The Greatest American "Magical Realism, Historical fiction" Books of All Time

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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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Genres

Magical Realism

Magical realism is a literary genre that weaves elements of fantasy into realistic settings, creating a narrative that exists in a harmonious balance between the ordinary and the extraordinary. In magical realist literature, the supernatural is not presented as something to be questioned or explained, but rather as an accepted part of everyday life. Characters might encounter ghosts, engage in telepathy, or experience time in non-linear ways, yet these occurrences are treated as mundane aspects of the world. This genre often explores complex themes such as identity, time, and the interconnection of reality and illusion, blurring the lines between the conceivable and the incredible. Magical realism is rooted in Latin American literature but has become a beloved and diverse genre worldwide, offering readers a lens through which the complexities of life are viewed with wonder and a subtle touch of magic.

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. Beloved by Toni Morrison

    This novel tells the story of a former African-American slave woman who, after escaping to Ohio, is haunted by the ghost of her deceased daughter. The protagonist is forced to confront her repressed memories and the horrific realities of her past, including the desperate act she committed to protect her children from a life of slavery. The narrative is a poignant exploration of the physical, emotional, and psychological scars inflicted by the institution of slavery, and the struggle for identity and self-acceptance in its aftermath.

    The 26th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich

    "Love Medicine" is a novel that explores the lives of several generations of a Native American family living on a reservation in North Dakota. The narrative is presented through a series of interconnected stories, each told from the perspective of different family members, and spans over 60 years, from 1934 to 1999. The book explores themes of love, family, identity, and the struggle between tradition and modernity. It provides a deep and poignant look into the complexities of Native American life and culture, and the challenges faced by the community.

    The 504th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko

    "Ceremony" is a novel that explores the life of Tayo, a World War II veteran of mixed Laguna Pueblo and white heritage. After returning from the war, Tayo struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and alcoholism. The novel charts his journey towards healing, which involves embracing his Native American heritage and the traditional ceremonies of his people. Along the way, he must confront racism, poverty, and the destructive forces of Western culture, ultimately finding solace and redemption in the ancient rituals and wisdom of his ancestors.

    The 739th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya

    The novel follows the story of a young boy in New Mexico in the 1940s who navigates the challenges of adolescence, faith, and identity with the guidance of a wise old woman named Ultima. Throughout the narrative, the boy grapples with moral dilemmas, the complexities of his Mexican-American heritage, and the clash between the Catholic faith and the traditional spiritual beliefs of his ancestors. The story is a rich tapestry of folklore, spirituality, and personal growth.

    The 1255th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. World's End by T. C. Boyle

    "World's End" is a multigenerational saga that takes place in upstate New York. The narrative alternates between the 17th century, where a Dutch estate is the setting for a brutal power struggle between a master and his rebellious servant, and the 1960s, where a young man struggles with his family's past and his own place in the world. The book explores themes of power, class, and the cyclical nature of history.

    The 1805th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Aegypt by John Crowley

    The novel explores the intertwining lives of several characters, primarily that of a historian who becomes obsessed with the alternative histories and esoteric knowledge of the Renaissance period. As he delves deeper into his research, he begins to question the nature of history, reality, and the possibility of there being more than one true history of the world. The narrative weaves together personal transformation, magical occurrences, and the pursuit of hidden truths, set against the backdrop of both contemporary America and historical Europe, challenging the reader's perception of reality and the boundaries between fact and fiction.

    The 3212th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. So Far From God by Ana Castillo

    The novel is a vibrant and magical realist portrayal of the lives of a mother and her four daughters in the small town of Tome, New Mexico. Blending elements of Mexican-American folklore and contemporary issues, it tells the story of the family's struggles and triumphs, weaving in themes of cultural identity, feminism, and spirituality. The narrative is rich with the supernatural and the everyday, as the characters confront challenges such as illness, economic hardship, and personal loss, while also experiencing miraculous and extraordinary events. Through their journey, the book explores the intersection of tradition and modernity, and the resilience of women within a community.

    The 3700th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Seventh Heaven by Alice Hoffman

    The novel is a captivating portrayal of suburban life in the late 1950s, where conformity and appearance are paramount. It follows the story of a divorced woman who moves into a tight-knit community, challenging the neighborhood's rigid norms and expectations. Her arrival sets off a chain of events that disrupts the seemingly perfect facade of the community, as she forms unlikely friendships and inspires other residents to confront their desires and fears. Through her influence, the characters embark on journeys of self-discovery and transformation, revealing the complexities and contradictions beneath the surface of suburban America.

    The 5107th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. A Tale For The Time Being by Ruth Ozeki

    In this introspective novel, a diary washes ashore on a remote Canadian island, bridging two disparate worlds. The journal, written by Nao, a troubled Japanese teenager, chronicles her life, her contemplation of suicide, and her relationship with her great-grandmother, a Zen Buddhist nun. The diary is discovered by a novelist, who becomes engrossed by Nao's story and is compelled to unravel the mysteries of Nao's fate and her own connection to the young girl. As the novelist reads, the boundaries between writer and reader, past and present, fiction and reality blur, creating a meditation on time, loss, and the intricate threads that connect human lives across the globe.

    The 6622nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse: A Novel by Louise Erdrich

    The novel presents the story of Father Damien Modeste, a beloved figure who has served the Ojibwe Native American community at Little No Horse for over a century. As death approaches, Father Damien pens a letter to the Pope revealing his true identity; he is a woman named Agnes DeWitt who adopted the disguise of a priest after the real Father Damien died. The narrative explores themes of faith, identity, and the often complex relationship between Native American communities and the Catholic Church.

    The 6864th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

    "The Golem and the Jinni" is a novel that explores the lives of two mythical creatures, a golem and a jinni, who find themselves in New York City in the late 19th century. The golem is created by a Jewish rabbi to be a companion for a man who dies on the voyage to America, while the jinni is released from a copper flask by a Syrian tinsmith. As they navigate their new lives, they encounter other immigrants and face challenges that force them to confront their own identities and desires. The novel is a rich and complex exploration of identity, culture, and the human experience.

    The 8185th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

    This novel follows the life of a young slave, Hiram Walker, who possesses a mysterious power related to memory and water, which he discovers after almost drowning. His journey from the plantations of Virginia to the Underground Railroad and the abolitionist movement in the North is filled with loss, love, and a desperate desire for freedom. The narrative explores themes of slavery, racial injustice, and the power of memory and storytelling, all underpinned by the protagonist's supernatural abilities.

    The 8189th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Invisible Life Of Addie La Rue by V. E. Schwab

    The book follows the story of a young woman in 18th-century France who, desperate to escape an arranged marriage and yearning for freedom, makes a Faustian bargain with a mysterious god-like figure to live forever without being remembered by anyone she meets. Her immortality becomes a curse as she moves through the centuries, leaving no mark on the world until, 300 years later, she stumbles upon a young man in a bookstore who, to her shock, remembers her name. This encounter unfolds into a tale of love, memory, and the intrinsic value of leaving one's mark on the world.

    The 8346th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff

    "Lovecraft Country" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that seamlessly blends elements of horror, science fiction, and historical fiction. Set in the 1950s, the story follows a young African American man named Atticus Turner as he embarks on a dangerous journey through the racially segregated United States. Along the way, Atticus and his friends encounter supernatural forces, face institutional racism, and confront the horrors of Lovecraftian mythology. With its richly drawn characters and exploration of racial tensions, the book offers a unique and compelling perspective on both the genre of horror and the complexities of American society.

    The 10225th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The 10,000 Doors Of January by Alix E Harrow

    In this enchanting novel, a young girl named January Scaller discovers a mysterious book that reveals a world of secret doorways leading to other realms, each unique and wondrous. As she delves deeper into its pages, she learns about her own family's connections to these other worlds and their role in guarding these portals. Set against the backdrop of the early 1900s, the story weaves a tale of adventure, self-discovery, and the power of words and stories to open doors to new possibilities. January must navigate a complex web of historical societies, hidden powers, and her own identity as she seeks to unlock the truth of her past and shape her destiny.

    The 10668th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Bird King by G. Willow Wilson

    The novel is a historical fantasy set during the reign of the last sultanate in the Iberian Peninsula. It follows the story of Fatima, a concubine in the royal court, and her friend Hassan, a mapmaker with the mystical ability to draw maps of places he's never seen and bend the shape of reality. When representatives of the Spanish Inquisition arrive to negotiate the sultan's surrender, they target Hassan for his abilities, seeing them as sorcery. Fearing for Hassan's life, Fatima helps him escape the palace. Together, they embark on a perilous journey in search of the mythical island of The Bird King, a place believed to be an earthly paradise. Along the way, they navigate the complexities of power, faith, and freedom while being pursued by forces determined to crush the last remnants of the Moorish empire.

    The 11251st 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