The Greatest Ukrainian, Haitian, Croatian "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. Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat

    The novel is a poignant story of a young Haitian girl's journey from her homeland to New York City. She is sent to live with her mother, whom she barely knows, at the age of twelve. The narrative explores the protagonist's struggle to understand her Haitian identity, her mother's traumatic past, and the cultural expectations placed upon her as a woman. It delves into themes of maternal relationships, female identity, sexual trauma, and the diasporic experience, painting a vivid picture of the protagonist's struggle to reconcile her past with her present.

    The 2883rd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Death And The Penguin by Andrey Kurkov

    The book is a darkly comic novel set in post-Soviet Ukraine, following the life of a struggling writer who lands a job penning obituaries for notable figures while they are still alive. His life takes a bizarre turn when these individuals start dying mysteriously, drawing him into a world of political intrigue and crime. Accompanied by his pet penguin, the protagonist navigates the chaos of his environment, revealing the absurdities and corruption of the society around him. As he delves deeper, his unusual occupation becomes increasingly dangerous, blurring the lines between the living and the dead.

    The 3213th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Museum of Unconditional Surrender by Dubravka Ugrešić

    "The Museum of Unconditional Surrender" is a poignant and surreal narrative that explores the dislocation and fragmentation experienced by an unnamed narrator who has been exiled from her homeland, former Yugoslavia. The novel is presented as a collection of fragments, including letters, diary entries, and observations, which together portray a deep longing for a lost homeland and an exploration of memory, identity, and the power of art. The story is centered around a photograph of a walrus in a Berlin zoo, which serves as a metaphor for the narrator's own feelings of displacement and alienation.

    The 4566th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. As If I Am Not There by Slavenka Drakulic

    The book is a harrowing tale of a young woman's survival in a Balkan concentration camp during the Bosnian War. The protagonist, a school teacher, is taken from her village and forced into sexual slavery by the enemy soldiers. It's a stark exploration of the brutalities of war, the dehumanization of individuals, and the resilience of the human spirit. The narrative is a poignant commentary on the horrors of war and the resilience of women in the face of unimaginable atrocities.

    The 4834th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Moscoviad by Yuri Andrukhovych

    "The Moscoviad" is a satirical novel that follows the journey of a group of Ukrainian intellectuals as they embark on a chaotic and absurd trip to Moscow. Through a series of hilarious and bizarre encounters, the author explores the complex relationship between Ukraine and Russia, while also delving into the themes of identity, history, and cultural clashes. With its sharp wit and biting commentary, the novel offers a unique perspective on the post-Soviet era and the tensions between the two neighboring countries.

    The 5149th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Fieldwork In Ukrainian Sex by Oksana Zabuzhko

    "Fieldwork In Ukrainian Sex" is a provocative and introspective novel that delves into the complexities of identity, sexuality, and the power dynamics within relationships. Through the perspective of a young Ukrainian woman studying in America, the book explores themes of cultural clashes, personal discovery, and the search for one's own voice amidst societal expectations. With a blend of vivid storytelling and philosophical musings, the author challenges traditional norms and invites readers to question their own beliefs about love, desire, and the pursuit of happiness.

    The 5457th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Thank You For Not Reading by Dubravka Ugrešić

    "Thank You For Not Reading" by Dubravka Ugrešić is a collection of essays that explores the decline of reading culture in contemporary society. Ugrešić delves into various aspects of this phenomenon, including the impact of technology, the rise of celebrity culture, and the commodification of literature. With her sharp and witty observations, she raises important questions about the future of reading and the value of literature in an increasingly digital and image-driven world.

    The 6099th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Farming of Bones by Edwidge Danticat

    "The Farming of Bones" is a historical fiction novel that revolves around the 1937 massacre of Haitian workers in the Dominican Republic. The story is told through the eyes of a young Haitian woman working as a servant for a wealthy Dominican family. As political tensions rise, the protagonist and her fellow Haitians face increasing hostility and violence, culminating in a mass slaughter. The novel explores themes of identity, love, loss, and the human capacity for cruelty and resilience.

    The 6211th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Ministry Of Pain by Dubravka Ugrešić

    "The Ministry of Pain" is a powerful and introspective novel that follows the life of Tanja Lucić, a Croatian immigrant and former professor of literature, as she navigates the challenges of living in exile in Amsterdam. Through Tanja's perspective, the book explores themes of loss, displacement, and the struggle to preserve one's identity in a foreign land. With a blend of dark humor and poignant observations, the author delves into the complexities of memory, trauma, and the enduring pain of war, offering a profound exploration of the human condition.

    The 6412th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Dancing In Odessa by Ilya Kaminsky

    "Dancing In Odessa" is a collection of poems that explores themes of love, loss, and identity through the lens of the author's experiences growing up in Odessa, Ukraine. With vivid imagery and lyrical language, the poems delve into the complexities of personal and cultural history, capturing the resilience and beauty of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through its exploration of love and longing, the collection offers a poignant and evocative portrayal of the human condition.

    The 6412th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Voroshilovgrad by Serhiy Zhadan

    "Voroshilovgrad" is a powerful novel set in post-Soviet Ukraine, following the lives of several characters who are grappling with the consequences of war, corruption, and economic decline. The story explores themes of identity, love, and the struggle to find meaning in a society that is rapidly changing. Through vivid and poetic prose, the author paints a haunting picture of a city and its inhabitants, capturing the complexities and contradictions of life in a country in transition.

    The 6935th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Бездна голодных глаз by H. L. Oldie

    This novel unfolds in a fantastical universe where the essence of every living being is determined by their eyes, the windows to the soul, which harbor unique powers and secrets. The narrative follows the journey of a young protagonist who, born with the rarest eyes, embarks on a perilous quest to uncover the truth behind his extraordinary vision. Along the way, he encounters a myriad of characters, each with their own unique eyes and abilities, who either aid or obstruct his quest. Set against a backdrop of intricate politics, ancient prophecies, and a society where the hierarchy is determined by one's gaze, the story delves into themes of power, identity, and the quest for understanding in a world where seeing truly is believing.

    The 10087th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Krik? Krak! by Edwidge Danticat

    This book is a collection of nine short stories that depict the lives of Haitians and Haitian Americans who are grappling with issues of identity, homeland, love, and family. The stories are connected through shared themes and recurring symbols, creating a powerful narrative about the Haitian experience. The book explores the brutal history of Haiti, the challenging reality of the present, and the uncertain future, providing a profound and poignant look at the resilience and strength of the Haitian people.

    The 10132nd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Everything Inside: Stories by Edwidge Danticat

    "Everything Inside: Stories" is a collection of eight short stories, each exploring the lives of various characters from the Haitian diaspora. The narratives delve into themes of love, loss, family, and community, often set against the backdrop of political unrest or natural disasters. The stories illuminate the complexities of human relationships, the struggle of immigrants, and the enduring spirit of the Haitian people.

    The 10554th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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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