "The Sound of His Horn" is a dystopian science fiction novel set in a future where the Nazis have won World War II. The story follows Alan Querdilion, a British prisoner of war who wakes up in a bizarre alternate reality ruled by a cruel and sadistic Nazi regime. As he navigates this nightmarish world, Querdilion must confront his own survival instincts and grapple with the moral implications of his actions. With its haunting atmosphere and thought-provoking exploration of power and humanity, the novel offers a chilling and unsettling reflection on the consequences of totalitarianism.

    The 1864th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Édes Anna by Dezső Kosztolányi

    "Édes Anna" is a novel that revolves around the life of a young servant girl, Anna, who works for a bourgeois family in early 20th century Hungary. The narrative explores Anna's experiences of exploitation, abuse, and societal oppression. As she navigates her way through life, her innocence and naivety are gradually eroded, leading her to commit an act of violent rebellion. The book is a potent critique of class and gender inequalities of the time.

    The 1918th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

    "The Velveteen Rabbit" is a heartwarming children's book about a stuffed rabbit who longs to become real. Through his encounters with other toys and his friendship with a young boy, the rabbit learns about love, loyalty, and the true meaning of being alive. With beautiful illustrations and a touching narrative, this timeless tale teaches valuable lessons about the power of imagination and the transformative nature of love.

    The 1948th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Widdershins by G. Oliver Onions

    "Widdershins" is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the life of a troubled young woman named Alice. Haunted by a traumatic childhood event, Alice finds herself drawn into a mysterious world of dark secrets and supernatural occurrences. As she delves deeper into the enigmatic past of her family, Alice must confront her own demons and unravel the truth before it consumes her. With its atmospheric setting and complex characters, "Widdershins" is a chilling tale of suspense and self-discovery.

    The 1953rd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Residence on Earth by Pablo Neruda

    "Residence on Earth" is a collection of poems that delve into the human condition, exploring themes of love, despair, loneliness, and the search for identity and meaning. The poems are characterized by their deep introspection, vivid imagery, and profound emotional resonance. The author's unique style combines surrealism, historical allusions, and a keen observation of the natural world, resulting in a powerful and evocative exploration of the human experience.

    The 2001st Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Last Bouquet by Marjorie Bowen

    "The Last Bouquet" by Marjorie Bowen is a captivating historical novel set in 18th-century France. The story follows a young woman named Genevieve, who finds herself caught in the midst of the French Revolution. As chaos and violence engulf the nation, Genevieve's life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes entangled with a group of revolutionaries. Faced with difficult choices and dangerous secrets, she must navigate a treacherous path to protect her loved ones and find her own freedom. Bowen's vivid storytelling and rich historical detail bring this tumultuous period to life, offering a compelling tale of love, sacrifice, and resilience.

    The 2065th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Melancholy of Resistance by László Krasznahorkai

    "The Melancholy of Resistance" is a surreal and philosophical novel set in a small Hungarian town that becomes isolated by a massive snowstorm. The arrival of a mysterious circus, featuring a stuffed whale and a silent, enigmatic leader, brings with it a wave of change and unrest. The narrative explores themes of chaos, resistance, and the struggle for power through the perspectives of various townsfolk, including a reclusive music theorist and a former political dissident. The novel is known for its complex, long-winded sentences and its bleak yet profound examination of human nature and society.

    The 2102nd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Of Love and Shadows by Isabel Allende

    Set against the backdrop of a South American country under a military dictatorship, this novel follows the story of a woman journalist and her lover, a photographer, who, while working together, uncover a hidden mass grave in a remote part of their country. Their discovery leads them into danger as they try to expose the truth about the brutal regime ruling their country, while also dealing with their own personal issues and their growing love for each other. The story is a blend of romance and political drama, showing the power of love and courage in the face of oppression and fear.

    The 2175th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Celestial Harmonies by Peter Esterhazy

    "Celestial Harmonies" is a historical novel that tells the story of the aristocratic Esterházy family, tracing their lineage from the late Middle Ages to the present day. The narrative is divided into two parts, with the first part featuring a series of vignettes about the family's ancestors, while the second part focuses on the experiences of the narrator's father under the Communist regime in Hungary. The novel is characterized by its intricate structure, complex themes, and lush, poetic language, offering a rich exploration of Hungarian history, family dynamics, and the human condition.

    The 2369th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. The Door by Szabó, Magda

    "The Door" by Magda Szabo is a novel about the relationship between two women, one of whom is a writer and the other is her housekeeper. The story explores themes of class, power, and the complexities of human relationships. As the two women become increasingly intertwined, their relationship becomes more and more complicated, leading to unexpected consequences for both of them. The novel is a powerful exploration of the human condition, and a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding and empathy in our interactions with others.

    The 2379th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Case Worker by György Konrád

    "The Case Worker" is a novel that follows the life of a young, disillusioned social worker in Hungary who is struggling with the grim realities of his job. He is constantly faced with the harsh and desperate situations of his clients, which include the poor, the mentally ill, and the elderly. As he tries to help them, he becomes increasingly aware of the bureaucratic and social systems that often hinder rather than aid these vulnerable individuals. This leads him to question the effectiveness of his role and the larger societal structures in place.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. December Bride by Sam Hanna Bell

    "December Bride" is a poignant and captivating novel set in rural Northern Ireland during the early 20th century. The story follows the life of a young woman named Sarah, who finds herself caught between tradition and her own desires. As she navigates the complexities of love, family, and societal expectations, Sarah must make difficult choices that will shape her future. With its vivid descriptions and richly drawn characters, this book explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love.

    The 2594th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Black List, Section H by Francis Stuart

    "Black List, Section H" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex themes of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of war. Set during World War II, the story follows a group of individuals who find themselves entangled in a web of espionage and betrayal. As they navigate the treacherous landscape of Nazi-occupied Europe, their loyalties are tested, and they must confront the moral dilemmas that arise when faced with impossible choices. With its rich character development and atmospheric setting, this book offers a compelling exploration of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

    The 2617th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Epepe by Ferenc Karinthy

    The book revolves around a linguist who finds himself inexplicably trapped in a nightmarish city where he cannot understand the language or communicate with the inhabitants. Despite his expertise in languages, the protagonist's skills are rendered useless in this alien environment, leading to a series of Kafkaesque encounters as he desperately tries to make sense of his surroundings and find a way back home. His isolation is compounded by the city's indifferent bureaucracy and the strange, often absurd, customs of its citizens, turning his ordeal into an existential struggle for identity and understanding in the face of an incomprehensible world.

    The 2942nd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. The White Ship by Chinghiz Aitmatov

    "The White Ship" by Chinghiz Aitmatov is a poignant and thought-provoking novella set in a remote village in Kyrgyzstan. The story follows a young shepherd named Mati, who embarks on a dangerous journey to rescue his fellow villagers after a devastating avalanche. Through Mati's experiences, the author explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. With beautiful prose and vivid descriptions, Aitmatov paints a vivid picture of the harsh yet enchanting landscapes of Kyrgyzstan while offering a powerful commentary on the strength of community bonds.

    The 3279th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Dervish And The Death by Meša Selimović

    "Dervish and the Death" is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex themes of identity, morality, and the human condition. Set in the 18th century Ottoman Empire, the story follows a dervish, Sheikh Nuruddin, as he navigates the turbulent world of politics, power, and religion. Through his encounters with various characters, including the enigmatic Death, the dervish grapples with his own beliefs and questions the nature of existence. Selimovic's masterful storytelling and introspective prose make this novel a captivating exploration of life's fundamental questions.

    The 3279th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. La Brecha by Mercedes Valdivieso

    "La Brecha" is a groundbreaking Chilean novel that delves into the life of a middle-class woman who, after years of conforming to traditional gender roles and a subservient position within her marriage, begins to question the societal norms that have long dictated her existence. As she becomes increasingly aware of the oppressive structures surrounding her, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and liberation. The novel explores themes of feminism, identity, and personal freedom, challenging the status quo of the time and advocating for the empowerment of women to break free from the constraints imposed by a patriarchal society.

    The 3462nd 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