The Greatest Polish, Swiss "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

Polish

Swiss

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. Sanatorium Under The Sign Of The Hourglass by Bruno Schulz

    "Sanatorium Under The Sign Of The Hourglass" is a surreal and enchanting novel that follows the narrator's experiences in a mysterious sanatorium. Filled with dreamlike imagery and poetic language, the book explores themes of memory, time, and the blurred line between reality and imagination. Through vivid descriptions and rich symbolism, the author delves into the depths of human existence, creating a mesmerizing and thought-provoking narrative.

    The 3001st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Beautiful Mrs. Seidenman by Andrzej Szczypiorski

    Set in Nazi-occupied Warsaw, the novel tells the story of Mrs. Seidenman, a blonde, blue-eyed Jewish widow who is arrested by the Gestapo. The narrative revolves around the eclectic group of characters in her life, including a young man who is in love with her and a lawyer who is determined to save her. The book provides a vivid and poignant depiction of life under Nazi rule, exploring themes of survival, resistance, and the resilience of the human spirit.

    The 3219th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. King Matt The First by Janusz Korczak

    This classic children's novel follows the adventures of a young boy who unexpectedly becomes king after the death of his father. Thrust into power, he embarks on a journey to reform his kingdom with ambitious ideas and a childlike sense of justice. Despite his genuine efforts to create a better world for children and promote peace among nations, he faces numerous challenges, including war, betrayal, and the complexities of governance. Through his experiences, the novel explores themes of leadership, responsibility, and the innocence of youth confronting the harsh realities of adult society. It is a poignant tale that combines fantasy with a deep moral inquiry, reflecting on the nature of power and the impact of good intentions against systemic obstacles.

    The 3276th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Trans Atlantyk by Witold Gombrowicz

    "Trans Atlantyk" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the author's experiences as a Polish writer living in Argentina during World War II. The book delves into themes of identity, language, and cultural displacement, as the protagonist navigates the challenges of being an outsider in a foreign land. With a blend of humor and introspection, the novel offers a unique perspective on the complexities of exile and the struggle to maintain a sense of self in unfamiliar surroundings.

    The 3279th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Seance and Other Stories by Isaac Bashevis Singer

    "The Seance and Other Stories" is a collection of short stories that delve into the mystical and supernatural aspects of Jewish folklore. The tales are set in various locations and time periods, from pre-war Poland to contemporary America, and feature a wide range of characters, including rabbis, scholars, demons, and dybbuks. These stories explore themes of faith, morality, love, and the struggle between good and evil, all while maintaining a blend of humor, irony, and profound insight into the human condition.

    The 4151st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Short Friday: And Other Stories by Isaac Bashevis Singer

    "Short Friday: And Other Stories" is a collection of tales that delve into the rich tapestry of Jewish life, both in the Old World and the New. The stories explore themes of faith, love, sin, and the struggle between good and evil. They feature a range of characters, from rabbis and scholars to demons and dybbuks, each grappling with their own moral and existential dilemmas. The narratives are infused with a unique blend of humor, wisdom, and a profound understanding of the human condition.

    The 4151st Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. The Complete Fiction Of Bruno Schulz: The Street Of Crocodiles, Sanatorium Under The Sign Of The Hourglass by Bruno Schulz

    "The Complete Fiction of Bruno Schulz: The Street of Crocodiles, Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass" is a collection of two surreal and imaginative novellas by Bruno Schulz. In "The Street of Crocodiles," the narrator explores his childhood memories in a bustling town filled with eccentric characters and enchanting events. In "Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass," the protagonist finds himself in a peculiar sanatorium where time seems to stand still, leading to a series of dreamlike encounters and introspective musings. Schulz's unique writing style and vivid descriptions create a captivating reading experience that blurs the line between reality and fantasy.

    The 4827th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Cinnamon Shops by Bruno Schulz

    "Cinnamon Shops" is a collection of short stories that takes readers on a whimsical journey through the author's childhood memories. Set in a small town in Eastern Europe, the stories are filled with vivid descriptions and surreal elements, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. Through the eyes of the narrator, readers are transported to a world of enchantment, where everyday objects and experiences become magical and extraordinary. With its lyrical prose and evocative imagery, this book captures the essence of childhood wonder and the power of storytelling.

    The 5089th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. The Visit by Friedrich Dürrenmatt

    The narrative revolves around the return of a wealthy woman to her impoverished hometown, where she offers the residents a disturbing proposition: a vast fortune in exchange for the life of the man who wronged her in her youth. As the townspeople's initial horror gives way to the corrupting influence of the promised wealth, moral integrity collapses, leading to a dark and cynical exploration of human nature, justice, and revenge. The story serves as a powerful commentary on the capacity for greed to erode community values and the price of justice in a world governed by materialism.

    The 5737th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. A Crown of Feathers and Other Stories by Isaac Bashevis Singer

    "A Crown of Feathers and Other Stories" is a collection of short stories that delve into the human condition, often through the lens of Jewish culture and history. The tales are filled with elements of fantasy and folklore, exploring themes such as morality, love, loss, and the struggle between good and evil. The characters grapple with ethical dilemmas, personal identities, and the complexities of relationships, while the narrative style often combines realism with the supernatural, creating a unique blend of the mundane and the mystical.

    The 5738th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Two Essays on Analytical Psychology by Carl Jung

    This book contains two comprehensive essays that delve into the depths of analytical psychology. The first essay explores the role of the unconscious in the human psyche, discussing its influence on dreams, mythology, and mental illnesses. The second essay delves into the process of individuation, which is the psychological process of integrating the conscious and unconscious parts of the mind to achieve self-actualization. This work is a foundational text in understanding the theories and concepts of analytical psychology.

    The 5738th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Collected Stories by Isaac Bashevis Singer

    The anthology is a compilation of short stories that delve into the complexities of human nature, morality, and faith, often through the lens of Jewish life in Eastern Europe and the immigrant experience in America. The tales, rich with folklore, mysticism, and philosophical introspection, explore themes of love, temptation, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. The author's masterful storytelling weaves together the mundane with the supernatural, creating a tapestry of narratives that reflect the author's own Yiddish heritage and his keen observations of the human condition.

    The 5832nd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Flights by Olga Tokarczuk

    "Flights" is a fragmented and philosophical novel that explores the theme of travel and movement. Through a series of interconnected stories and reflections, the book delves into the nature of human existence, the complexities of modern life, and the desire for freedom and escape. With its poetic language and unconventional structure, "Flights" invites readers to contemplate the transient nature of time, the significance of journeys, and the search for meaning in a world constantly in motion.

    The 6136th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. The Cyberiad by Stanislaw Lem

    "The Cyberiad" is a collection of science fiction short stories that take place in a futuristic universe where robots and artificial intelligence are prevalent. The book follows the adventures of two master inventors, Trurl and Klapaucius, as they encounter various challenges and engage in extraordinary feats of engineering and problem-solving. Through witty and imaginative storytelling, the book explores themes of technology, creativity, and the nature of humanity, offering a captivating and thought-provoking reading experience.

    The 6628th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. The Island by Gustaw Herling

    "The Island" is a novel that delves into the psychological and moral complexities faced by individuals in a Soviet labor camp during World War II. Set on an isolated island in the White Sea, the narrative follows the protagonist, a Polish prisoner, as he grapples with the harsh realities of camp life, including brutal work conditions, the struggle for survival, and the moral dilemmas posed by collaboration and resistance. Through its vivid depiction of human endurance and the exploration of themes such as freedom, human dignity, and the nature of evil, the novel offers a profound commentary on the human condition under extreme duress.

    The 6630th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Sweet Days of Discipline by Fleur Jaeggy

    The novel is a haunting tale of a young girl's experiences at a Swiss boarding school in the post-World War II era. The protagonist becomes infatuated with a fellow student, leading to an exploration of intense emotions, obsession, and the harsh realities of discipline and conformity within the rigid structure of the school. The narrative is characterized by its stark, minimalist prose and its exploration of themes such as loneliness, desire, and the loss of innocence.

    The 6677th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Blood Of Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski

    This novel is the first in a series that delves into a richly imagined fantasy world, where the fate of the realms hangs in the balance. It follows the story of a young girl who is destined for great power and the group of protectors, including a famed witcher, who must safeguard her from numerous forces seeking to control or destroy her. As political turmoil, ancient magic, and personal vendettas intertwine, the characters are drawn into a complex web of alliances and conflicts. The narrative explores themes of destiny, the nature of good and evil, and the impact of past choices on the present, all set against a backdrop of intricate world-building and vividly described battles.

    The 6906th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Three Novels by Witold Gombrowicz

    "Three Novels" is a collection that brings together a trio of existential and absurdist works exploring the fluidity of identity, the nature of form, and the rebellion against societal norms. The narratives delve into the lives of characters who grapple with the pressures of social conformity, the absurdity of existence, and the struggle for authenticity in a world that constantly tries to impose its own definitions and structures. Through a blend of dark humor, philosophical musings, and surreal events, the collection presents a unique and critical examination of the human condition, challenging readers to question their own perceptions of reality and the roles they play within it.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Yoshe Kalb by Israel Joshua Singer

    Set in the interwar period in a Polish shtetl, the novel delves into the life of a young, charismatic rabbi who becomes entangled in a complex web of passion, religious fervor, and community expectations. The protagonist, revered for his piety and learning, faces a profound moral dilemma when he is drawn to a beautiful, married woman, leading to a scandal that rocks the foundations of the traditional Jewish society. The narrative explores themes of faith, sin, and redemption, painting a vivid portrait of Eastern European Jewish life before the Holocaust.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. The Brothers Ashkenazi by Israel Joshua Singer

    Set in the Polish city of Lodz during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the novel chronicles the lives of twin brothers whose fates diverge sharply as they grow up. One becomes a wealthy industrialist, embodying the ruthless capitalism of the era, while the other is drawn to the labor movement and socialism. Their personal rivalry and ideological clashes mirror the broader social and economic transformations of their time, including the impact of World War I and the rise of the labor movement. The narrative explores themes of identity, ambition, and the complex interplay between individual actions and historical forces, painting a vivid portrait of Jewish life in Eastern Europe before the Holocaust.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Selected Stories by I. L. Peretz

    "Selected Stories" is a collection of tales that delve into the complexities of Jewish life, blending elements of folklore, religious tradition, and modernity. The stories are set against the backdrop of Eastern Europe and offer a rich tapestry of characters, from humble villagers to wise rabbis, all portrayed with a deep sense of humanity and a touch of humor. The author explores themes of faith, morality, and the struggle for justice, often employing allegory and parable to convey profound truths about the human condition. This anthology serves as a window into the cultural and social dynamics of a bygone era, reflecting the author's keen insight into the challenges and triumphs of his people.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. East River by Sholem Asch

    "East River" is a poignant narrative set in New York City during the early 20th century, exploring the lives of Jewish, Irish, and Italian immigrant communities coexisting in the Manhattan neighborhood along the East River. The novel delves into the complexities of cultural assimilation, religious tensions, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Through the intertwined stories of its diverse characters, it paints a vivid portrait of the struggles and triumphs faced by immigrants as they navigate the challenges of poverty, prejudice, and the search for identity in the melting pot of America.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. The Physicists by Friedrich Dürrenmatt

    "The Physicists" is a satirical play that delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by scientists in the nuclear age. The story is set in a mental asylum where three patients believe they are Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, and Johann Wilhelm Möbius. However, it is later revealed that two of them are spies, attempting to get a hold of Möbius's scientific discoveries, while Möbius himself pretends to be insane to prevent his dangerous knowledge from falling into the wrong hands. The play explores themes of responsibility, morality, and the potential misuse of scientific advancements.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. The Investigation by Stanislaw Lem

    "The Investigation" is a philosophical detective novel that delves into the bizarre occurrences of inexplicable human body disappearances from morgues across England. The protagonist, a young Scotland Yard lieutenant, is tasked with unraveling the mystery, which challenges the boundaries of reality and the rationality of scientific explanation. As the investigation unfolds, the narrative explores themes of existentialism, the nature of the universe, and the limits of human understanding, ultimately leaving readers questioning the very fabric of existence and the possibility of supernatural phenomena.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Night Train To Lisbon by Pascal Mercier

    The book revolves around a Swiss classics teacher who, upon encountering a mysterious book by a Portuguese author, becomes obsessed with the life and thoughts of the writer. This obsession leads him to abandon his job and life in Bern, embarking on an impulsive journey to Lisbon. In his quest to understand the author's fate and the resistance movement against the Portuguese dictatorship that the author was involved in, the protagonist explores themes of history, philosophy, and the complexities of human character. As he delves deeper into the past, he encounters various individuals who were connected to the author, piecing together a narrative that challenges his own understanding of life and identity.

    The 8122nd 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