The Greatest Indian, Colombian, Irish "Fiction" Books Since 1990

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

Indian

Colombian

Irish

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. 26. The House Of Splendid Isolation by Edna O'Brien

    The book tells the story of an old woman living in isolation in a grand but dilapidated house in rural Ireland. Her quiet life is disrupted when a fugitive on the run from the law invades her home. As she's forced to coexist with him, she begins to reflect on her own past and the history of the Irish people, leading to a complex exploration of themes such as loneliness, regret, and the struggle for national identity.

    The 4734th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

    This novel follows the story of a young boy who moves from Berlin to a house near a concentration camp during World War II. Unaware of the grim reality of his surroundings, he befriends another boy on the other side of the camp fence. The two develop a deep friendship despite the horrific circumstances, leading to a devastating and unforgettable ending.

    The 4783rd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Collected Stories by Gabriel García Márquez

    "Collected Stories" brings together a diverse array of tales that blend the magical with the mundane in a uniquely evocative manner. The stories traverse a variety of settings and characters, each infused with the author's rich imagination and lyrical prose. Themes of love, violence, and destiny are explored through narratives that often blur the lines between reality and fantasy, capturing the complexities of human experience and emotion. This collection showcases the author's ability to illuminate the extraordinary within the ordinary, making the familiar seem fantastical and the fantastical accessible.

    The 5075th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Circle Of Friends by Maeve Binchy

    The novel centers around a group of friends from a small town in Ireland who embark on their university journey in Dublin in the 1950s. As they navigate the complexities of young adulthood, their relationships are tested by love, betrayal, and societal expectations. The story primarily follows the kind-hearted Benny and the beautiful and independent Eve as they form new friendships, confront personal challenges, and experience the pain and joy of first loves. The narrative explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood, capturing the essence of Irish life and the universal intricacies of human connections.

    The 5117th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Lantern Slides by Edna O'Brien

    "Lantern Slides" is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships and the intricacies of life in Ireland. The narratives, rich with the author's lyrical prose, explore themes of love, loss, and the struggles of the human condition. Through a tapestry of vivid characters, from young girls to old men, the stories capture the nuances of Irish society, its traditions, and the transformative power of storytelling itself. The book serves as a poignant reflection on the bittersweet nature of existence, where moments of joy and sorrow are intertwined, much like the ephemeral images of a lantern slide show.

    The 5117th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Nampally Road by Meena Alexander

    "Nampally Road" is a poignant narrative set against the backdrop of political turbulence in India. The story follows Mira Kannadical, a young woman who returns to Hyderabad after studying in England, only to find herself amidst a society rife with corruption, poverty, and political unrest. As she takes up a teaching position and begins to build a life, Mira's journey is interwoven with her personal quest for identity and her engagement with the struggles of the people around her. The novel explores themes of self-discovery, social injustice, and the complexities of postcolonial India, all while painting a vivid portrait of the city of Hyderabad and the titular Nampally Road, which becomes a symbol of the country's chaotic and vibrant life.

    The 5185th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Incantations And Other Stories by Anjana Appachana

    "Incantations And Other Stories" is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of Indian women, exploring themes of tradition, modernity, and identity. The narratives often focus on the personal struggles and inner lives of these women as they navigate societal expectations and their own desires. Set against the backdrop of Indian culture, the stories blend the real with the surreal, weaving together the everyday with the magical through the use of incantations and folklore. The book offers a poignant look at the complexities of life and the power of storytelling in shaping one's reality and sense of self.

    The 5341st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. City of Bohane by Kevin Barry

    Set in the year 2053, the book is a dystopian tale about the city of Bohane, a place filled with vice, violence, and tribal warfare. The city is controlled by a gangster named Logan Hartnett, who is challenged by his estranged wife Macu and her lover, a rival gang leader. The narrative is filled with colorful characters, rich language, and a unique blend of futuristic and archaic elements, creating a vivid, darkly comic vision of a future Ireland.

    The 5486th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. The Sound Of Things Falling by Juan Gabriel Vásquez

    "The Sound Of Things Falling" is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex and haunting aftermath of the drug trade in Colombia. Set against the backdrop of a turbulent country, the story follows the lives of two men whose paths intertwine in unexpected ways. Through vivid storytelling and poignant reflections, the book explores themes of memory, guilt, and the lasting impact of violence on individuals and society.

    The 5722nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Selected Stories by William Trevor

    "Selected Stories" is a collection of short stories by acclaimed author William Trevor. The book features some of Trevor's most memorable and haunting tales, exploring themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. With his signature style of understated elegance and quiet, observant prose, Trevor creates characters that are both ordinary and extraordinary, capturing the subtle nuances of their lives and the emotions that drive them. From the Irish countryside to London's bustling streets, these stories offer a glimpse into the human experience and the ways in which we navigate the world around us.

    The 5830th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Death In Summer by William Trevor

    This novel delves into the life of a widower grappling with the sudden loss of his wife in an accident, leaving him to care for their infant daughter alone. Amidst his grief, he encounters a series of potential nannies, each bringing their own complexities and the past into his meticulously ordered world. The narrative weaves through themes of loneliness, the search for connection, and the shadows cast by past actions, as the protagonist navigates the challenges of new fatherhood and the intrusion of an obsessed stranger. Set against a backdrop of everyday English life, the story unfolds with subtlety and depth, exploring the nuances of human relationships and the quiet moments that define and disrupt our lives.

    The 6430th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. The Blackwater Lightship by Colm Toibin

    This novel delves into the complexities of family dynamics, reconciliation, and the AIDS crisis in 1990s Ireland. It tells the story of a young man who, after being diagnosed with AIDS, retreats to his grandmother's house in a small Irish village to spend his final days. His estrangement from his family is challenged when his sister and mother come to care for him, leading to a poignant exploration of unresolved tensions, the power of forgiveness, and the strength of familial bonds in the face of adversity and societal prejudice. Through its intimate portrayal of a family's struggle, the narrative weaves a compelling tale of love, loss, and the search for understanding.

    The 6496th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. The South by Colm Tóibín

    "The South" by Colm Toibin is a compelling novel that follows the journey of a young Irish woman named Katherine as she leaves her troubled marriage behind and embarks on a new life in Spain. Set against the backdrop of political unrest and cultural differences, Katherine's experiences in the vibrant and mysterious south of Spain shape her identity and challenge her perceptions of love, art, and self-discovery. With rich prose and nuanced characters, Toibin explores themes of longing, transformation, and the complexities of human relationships in this captivating tale.

    The 6510th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. The Forgotten Waltz by Anne Enright

    The novel is a poignant exploration of an adulterous affair set against the backdrop of the economic downturn in Ireland. It follows the story of Gina Moynihan as she reflects on her passionate, yet complicated relationship with Sean Vallely, a man she meets at a party and with whom she embarks on an affair, despite both being married to other people. The narrative delves into themes of love, desire, and the consequences of their illicit relationship, particularly in the context of Sean's ailing daughter, Evie, who becomes a symbol of the affair's impact on the families involved. The story is a candid and lyrical examination of the intricacies of marriage, memory, and the choices that shape our lives.

    The 6561st Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Surrogate City by Hugo Hamilton

    "Surrogate City" is a thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of identity and belonging. Set in a futuristic world where people can transfer their consciousness into robotic bodies, the story follows a young man named Jack who becomes a surrogate for a wealthy family. As Jack navigates his new life, he grapples with questions of authenticity, love, and the true meaning of being human. With its captivating narrative and philosophical undertones, the book offers a unique perspective on the future of technology and the essence of humanity.

    The 6577th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Strange Pilgrims by Gabriel García Márquez

    "Strange Pilgrims" is a collection of twelve short stories that explore the lives of Latin American characters who find themselves in unfamiliar European settings. The tales, infused with magical realism, delve into themes of dislocation, love, death, and the surreal experiences of immigrants. The characters, often caught between their old world and the new, face unexpected situations and encounters that challenge their understanding of reality. The stories weave a tapestry of poignant, strange, and sometimes whimsical narratives that reflect the author's signature style of blending the fantastic with the ordinary.

    The 6742nd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Eureka Street by Robert McLiam Wilson

    Set in Belfast during the tumultuous end of the Troubles, the novel is a tale of friendship, love, and the complexities of life in a city riven by political and sectarian strife. It follows the lives of two friends from different backgrounds—one Catholic, one Protestant—as they navigate the challenges of daily life amidst the violence and social upheaval of their environment. Their personal stories of romance, loss, and the search for meaning are interwoven with dark humor and a deep sense of humanity, offering a poignant reflection on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

    The 6838th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. The Woman Who Walked Into Doors by Roddy Doyle

    "The Woman Who Walked Into Doors" is a poignant and raw portrayal of a woman named Paula Spencer, who recounts her life as a victim of domestic abuse. Through her honest and unfiltered narrative, the book explores the complexities of love, addiction, and the lasting impact of trauma on one's identity. Paula's story is a powerful examination of resilience and the strength it takes to break free from the cycle of violence.

    The 6844th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Reading In The Dark by Seamus Deane

    "Reading In The Dark" is a captivating novel that delves into the complex history of Northern Ireland through the eyes of an unnamed protagonist. Set against the backdrop of political turmoil and sectarian violence, the story follows the protagonist's journey of self-discovery as he unravels family secrets and confronts the ghosts of the past. Seamlessly blending personal and political narratives, the book explores themes of memory, identity, and the power of storytelling, ultimately offering a poignant reflection on the lasting impact of history on individuals and communities.

    The 6852nd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. The Heather Blazing by Colm Tóibín

    The protagonist, a respected Irish judge, reflects on his life as he spends his summer vacation in a seaside town in Ireland. As he navigates through the complexities of his professional life, he also grapples with his past, including the loss of his parents and his brother, his wife's infertility, and the changing political landscape of Ireland. The novel explores themes of memory, loss, and the tension between personal desires and societal expectations.

    The 6897th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. The Snapper by Roddy Doyle

    The book is a humorous and poignant exploration of working-class Dublin life through the story of a young woman who becomes pregnant after a drunken night out. The narrative unfolds as she and her large, boisterous family come to terms with the impending arrival of the baby, referred to affectionately as "the snapper." The novel delves into themes of family dynamics, societal expectations, and the strength of community bonds as the protagonist navigates her pregnancy with resilience and the support of her endearingly flawed family. The story is celebrated for its authentic dialogue, rich characterization, and the warmth and wit with which it addresses serious issues.

    The 6911th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. A Long Long Way by Sebastian Barry

    This novel vividly captures the harrowing experiences of a young Irish soldier caught in the brutal trenches of World War I. As he navigates the horrors of war, he also grapples with the complex political tensions of his homeland, torn between loyalty to the British forces and the rising call for Irish independence. Through his journey, the protagonist confronts the brutal realities of conflict, the bonds of camaraderie, and the personal quest for identity amidst the chaos of war and the shifting landscapes of early 20th-century Ireland. The narrative combines historical detail with profound emotional depth, exploring themes of loyalty, identity, and the devastating impact of war on the human spirit.

    The 6941st Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. This Side Of Brightness by Colum McCann

    The novel delves into the lives of tunnel diggers beneath New York City at the turn of the 20th century, juxtaposing their stories with those of their descendants in the 1990s. It explores themes of racial tension, poverty, and the enduring human spirit through the interwoven narratives of a black sandhog who survives a harrowing tunnel collapse and his grandson, grappling with a life on the fringes of society. As the tale unfolds, it reveals the deep connections between past and present, and the invisible threads that bind the city's history to the fates of its inhabitants.

    The 6963rd Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. A Strange And Sublime Address by Amit Chaudhuri

    The book is a lyrical exploration of the nuances of everyday life, as seen through the eyes of a young boy during his summer visits to his extended family in Calcutta. The narrative delves into the boy's experiences and observations, capturing the essence of the city's vibrant culture, the idiosyncrasies of his relatives, and the slow rhythms of daily existence. Through a series of vignettes, the story paints a portrait of family life, the passage of time, and the subtle interplay between tradition and modernity in urban India.

    The 6978th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Reading Turgenev by William Trevor

    The novella presents the poignant tale of a young Irish woman trapped in a stifling marriage, who finds solace and escape in her imagination and the literature of Russian novelist Ivan Turgenev. Her life, constrained by the expectations of her small rural community and a loveless union with an older man, contrasts sharply with the passionate world she encounters in the novels she cherishes. As she retreats further into her fantasies and the comfort of her secret attic space, the lines between reality and fiction blur, offering both a refuge and a haunting reminder of the life she yearns for but cannot openly pursue.

    The 6978th 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