The Greatest Greek, Swiss "Fiction" Books Since 1900

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 '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. Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis

    In this novel, a young intellectual who is immersed in books and ideas embarks on a journey with a passionate and adventurous older man named Zorba. The two men have contrasting personalities, which leads to a series of philosophical discussions and adventures. The story is set in Crete and explores themes of life, death, friendship, love, and the struggle between the physical and intellectual aspects of existence. Zorba's zest for life and his fearlessness in the face of death inspire the young man to embrace a more physical and spontaneous way of living.

    The 334th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. I'm Not Stiller by Max Frisch

    The book is a profound exploration of identity and the human condition, revolving around a man who is arrested upon his return to his home country, Switzerland, after spending time in America. Although he insists he is not the man, Stiller, that everyone believes him to be, his protests are ignored. The story unfolds as he writes in his prison cell, reflecting on his past life and relationships, and grappling with the question of who he truly is. It's a thought-provoking narrative that challenges conventional notions of selfhood and personal identity.

    The 681st Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Jakob Von Gunten by Robert Walser

    This novel is a first-person account of a young man who leaves his privileged life to enroll at a school for servants in Berlin. The protagonist's observations and experiences in the school, his interactions with the headmaster and other students, and his internal struggles and reflections form the crux of the story. The narrative, imbued with irony and dark humor, explores themes of power, submission, individuality, and the absurdity of societal norms and expectations.

    The 760th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Last Temptation of Christ by Nikos Kazantzakis

    This novel presents an alternative interpretation of the life of Jesus Christ, who is depicted as a conflicted, all-too-human figure who struggles with his divine destiny. The book explores his journey through life, his friendships, his fears, and his ultimate temptation to avoid crucifixion and live a normal life. The narrative delves into the psychological and emotional aspects of his experiences, creating a complex, humanized portrayal of a traditionally divine figure.

    The 1131st Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Belle du Seigneur by Albert Cohen

    "Belle du Seigneur" is a tragic love story set in the 1930s, revolving around a high-ranking Jewish official who works for the League of Nations and his passionate affair with a married Swiss aristocrat. The narrative delves deep into their intense relationship, exploring themes of obsession, self-destruction, and existential despair, all set against the backdrop of the impending Second World War. The novel is also notable for its satirical portrayal of diplomatic life and its exploration of Jewish identity.

    The 1145th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Homo Faber by Max Frisch

    "Homo Faber" is a novel about a man named Walter Faber, a highly rational and logical Swiss engineer who believes strongly in technology and progress. His life is turned upside down when he survives a plane crash in the Mexican desert, falls in love with a young woman who turns out to be his daughter, and then loses her to a tragic death. This series of events forces him to question his faith in technology and confront the irrationality of life.

    The 1224th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Z by Vassilis Vassilikos

    "Z" is a political novel that explores the events surrounding the assassination of a prominent leftist politician in Greece. The story delves into the corruption and violence that pervades the government, with the narrative alternating between the perspectives of the victim, the assassins, the investigators, and the government officials involved. The novel is a critique of political tyranny and an exploration of the struggle for justice in a corrupt system.

    The 1558th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Moravagine by Blaise Cendrars

    The novel follows the adventures of an eccentric, violent, and mentally unstable protagonist who is released from an asylum by his psychiatrist. The pair embark on a chaotic journey across Europe and America, encountering a variety of strange and often dangerous situations. The narrative explores themes of insanity, violence, and the human condition, offering a dark and surreal critique of modern society.

    The 2109th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Pledge by Friedrich Dürrenmatt

    This book is a gripping crime story that delves into the complexities of human nature and the limitations of the justice system. It follows the journey of a retired police detective who becomes obsessed with solving the murder of a young girl, promising the victim's parents to find the perpetrator. As he delves deeper into the investigation, his methods become increasingly unconventional, straying from standard police procedure and relying instead on a meticulously crafted plan to catch the killer. The narrative challenges the conventional detective story format, exploring themes of obsession, the unpredictability of life, and the moral ambiguities of justice, ultimately questioning whether the ends justify the means in the pursuit of truth.

    The 2298th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Man in the Holocene by Max Frisch

    The book is a narrative about an elderly man who, isolated in his home during a rainstorm in the Swiss Alps, reflects on his life, mortality, and the human condition. The protagonist spends his time reading encyclopedic entries and clipping them to his wall, creating a mosaic of human knowledge and history. The narrative is interspersed with these entries, presenting a blend of fiction and non-fiction, and exploring themes of memory, time, and the fleeting nature of human existence.

    The 2311th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Judge and His Hangman by Friedrich Dürrenmatt

    This book is a crime novel set in Switzerland, where a police lieutenant is tasked with solving the murder of his former colleague. The narrative explores themes of justice, revenge, and the blurred lines between good and evil. The lieutenant, despite being terminally ill, is determined to solve the case and in the process, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that forces him to question his own morality and the nature of justice. The story is a philosophical examination of the criminal justice system and the moral dilemmas faced by those who enforce the law.

    The 2435th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Third Wedding by Kōstas Tachtsēs

    "The Third Wedding" is a powerful exploration of love, passion, and societal expectations set in mid-20th century Greece. The story revolves around a strong-willed and independent woman who has been married twice and is about to enter her third marriage. The narrative delves into her past love affairs, her struggle with the societal norms of the time, and her quest for personal freedom. The book is a poignant commentary on the condition of women in a patriarchal society and the sacrifices they make in the name of love and duty.

    The 2435th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Daughter by Pavlos Matesis

    "The Daughter" is a powerful novel set in Greece during the Second World War. The narrative follows the life of a young girl who is forced to grow up quickly due to the harsh realities of war. Her father, a communist, is executed by the Germans, and the girl is left to navigate the complexities of life, politics, and love in a world that is rapidly changing. The book offers a poignant exploration of the human capacity for resilience, survival, and hope in the face of unimaginable adversity.

    The 3596th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Astradeni by Eugenia Fakinou

    "Astradeni" is a coming-of-age novel set in post-World War II Greece. The story follows the life of a young girl named Astradeni, who is forced to grow up quickly due to the harsh realities of war and poverty. Despite the hardships she faces, Astradeni maintains a hopeful and imaginative spirit, often escaping into a world of myths and legends. The novel explores themes of resilience, the power of storytelling, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

    The 3671st Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Uncle Petros and Goldbach's Conjecture by Apostolos Doxiadis

    The novel follows the story of a young man who becomes fascinated by his reclusive and eccentric Uncle Petros. As he delves into his uncle's past, he uncovers Petros' obsession with proving Goldbach's Conjecture, a famous unsolved problem in number theory. This obsession led to Petros' alienation from society and ultimately his downfall. The book explores themes of mathematical obsession, family relationships, and the fine line between genius and madness.

    The 3748th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Colonel Liapkin by M. Karagatsis

    The novel revolves around the life and experiences of Colonel Liapkin, a Russian émigré living in Athens during the interwar period. Struggling with the loss of his homeland and status, Liapkin navigates the complexities of his new life in Greece, dealing with issues of identity, exile, and the search for meaning in a world that has drastically changed. Through his interactions with a diverse cast of characters, the narrative delves into themes of nostalgia, cultural displacement, and the quest for personal redemption, painting a vivid picture of the émigré experience in the early 20th century.

    The 3782nd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Το Θείο Τραγί by Yiannis Skarimbas

    This novel is a lyrical and philosophical exploration of life, love, and the pursuit of beauty in the interwar period. Set in a picturesque Greek village, it follows the story of a young man, an idealistic poet, who becomes entangled in a complex love triangle with a beautiful village girl and his sophisticated urban cousin. Through poetic language and rich symbolism, the narrative delves into themes of innocence versus experience, the clash between rural and urban values, and the eternal quest for the divine in the mundane. The protagonist's journey is a reflective odyssey that questions the nature of beauty, art, and human connection, making this work a timeless meditation on the essence of life itself.

    The 3782nd Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. The Great Chimera by M. Karagatsis

    This novel is a captivating tale set in the early 20th century, revolving around the life of Maroussa, a young woman from the Greek island of Hydra. After marrying an older French naval officer, she moves to France, only to find herself trapped in a loveless marriage. Her longing for passion and fulfillment leads her into the arms of another man, setting off a tumultuous series of events. The narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, and the search for identity against the backdrop of cultural and societal expectations. Rich in historical and geographical detail, the story delves into the complexities of human emotions and the eternal quest for happiness and meaning.

    The 3782nd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Το Μυθιστόρημα της Κυρίας Έρσης by Nikos-Gabriel Pentzikis

    This novel is a rich tapestry that weaves together elements of Greek folklore, Byzantine mysticism, and modernist narrative techniques to explore the life and spiritual journey of its protagonist, Lady Ersi. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Thessaloniki, a city at the crossroads of cultures and religions, the story delves into themes of memory, identity, and the search for meaning amidst the chaos of existence. Through a blend of poetic language, philosophical reflections, and vivid imagery, the novel invites readers into a world where the boundaries between reality and myth blur, offering a unique and introspective look at the human condition.

    The 3782nd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. The Story Of Andreas Kordopatis by Thanassis Valtinos

    This novel unfolds the life journey of Andreas Kordopatis, tracing his odyssey from his origins in the Peloponnese, through his ventures in the United States and his return to Greece. Set against the backdrop of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the narrative weaves through the personal and historical, exploring themes of migration, identity, and the pursuit of a better life. Through a blend of personal accounts, letters, and third-person narration, the reader is immersed in the struggles and aspirations of a man navigating the complexities of diaspora and the relentless quest for home and belonging amidst the turbulent tides of history.

    The 3782nd Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Drifting Cities by Stratis Tsirkas

    Set against the backdrop of World War II and the subsequent civil war in Greece, this novel weaves together the lives of a diverse group of characters who find themselves in Jerusalem, Cairo, and Alexandria. Through their interconnected stories, the narrative explores themes of identity, displacement, and the quest for personal and political freedom. The cities, each with their own unique atmosphere and challenges, serve as more than mere settings; they are integral to the characters' experiences, reflecting the broader historical and cultural shifts of the mid-20th century. As these individuals navigate love, betrayal, and the struggle for a sense of belonging, the book offers a rich tapestry of human resilience and the complexities of home in times of turmoil.

    The 3782nd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Flaw by Antonis Samarakis

    The book is a gripping narrative set in an unnamed totalitarian state, where the protagonist, a government clerk, finds himself inadvertently embroiled in a complex web of political intrigue and moral dilemmas after discovering a minor error in a routine report. This seemingly insignificant flaw sets off a chain of events that exposes the oppressive and corrupt nature of the regime, challenging the protagonist's loyalties and beliefs. As he navigates through a dangerous landscape of surveillance, betrayal, and resistance, the story explores themes of power, conscience, and the human spirit's resilience against authoritarianism. Through its tense and thought-provoking plot, the novel serves as a poignant critique of totalitarian systems and a testament to the individual's struggle for justice and freedom.

    The 3782nd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Ματωμένα Χώματα by Dido Sotiriou

    This novel is a poignant narrative set against the backdrop of the Greco-Turkish War and the subsequent population exchange between Greece and Turkey in the early 20th century. It tells the harrowing story of a Greek family living in Asia Minor who are forced to flee their ancestral home amidst the violence and upheaval of the time. Through their journey, the book explores themes of identity, loss, and the enduring human spirit in the face of displacement and tragedy. The narrative serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of individuals caught in the crossfire of historical events, and a reminder of the personal stories behind the broad strokes of history.

    The 3782nd Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Ο Εξώστης by Nikos Kakhtitsis

    This novel delves into the life of a young man grappling with his sexual identity amidst the conservative and oppressive societal norms of mid-20th century Greece. Through a series of introspective monologues and vivid encounters, the protagonist navigates the complexities of desire, shame, and the longing for acceptance. Set against the backdrop of post-war Greece, the narrative explores themes of alienation, the struggle for self-realization, and the quest for freedom in a rigidly structured society. The protagonist's journey is a poignant reflection on the human condition, offering a deep exploration of the internal and external conflicts arising from societal expectations and personal identity.

    The 3782nd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Η Τιμη Και Το Χρημα by Konstantinos Theotokis

    This novel delves into the moral and social decay of Corfiot society through the story of a family torn apart by greed and the pursuit of wealth. The narrative focuses on the protagonist's struggle to uphold his integrity and moral values in the face of societal pressure to prioritize financial gain over personal honor. Set against the backdrop of late 19th-century Corfu, the book offers a critical examination of the impact of materialism on human relationships and the corrosive effect of money on traditional values and ethics. Through its vivid portrayal of the protagonist's internal and external conflicts, the novel presents a timeless exploration of the human condition and the choices individuals must make between material wealth and moral virtue.

    The 3782nd 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