The Greatest Korean, Bulgarian, Dutch "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 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
  2. 2. A Ballad for Georg Henig by Viktor Paskov

    "A Ballad for Georg Henig" is a narrative that explores the life of a Jewish craftsman and violin maker, Georg Henig, in the 18th century. The story is set in Bulgaria and delves into the historical events and cultural dynamics of the time, including the Ottoman rule and the social status of Jews. The protagonist's life is filled with love, loss, and the quest for artistic perfection, all against the backdrop of a society marked by religious and ethnic tensions.

    The 1886th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. 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
  4. 4. Natural Novel by Georgi Gospodinov

    "Natural Novel" is a thought-provoking and imaginative work that seamlessly weaves together various narratives and perspectives. The book explores the concept of storytelling and its power to shape our understanding of reality. Through a blend of fiction, memoir, and philosophical musings, the author delves into the complexities of human existence, the interconnectedness of life, and the search for meaning in a world filled with both beauty and tragedy. With its poetic prose and profound insights, "Natural Novel" invites readers to contemplate the boundaries between truth and fiction, ultimately challenging conventional notions of storytelling.

    The 2748th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Smell of Sadness by Alfred Kossmann

    "Smell of Sadness" is a poignant narrative that revolves around a man who, after being separated from his wife during the Second World War, embarks on a journey to find her. The story takes us through the protagonist's experiences, his encounters with various people, and his personal struggles. The book is a deep exploration of human emotions, particularly the profound sadness that permeates through the protagonist's life, making it a moving and thought-provoking read.

    The 2885th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Rituals by Cees Nooteboom

    "Rituals" is a philosophical novel that explores the lives of three men, each dealing with existential crises in post-World War II Netherlands. The narrative delves into their individual searches for meaning and purpose, their struggles with societal norms, and their attempts to establish personal rituals as a way to create order in a seemingly chaotic world. The book is a profound meditation on the human condition, examining themes of time, death, and the nature of reality.

    The 2885th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Gimmick! by Joost Zwagerman

    "Gimmick!" is a novel that explores the life of a young artist in the Amsterdam art scene during the 1980s. The protagonist is caught in a world of excess, parties, drugs, sex, and betrayal while trying to find his place and make a name for himself. The story delves into the struggles of artistic life, the lure of fame and the pitfalls of success, providing a raw and gritty depiction of the times.

    The 3428th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. 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
  9. 9. Avalanche by Blaga Dimitrova

    The novel explores the psychological and emotional landscapes of its characters against the backdrop of a natural disaster. It delves into the lives of a group of people trapped in a mountain hotel by an avalanche, examining their personal stories, relationships, and the societal structures that define them. As they confront the possibility of death and the breakdown of social order, the characters are forced to reevaluate their lives, revealing the complex interplay of human nature and the forces beyond our control. The narrative weaves together themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for meaning, all while questioning the very essence of existence and human connection amidst the chaos of the avalanche.

    The 4041st Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. 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
  11. 11. Солунският чудотворец by Fani Popova-Mutafova

    The book is a historical novel set in the early 20th century, revolving around the life of a revered monk known for his miraculous healing powers in the city of Thessaloniki. The narrative delves into the complexities of the Balkan Wars and the socio-political turmoil of the era, as seen through the eyes of various characters whose lives intersect with the monk's. As they seek solace and miracles, the story explores themes of faith, hope, and the human struggle, painting a vivid picture of the period's cultural and historical landscape.

    The 4094th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Wolf Hunt by Ivaylo Petrov

    "Wolf Hunt" is a historical novel set in the early 20th century in a rural Bulgarian village, where the lives of peasants are depicted with stark realism. The narrative revolves around a group of villagers who are tasked with hunting down a wolf that has been terrorizing their livestock. As the hunt progresses, the story delves into the complex relationships and social dynamics within the community, revealing the struggles, hardships, and resilience of the human spirit in the face of poverty, oppression, and the changing tides of history. The novel serves as a metaphor for the political and social upheavals of the time, exploring themes of survival, morality, and the human condition.

    The 4539th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

    The novel is a sweeping historical saga that follows four generations of a Korean family from the early 20th century to the 1980s, beginning in Japanese-occupied Korea and moving to Japan. It explores the family's struggles and triumphs against the backdrop of cultural and social discrimination. The game of Pachinko, a popular Japanese arcade game, serves as a metaphor for the randomness and challenges of life that the characters face, particularly in the context of their immigrant status and the enduring quest for identity, acceptance, and success in a foreign land. Through the family's experiences, the narrative delves into themes of love, sacrifice, ambition, and loyalty, painting a vivid portrait of an often invisible segment of Japanese society.

    The 6379th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Ние, мушмороците by Viktor Samuilov

    The book is a satirical exploration of the human condition, set in a dystopian society where the ruling class, known as "mushmoroks," exercises absolute control over the lives of the citizens. Through a blend of dark humor and sharp social commentary, the narrative delves into themes of power, conformity, and the loss of individuality, presenting a bleak yet insightful reflection on the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of resisting oppression. The story, while fictional, serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to question authority and the structures that seek to diminish the human spirit.

    The 5886th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. 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
  16. 16. 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
  17. 17. 18% Gray by Zachary Karabashliev

    In this gripping novel, a man finds himself at a crossroads in life, grappling with the loss of his wife and the disintegration of his marriage. In a spontaneous attempt to escape his pain and find meaning, he embarks on a transformative journey across America with a stolen stash of marijuana and a camera, capturing moments of beauty and introspection. As he travels from the East to the West Coast, his road trip becomes a quest for redemption and self-discovery, revealing the complexities of love, memory, and the pursuit of happiness.

    The 6822nd Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Wave by Suzy Lee

    "Wave" is a wordless picture book that follows the playful and imaginative journey of a young girl at the beach. Through beautifully illustrated pages, readers witness the girl's interactions with a wave, as she runs away from it, dances with it, and ultimately befriends it. The book captures the joy and wonder of childhood, highlighting the power of imagination and the beauty of nature.

    The 7062nd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Plotters by Un-su Kim

    "The Plotters" is a gripping novel set in a dystopian world where assassins are hired to eliminate targets chosen by a secret organization. Reseng, a highly skilled and detached killer, finds himself caught in a web of conspiracy and betrayal when his latest target turns out to be someone he knows. As he delves deeper into the mysterious workings of the organization, Reseng must confront his own past and question the morality of his profession. With its dark humor and unpredictable twists, this book explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions.

    The 7108th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Моливко и Сръчко в България by Valentin Postnikov, Adrian Lazarovski

    This children's book is a delightful journey that introduces young readers to the rich cultural and historical heritage of Bulgaria through the adventures of two charming characters, Моливко and Сръчко. As they traverse the beautiful landscapes of Bulgaria, they encounter various landmarks, traditions, and tales that are emblematic of the country's identity. Through their eyes, readers are invited to explore Bulgaria's treasures, from its ancient monuments to its vibrant festivals, fostering a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the nation's legacy and the wider world around them.

    The 8615th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. 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
  22. 22. Solo Leveling 02 by Dubu, CHUGONG

    "Solo Leveling 02" continues the thrilling saga of a weak hunter in a world where humans with special abilities fight monstrous creatures emerging from gates. After a near-death experience in a particularly dangerous dungeon, the protagonist discovers he has become a "solo player," gaining the unique ability to level up on his own, a power unseen in the hunter community. With his newfound strength, he embarks on a journey of self-improvement and faces increasingly perilous dungeons, all while uncovering the mysteries behind his abilities and the gates. This installment follows his challenges and growth as he aims to become one of the world's most formidable hunters.

    The 9638th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. 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
  24. 24. Ninefox Gambit by Yoon Ha Lee

    In a futuristic world, the empire relies on a rigid calendar system known as "The Hexarchate" to maintain control and suppress any dissent. When a rogue general stages a rebellion, a talented captain named Kel Cheris is chosen to quell the uprising. To achieve this, she must form an uneasy alliance with an undead tactician, Jedao, whose brilliance in warfare is matched only by his notorious treachery. As they navigate a treacherous battlefield filled with deceit, Kel must learn to trust Jedao's cunning strategies, even as she questions his true motives. With the fate of the empire hanging in the balance, Kel and Jedao embark on a high-stakes mission that will test their loyalties and reshape the very fabric of their world.

    The 10104th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee

    "Dragon Pearl" is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Min, a young fox spirit who dreams of leaving her impoverished planet and joining the Space Forces like her older brother Jun. When Jun is accused of deserting his post to search for the mythical Dragon Pearl, Min sets out to clear his name and find the pearl herself. Along the way, she discovers secrets about her family and the universe that threaten to unravel everything she knows. With the help of new friends and her shape-shifting abilities, Min embarks on a thrilling adventure filled with danger and discovery.

    The 10810th 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