The Greatest Portuguese, Mexican, Spanish "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. 1. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

    The novel follows the story of a young boy in post-war Barcelona, who discovers a mysterious book in a hidden library that his father takes him to, which houses forgotten books. The boy becomes captivated by the book and its author, but as he grows older, he realizes that someone is destroying all books written by this author. As he delves deeper into the mystery, the boy's life becomes intertwined with the author's, revealing a dark and tragic past that someone wants to be kept hidden. The story is a mix of romance, mystery, and a historical narrative set against the turbulent backdrop of a city recovering from war.

    The 1060th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Blindness by José Saramago

    In this dystopian novel, an unexplained epidemic of "white blindness" sweeps through an unnamed city, causing chaos and panic. The government responds by quarantining the afflicted in an abandoned mental hospital, where conditions quickly deteriorate into violence and squalor. Amid the despair, one woman mysteriously retains her sight and guides a small band of the blind, including her husband, through the harrowing ordeal. The novel explores themes of loss, human nature, and the fragility of civilization.

    The 1311th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. A Heart So White by Javier Marías

    The novel delves into the complexities of relationships, secrets, and communication as the protagonist, a translator and interpreter, grapples with the mysterious suicide of his father's first wife and the pervasive silence surrounding it. Through his own marriage and his observations of others', he contemplates the unsaid and the power of words, both spoken and unspoken. The narrative weaves through time and memory, exploring the impact of the past on the present and the intricate ways in which people understand and misunderstand each other.

    The 1523rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Club Dumas by Arturo Pérez-Reverte

    The book follows Lucas Corso, a book detective who is hired to authenticate a rare manuscript by Alexandre Dumas. As he delves into the investigation, he finds himself entangled in a mystery involving two other books: a rare edition of "The Three Musketeers" and a satanic text, "The Book of Nine Doors of the Kingdom of Shadows". The narrative becomes a complex puzzle as Corso uncovers connections between the books, while also dealing with a seductive woman who seems to have stepped out of a Dumas novel, a mysterious killer, and a group of bibliophiles obsessed with Dumas. The lines between fiction and reality blur as he gets closer to the truth.

    The 2350th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Bartleby & Co by Enrique Vila-Matas

    "Bartleby & Co" is a metafictional work that explores the theme of "writers of the No," authors who cease to write or never start at all. The narrator, an office worker on sick leave, uses footnotes to a nonexistent text to delve into the stories of these authors, including famous real-life figures. The book serves as a meditation on silence, refusal, and the nature of literature itself.

    The 2440th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Your Face Tomorrow: Fever and Spear by Javier Marías

    The novel explores the life of a Spanish expatriate in England who is recruited by a secretive organization due to his unique ability to interpret people's behavior. As he becomes entangled in a world of espionage, he grapples with moral and ethical dilemmas, questioning the validity of his work and the consequences of his actions. Through a blend of introspective musings and suspenseful narrative, the protagonist's life unravels, revealing a complex web of deceit, betrayal, and violence.

    The 2592nd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Gospel According To Jesus Christ by José Saramago

    This novel offers a provocative and humanized retelling of the life of Jesus Christ, diverging from traditional biblical narratives. It presents a Jesus who is all too human, grappling with the complexities of life, love, and a sense of destiny. Through a blend of biblical lore and imaginative fiction, the story explores themes of divinity, free will, and morality, challenging readers to reconsider the foundations of faith and the nature of storytelling itself. The narrative delves into Jesus's relationships, his encounters with figures such as God and the Devil, and ultimately portrays a deeply philosophical and introspective version of a figure central to Western civilization.

    The 2925th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Years with Laura Diaz by Carlos Fuentes

    "The Years with Laura Diaz" is a historical novel that centers around the life of a woman named Laura Diaz, a member of the Mexican upper class. The book explores the political and social changes in Mexico throughout the 20th century, as seen through Laura's eyes. Her journey includes a loveless marriage, a passionate affair, and a career as a photographer during the Mexican Revolution. The story weaves together personal, political, and cultural threads, creating a rich tapestry of Mexican history and the indomitable spirit of its women.

    The 3056th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Lost Children Archive by Valeria Luiselli

    "Lost Children Archive" by Valeria Luiselli is a novel that follows a family on a road trip from New York to Arizona. The parents are documentarians and are working on separate projects, while the children are preoccupied with their own interests. As they travel, the family becomes increasingly aware of the migrant crisis and the children's obsession with finding lost things takes on a new meaning. The novel explores themes of family, identity, and the power of storytelling.

    The 3709th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Treaty Of The Soul's Passions by António Lobo Antunes

    "Treaty of the Soul's Passions" is a profound exploration of human emotions and the complexities of the inner self. Through a series of interconnected stories and reflections, the narrative delves into the depths of love, despair, joy, and suffering, painting a vivid picture of the human condition. The author masterfully weaves a tapestry of characters and experiences, each revealing different facets of the soul's journey through life. With poetic language and rich psychological insight, the book invites readers to confront their own passions and question the nature of existence itself.

    The 4457th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. A Light Comedy by Eduardo Mendoza

    "A Light Comedy" is a humorous tale set in Barcelona during the 1940s, centered around a middle-aged woman who, after losing everything in the Civil War, uses her wits and cunning to survive. She turns her apartment into a boarding house for single ladies, but when the business starts to falter, she decides to concoct a plan to marry a rich American. The novel is filled with a colorful cast of characters, and is a satirical commentary on the social and political climate of the time.

    The 4474th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Heretic by Miguel Delibes

    "The Heretic" is a historical novel set during the Spanish Inquisition. It follows the life of a man born in 16th century Spain, who, despite being raised in a strictly Catholic environment, begins to question the teachings and practices of the Church. As he grows older, he becomes involved in the Protestant Reformation, risking his life in a society where heresy is punishable by death. This book explores themes of faith, religious persecution, and the struggle for freedom of thought.

    The 4759th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. In Search of Klingsor by Jorge Volpi Escalante

    "In Search of Klingsor" is a historical novel that revolves around the pursuit of a mysterious Nazi scientist named Klingsor. The story is set during World War II and the Cold War, and follows two main characters, an American physicist and a Mexican mathematician, who are tasked with finding and identifying Klingsor. The novel uses real historical figures and events to explore themes of science, war, and morality, while also delving into the complex nature of truth and deception.

    The 4834th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Soldiers of Salamis by Javier Cercas

    This novel revolves around a true event during the Spanish Civil War, where a nationalist soldier spares the life of a famous poet who was about to be executed. The story is told from the perspective of a journalist who becomes obsessed with the incident and embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about what happened. As he delves deeper, he discovers the complexities of heroism, history, and memory, and is forced to question his own understanding of these concepts.

    The 5058th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. La Dama Número Trece by José Carlos Somoza

    This novel is a thrilling blend of mystery, horror, and fantasy, revolving around a struggling writer who becomes the target of a secret society known as "The Thirteen Ladies". These shadowy figures have the ability to manipulate reality through the power of words and storytelling. As he is drawn deeper into their world, he must uncover their secrets and find a way to survive their deadly games. The narrative is a rich exploration of the power of language and mythology, with a suspenseful plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

    The 5324th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Terra Sonâmbula by Mia Couto

    "Terra Sonâmbula" by Mia Couto is a captivating novel set in war-torn Mozambique, where two individuals, a young boy and an old man, cross paths and embark on a journey that intertwines their lives. Through their encounters with other characters and their shared experiences, the book explores themes of loss, displacement, and the power of storytelling to heal and provide hope in the face of adversity. The lyrical prose and magical realism elements create a rich and evocative narrative that immerses readers in the complex and haunting world of post-colonial Mozambique.

    The 5497th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Cain by José Saramago

    The novel explores the biblical story of Cain and Abel from the perspective of Cain, after he murdered his brother. The author reimagines the Old Testament by having Cain time travel to key events and interact with biblical figures such as Noah and Abraham, challenging the traditional interpretations of morality, justice, and faith. Cain's journey reveals a critical view of God and the paradoxes of the human condition.

    The 6151st Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

    In "Mexican Gothic," a young woman named Noemí travels to a remote mansion in the Mexican countryside to rescue her cousin who has seemingly fallen under the spell of her new husband. As Noemí delves deeper into the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of the house, she uncovers dark family secrets and confronts a malevolent force that threatens their lives. Blending elements of gothic horror and Mexican folklore, this atmospheric tale explores themes of colonialism, racism, and female empowerment in a captivating and chilling narrative.

    The 6598th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Infatuations by Javier Marías

    A young woman becomes obsessed with a seemingly perfect couple she often sees at a café. When the husband is brutally murdered, she gets entangled with the widow and a mysterious man who knew the couple, leading her to question everything she thought she knew about love, death, and fate. As she delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding the husband's death, she is forced to confront unsettling truths about the nature of human relationships.

    The 7870th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Dark Back Of Time by Javier Marías

    "Dark Back of Time" is a reflective and metafictional narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, weaving together personal anecdotes, literary criticism, and philosophical musings. The book explores the author's experiences following the publication of a previous novel, which unexpectedly affects the lives of individuals who see themselves reflected in its characters. As the author delves into the consequences of his writing, he examines the elusive nature of memory, the complex interplay between art and life, and the inevitable distortions that arise when reality is transmuted into literature. The work is a profound meditation on the power of storytelling and the enigmatic passage of time that alters perception and understanding.

    The 8136th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Sepharad by Antonio Muñoz Molina

    "Sepharad" is a compelling tapestry of narratives that weaves together stories of displacement, loss, and memory across different times and geographies. The novel explores the experiences of various characters, some historical and others fictional, who face the consequences of exile and persecution. Through their interconnected tales, the book delves into the themes of identity, the enduring impact of the Spanish Inquisition, the Holocaust, and the broader human condition of searching for belonging. The title references the Hebrew word for Spain, invoking the Sephardic Jewish diaspora and the broader sense of longing for a homeland that resonates throughout the novel.

    The 8373rd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Signs Preceding the End of the World by Yuri Herrera

    The book follows the journey of a young woman who crosses the Mexico-US border to find her brother. Along the way, she encounters various characters and obstacles that challenge her identity, her understanding of her culture, and her perception of the world. The narrative is filled with allegories and metaphors that provide a deep exploration of migration, language, and identity.

    The 9010th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Gods Of Jade And Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

    In this enchanting novel, a young woman's life is forever changed when she accidentally awakens the Mayan god of death, setting off on a transformative journey that blends Mexican folklore with the allure of the Jazz Age. As she travels with the deity to restore him to his throne in the underworld, she encounters demons, sorcerers, and otherworldly beings. Along the way, she discovers her own strength and independence, challenging the expectations of her traditional family and society. The story weaves together the rich tapestry of myth with the struggles of the mortal realm, creating a captivating tale of adventure, self-discovery, and unlikely romance.

    The 9251st Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. The Invisible Guardian by Dolores Redondo

    This gripping novel unfolds in the misty and myth-shrouded Baztan Valley of Navarre, Spain, where a detective returns to her hometown to investigate a series of eerie murders. The victims, teenage girls, are found in a state that suggests ritualistic killings, drawing the detective into a complex web that ties the present crimes to her own troubled past. As she delves deeper, local superstitions and family secrets emerge, challenging her rational beliefs and forcing her to confront the possibility that the answers she seeks might be as intangible as the mythical Basajaun, the invisible guardian of the forest. The story masterfully blends elements of crime, folklore, and psychological thriller, creating a suspenseful narrative that keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

    The 9724th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Sudden Death by Alvaro Enrigue

    "Sudden Death" is a historical fiction novel that revolves around a fictional tennis match between the Italian painter, Caravaggio, and the Spanish poet, Francisco de Quevedo. The narrative jumps through time and space, touching on the conquest of the Americas, the political machinations of the Vatican, and the personal lives and rivalries of historical figures. The book uses this surreal and humorous setup to explore themes of art, power, and the chaotic, violent nature of the world.

    The 9975th 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