The Greatest Dutch, English "Fiction, Historical 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 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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Fiction

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

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  1. 1. The Arabian Nightmare by Robert Irwin

    "The Arabian Nightmare" is a captivating and surreal journey through the dreams and nightmares of a young scholar named Abdulla. Set in medieval Cairo, the book explores the blurred lines between reality and fantasy as Abdulla becomes entangled in a web of magical creatures, mythical beings, and supernatural occurrences. With richly descriptive prose and a deep understanding of Arabian folklore, the story delves into themes of identity, love, and the power of storytelling, leaving readers questioning the nature of dreams and the boundaries of the human imagination.

    The 1974th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Forever a Stranger by Hella S. Haasse

    "Forever a Stranger" is a historical novel set in the 19th-century Dutch East Indies, now known as Indonesia. It tells the story of Rudolf, a half-Dutch, half-Javanese boy, who is raised by his Dutch father after his Javanese mother's death. Throughout his life, Rudolf grapples with his mixed heritage and struggles to find a sense of belonging, experiencing the harsh realities of colonialism and the cultural divide between the Dutch and the Javanese. The narrative provides a critical examination of colonialism and its impact on identity, culture, and society.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Garden Where the Brass Band Played by Simon Vestdijk

    This novel explores the life of a young boy named Nol Rieske, who falls in love with the daughter of a bandmaster in a small Dutch town. As he grows older, he becomes a successful musician, but his obsession with the bandmaster's daughter, who is mentally ill, continues to dominate his life. The story is a detailed exploration of a man's lifelong infatuation and its profound impact on his personal and professional life.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Van Loon's Lives by Hendrik Willem van Loon

    The book in question is a unique blend of biography, autobiography, and fantasy, where the author imagines inviting historical figures from different eras to dinner at his home. Through a series of lively conversations and interactions, the author and his guests explore the lives and thoughts of these famous individuals, ranging from philosophers and scientists to artists and rulers. The narrative provides a creative and insightful look at history, as well as the author's own musings on life, culture, and human progress, all while blurring the lines between past and present in an engaging and whimsical manner.

    The 3093rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Twins by Tessa De Loo

    "The Twins" is a poignant narrative about twin sisters, separated at a young age due to the Second World War. One sister grows up in the Netherlands under Nazi occupation, while the other is raised in Germany as part of the Hitler Youth. After six decades of separation, they meet again and begin to share their experiences, discovering the impact of the war on their lives and the stark differences in their upbringing. The book explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the long-lasting effects of war on individuals and families.

    The 4050th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Abessijnse Kronieken by Moses Isegawa

    "Abessijnse Kronieken" is a powerful and captivating novel set in Uganda during the tumultuous era of Idi Amin's dictatorship. The story follows the life of Mugezi, a young man navigating through the complexities of love, family, and political upheaval. With richly drawn characters and vivid descriptions, the book explores themes of identity, cultural clash, and the struggle for freedom in a country torn apart by corruption and violence.

    The 6211th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Dancing In The Dark by Caryl Phillips

    "Dancing in the Dark" delves into the complex life and career of Bert Williams, a pioneering black entertainer in early 20th-century America. The novel explores Williams' struggles with his racial identity and the societal pressures that come with it, as he performs in blackface to gain acceptance and success in the predominantly white entertainment industry. Through a poignant narrative, the book examines themes of race, performance, and the personal costs of compromise in a society divided by color lines, revealing the emotional and psychological toll of Williams' choices on his personal and professional life.

    The 6721st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Voyage by Charles Morgan

    "The Voyage" by Charles Morgan is a gripping tale that follows the journey of a group of individuals aboard a ship, each with their own secrets and motives. As they navigate treacherous waters and encounter unforeseen challenges, tensions rise and alliances are tested. With vivid descriptions and intricate character development, the book explores themes of love, betrayal, and the human capacity for resilience in the face of adversity.

    The 7960th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Root And The Flower by L. H. Myers

    "The Root And The Flower" is a captivating novel that explores the life of a young Englishman named Richard Anger who travels to India in search of his identity. Set against the backdrop of the British Raj, the story delves into themes of cultural identity, love, and the clash between Eastern and Western values. As Richard navigates the complexities of Indian society, he becomes entangled in a web of relationships and encounters a diverse cast of characters that challenge his beliefs and force him to confront his own prejudices. This thought-provoking and beautifully written novel offers a profound exploration of self-discovery and the transformative power of love.

    The 7960th 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