The Greatest Canadian, Spanish "Fiction" Books Since 2000

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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. 26. The MaddAddam Trilogy by Margaret Atwood

    The MaddAddam Trilogy is a dystopian series set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a man-made plague. The story revolves around a small group of survivors, including a bioengineer who helped create the new world, a woman who is the last of a religious sect, and a man who may be the last human with natural birth. The narrative explores themes of genetic engineering, corporate domination, and the consequences of playing God. The trilogy also features a new species of humanoids, designed to be peaceful, cooperative, and sustainable, who may be the future of life on Earth.

    The 7029th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny

    "Bury Your Dead" is a gripping mystery novel that intertwines three separate storylines. Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is haunted by a previous case gone wrong while he investigates a murder in Quebec City. Simultaneously, a historian delves into the history of the city, unearthing secrets that could change its perception forever. As the two narratives unfold, the past and present collide, revealing shocking truths and forcing Gamache to confront his own demons.

    The 7108th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Through The Woods by Emily Carroll

    "Through the Woods" is a haunting collection of five eerie and atmospheric graphic stories that delve into the dark and unsettling world of fairy tales and folklore. Each tale is a standalone narrative, rich with gothic themes and chilling twists, exploring the sinister things that lurk in the forest and the horrors that await in the shadows. The book's striking and evocative illustrations complement the spine-tingling tales, creating an immersive experience that draws readers into the depths of the woods where the boundary between reality and nightmare blurs. With its blend of horror, suspense, and the supernatural, the book captivates with its exploration of fear and the unknown.

    The 7866th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. 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
  5. 30. The Boy In The Moon: A Father’s Journey To Understand His Extraordinary Son by Ian Brown

    "The Boy in the Moon" is a memoir written by Ian Brown, a Canadian journalist, about his life with his severely disabled son, Walker. The book chronicles Brown's struggles to understand and care for his son, who suffers from a rare genetic disorder that leaves him unable to walk, talk, or even eat on his own. Brown's journey is one of heartbreak, frustration, and ultimately, acceptance, as he learns to love and appreciate his son for who he is, rather than who he might have been. Through his compelling and deeply personal narrative, Brown sheds light on the challenges faced by families with disabled children, and offers a poignant meditation on the nature of love, family, and the human condition.

    The 7922nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. The Cellist Of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway

    This novel is a poignant exploration of the human spirit set against the backdrop of the Siege of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War. It follows the lives of three individuals: a cellist who vows to play at the site of a mortar attack for 22 days in tribute to the victims, a woman who must navigate the city's dangerous streets to fetch water for her family, and a man struggling with the moral complexities of survival. Through their interconnected stories, the book delves into themes of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of music to offer solace and resistance against the backdrop of war's devastation.

    The 8089th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. The Rage Of Dragons by Evan Winter

    The book is a gripping fantasy tale set in a world inspired by African mythology, where a caste-driven society is locked in a perpetual war with hordes of dragons. The protagonist, born into the lowest caste, discovers an extraordinary ability to summon the power of dragons and seeks to use this power to avenge the injustices done to his people and to ascend beyond his preordained station. His quest for revenge and personal transformation is fraught with battles, political intrigue, and the challenge of overcoming a rigid social hierarchy, all while the fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance.

    The 8347th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. 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
  9. 34. Witchmark by C. L. Polk

    In a world where magic is both a gift and a curse, a war veteran with secret healing powers must conceal his abilities to avoid being enslaved by his own family. When a fatally poisoned patient reveals a dire conspiracy, the healer is thrust into a dangerous investigation that exposes his hidden heritage and pits him against a powerful and oppressive magical elite. As he delves deeper, he must navigate a complex web of political intrigue, forbidden romance, and family secrets, all while trying to prevent a magical war that could destroy everything he holds dear.

    The 8498th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Varieties Of Exile by Mavis Gallant

    "Varieties of Exile" is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of characters who find themselves in various forms of exile, whether geographical, emotional, or cultural. The narratives explore the complexities of displacement and the search for identity, often focusing on European émigrés in the mid-20th century. The stories are marked by sharp observation, wit, and the subtle interplay between memory and reality, as the characters navigate the challenges of adapting to new environments while grappling with the lingering ties to their pasts. Through a series of poignant and finely crafted vignettes, the book offers a nuanced examination of the human condition and the universal experience of feeling out of place.

    The 8508th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

    In a dystopian future where people have lost the ability to dream, leading to widespread madness, Indigenous people in North America are hunted for their bone marrow, which holds the cure for the rest of the world's dreamlessness. The story follows a young Indigenous boy and his companions as they navigate this perilous landscape, struggling to survive against the government "recruiters" who seek to harvest their marrow. As they journey through the ravaged lands, they must rely on their wits, their cultural heritage, and each other to retain their humanity against a society that seeks to take everything from them, including their dreams.

    The 9012th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

    This sequel to a dystopian novel set in Gilead, a totalitarian society in what was formerly part of the United States, is narrated by three female characters. The book explores the inner workings of Gilead, its politics, and its eventual downfall. It delves into the lives of the women, their struggles, and their roles in the society, providing a deeper understanding of the oppressive regime. The novel also examines themes of power, resistance, and the ways in which systems of control can be challenged and eventually dismantled.

    The 9073rd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden

    The novel follows the intertwined lives of two Cree friends, Xavier Bird and Elijah Weesageechak, who leave their native Canada to serve as snipers in the trenches of World War I. As they navigate the horrors of war, their bond is tested by the brutal realities they face and the differing paths they choose. Upon returning home, Xavier is physically and emotionally scarred, and he embarks on a healing journey with his aunt, Niska, who shares her own stories of survival and resilience. Through their shared narratives, the novel explores themes of identity, trauma, and the enduring strength of cultural heritage.

    The 9223rd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated Rosemary Valero-O’Connell

    The graphic novel centers around a high school student named Freddy who is grappling with her tumultuous relationship with the charismatic Laura Dean. Despite Laura's repeated infidelities and breakups, Freddy finds herself drawn back to Laura time and again. As Freddy navigates the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery, she begins to understand the importance of healthy relationships and self-respect. With the help of her friends, particularly her best friend Doodle, Freddy learns to set boundaries and recognize her own worth, ultimately confronting the cycle of toxic behavior and seeking a path toward personal growth and fulfillment.

    The 9251st Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. The Cat's Table by Michael Ondaatje

    In this evocative novel, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of an eleven-year-old boy who embarks on a sea voyage from Sri Lanka to England on the ship Oronsay in the early 1950s. During the journey, he is seated at the "cat's table"—the least prestigious place—along with a diverse group of adults and two other boys, with whom he forms a strong bond. As they sail across the Indian Ocean, through the Suez Canal, into the Mediterranean, the protagonist experiences a series of adventures and misadventures, uncovering the hidden depths of the adult world and the complexities of life. The voyage becomes a transformative journey for him, shaping his understanding of friendship, love, and loss, in a narrative that beautifully intertwines the past and the present.

    The 9290th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Love Her Wild by Atticus

    "Love Her Wild" is a collection of poetic entries that explore the multifaceted nature of love, adventure, and the discovery of self. The poems are a blend of short, sharp verses and longer, introspective pieces that together weave a tapestry of emotion and experience. They capture the essence of youthful exploration, both of the world and the heart, with a voice that resonates with a generation yearning for authenticity and connection. The book is a journey through love's varied landscapes, from the wild exhilaration of romance to the quiet moments of reflection, encapsulating the highs and lows of the human experience.

    The 9321st Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. War by Margaret MacMillan

    "War" by Margaret MacMillan is a comprehensive analysis of the causes, conduct, and consequences of war throughout history. Drawing on a vast range of sources, including personal accounts, political documents, and military strategy, MacMillan explores the human motivations behind war and the complex web of political, economic, and social factors that drive nations to conflict. She examines the impact of war on individuals and societies, from the trauma of soldiers on the front lines to the far-reaching political and economic consequences of global conflicts. Ultimately, MacMillan argues that war is a deeply human phenomenon, shaped by the complex interplay of individual and collective desires, fears, and ambitions.

    The 9546th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. The Middle Stories by Sheila Heti

    This collection of short stories delves into the whimsical and surreal, blending fairy-tale elements with modern existential musings. Each narrative explores themes of identity, desire, and the absurdity of human experience, often featuring characters who navigate bizarre and dreamlike scenarios. The stories are marked by a playful yet poignant tone, inviting readers to reflect on the deeper meanings hidden within the fantastical and the mundane.

    The 9585th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt

    The book is a darkly comic, Western-inspired tale that follows the notorious sibling hitmen, Eli and Charlie Sisters, as they journey through the American frontier during the 1850s Gold Rush. Tasked with killing a prospector who has allegedly stolen from their employer, the brothers grapple with a series of increasingly bizarre and violent encounters. Along the way, Eli, the more introspective of the two, begins to question their life of crime and contemplates a different future, reflecting on themes of brotherhood, redemption, and the elusive nature of the American Dream.

    The 9707th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Lullabies For Little Criminals by Heather O'Neill

    The novel follows the life of Baby, a twelve-year-old girl navigating the complexities of growing up in the seedy underbelly of Montreal. With her mother deceased and her father, Jules, struggling with heroin addiction, Baby is thrust into a world of instability and neglect. As she grapples with her longing for love and security, she becomes entangled in a series of troubling relationships and dangerous situations. Through her eyes, the story explores themes of innocence, resilience, and the harsh realities of life on the margins of society.

    The 9710th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. The Troop by Nick Cutter

    In "The Troop," a group of Boy Scouts and their scoutmaster embark on a routine camping trip to a remote island off the coast of Prince Edward Island. However, their adventure takes a horrifying turn when a bioengineered, parasitic worm infects one of the scouts. The parasite rapidly spreads among the group, driving them to madness and violence as they struggle for survival. The novel delves into themes of human nature, the corruption of innocence, and the terrifying consequences of scientific experimentation gone awry, all while maintaining a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere.

    The 9711th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Spin by Robert Charles Wilson

    The novel centers on a mysterious event in which the Earth is encapsulated by an alien barrier that drastically slows down time on the planet's surface compared to the rest of the universe. As stars disappear from the night sky, three childhood friends confront an altered reality where humanity must grapple with its insignificance in the cosmos. The narrative follows their personal journeys and the global response to this existential crisis, exploring themes of time, space, and the human condition, while scientists work fervently to understand and potentially reverse the effects of the time distortion before the outside universe ages eons, leaving Earth far behind.

    The 9717th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. 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
  24. 49. Experimental Film by Gemma Files

    In this horror novel, a former film history teacher and struggling journalist discovers a mysterious early 20th-century film that may be the work of a reclusive and enigmatic female filmmaker. As she delves deeper into the history of the film and its creator, she finds herself entangled in a web of occult secrets and supernatural forces that threaten her sanity and the safety of her family. The protagonist's quest to uncover the truth behind the film leads her on a harrowing journey through the shadowy fringes of the silent movie era and into the realm of ancient folklore, where the line between reality and myth becomes dangerously blurred.

    The 9739th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Natasha And Other Stories by David Bezmozgis

    The book is a collection of interconnected short stories that explore the lives of a Latvian Jewish immigrant family in Toronto. Through the eyes of the young protagonist, Mark Berman, the stories delve into themes of identity, displacement, and the complexities of assimilation. Each narrative captures poignant moments of cultural clash, familial bonds, and personal growth, painting a vivid picture of the immigrant experience with both humor and pathos.

    The 9767th 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