The Greatest American, British "Postmodern, 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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Genres

Postmodern

Postmodernism is a literary movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by a rejection of traditional narrative structures and a focus on self-reflexivity and intertextuality. Postmodern literature often features fragmented narratives, unreliable narrators, and a blurring of the lines between reality and fiction. It is a genre that challenges the notion of a single, objective truth and instead embraces the idea of multiple perspectives and interpretations. Postmodern literature is often seen as a response to the modernist movement that preceded it, and it continues to be a popular and influential category for contemporary writers.

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. Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie

    The novel tells the story of Saleem Sinai, who was born at the exact moment when India gained its independence. As a result, he shares a mystical connection with other children born at the same time, all of whom possess unique, magical abilities. As Saleem grows up, his life mirrors the political and cultural changes happening in his country, from the partition of India and Pakistan, to the Bangladesh War of Independence. The story is a blend of historical fiction and magical realism, exploring themes of identity, fate, and the power of storytelling.

    The 38th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon

    The book follows the lives of two Jewish cousins, one a skilled escape artist and the other a talented artist, before, during, and after World War II. They create a popular comic book superhero, which brings them fame and fortune. However, their success is complicated by personal struggles, including the escape artist's attempts to rescue his family from Nazi-occupied Prague and the artist's struggle with his sexuality. The narrative explores themes of escapism, identity, and the golden age of comic books.

    The 254th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Sot-Weed Factor by John Barth

    "The Sot-Weed Factor" is a satirical, picaresque novel set in the late 17th century, revolving around an innocent poet from London who is tricked into becoming a tobacco sot-weed factor in Maryland. The protagonist's misadventures, filled with mistaken identities, pirates, Native Americans, and a wide array of eccentric characters, mirror the challenges and absurdities of America's early colonial period. The narrative, rich in historical detail and parody, explores themes of identity, truth, and the nature of reality.

    The 911th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. G. by John Berger

    "G." is a historical novel set in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century, tracing the life of its eponymous and mysterious protagonist 'G.' The narrative explores his relationships with women and his experiences during significant historical events such as World War I and the Italian Risorgimento. The book also delves into themes such as sexual and political identity, and the personal impact of broad social changes.

    The 1269th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Moor's Last Sigh by Salman Rushdie

    This novel follows the life of Moraes Zogoiby, the last in line of a once powerful and influential Indian family. Told from his perspective, Moraes recounts his family's history, starting with his grandparents and moving through to his own life. The narrative is filled with tales of love, betrayal, political unrest, and the supernatural. The protagonist's life is marked by a strange curse that causes him to age twice as fast as a normal human, adding a layer of urgency and tragedy to his story. The book explores themes of cultural identity, family legacy, and the passage of time.

    The 1467th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders

    The novel is set in a graveyard over the course of a single night and is narrated by a dazzling chorus of voices. The story is centered around the death of President Lincoln's 11-year-old son Willie, who resides in the Bardo, a transitional state between life and rebirth in Tibetan tradition. As Willie interacts with the other spirits stuck in this realm, his father visits the crypt to mourn, causing a struggle among the ghosts over the boy's soul. The narrative explores themes of grief, the impermanence of life, and the unresolved issues that keep us from moving on.

    The 1585th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. 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
  8. 8. The Ghost Writer by Philip Roth

    "The Ghost Writer" explores the life of Nathan Zuckerman, a young and ambitious writer who spends a night at the secluded New England home of his literary idol, E.I. Lonoff. Throughout his stay, Nathan grapples with his own aspirations, his Jewish identity, and his familial obligations, while becoming intrigued by Amy Bellette, a mysterious young woman who may have a profound connection to Lonoff. The novel delves into themes of artistic integrity, the burdens of literary influence, and the complex relationships between personal life and literary creativity.

    The 3352nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Genoa: a telling of wonders by Paul C. Metcalf

    The book is a unique blend of fiction, history, and poetry, revolving around the life and works of Herman Melville and his family. It delves into the exploration of Christopher Columbus and the discovery of America, tying these historical events with Melville's personal life and his literary masterpiece, Moby-Dick. The narrative employs a stream-of-consciousness style, offering a complex, multi-layered exploration of history, literature, and personal experience.

    The 5679th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Public Burning by Robert Coover

    "The Public Burning" is a historical fiction novel that focuses on the execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg during the Cold War era. The narrative intertwines factual events with fictional elements, including the character of Uncle Sam, who serves as one of the narrators. The book explores themes of political power, justice, and the media's role in shaping public perception. It is a satirical critique of American society and politics in the 1950s.

    The 5816th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The World As I Found It by Bruce Duffy

    "The World As I Found It" is an imaginative and intellectually engaging novel that explores the lives and minds of three towering figures in philosophy: Ludwig Wittgenstein, Bertrand Russell, and G.E. Moore. Through a blend of fact and fiction, the narrative delves into their personal and professional struggles, capturing their complex relationships, existential quests, and the profound impact they had on each other and on modern thought. The book offers a richly detailed and dramatic portrayal of the philosophical and human dimensions of these influential thinkers.

    The 9489th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Leviathan by Robert Shea, Robert Anton Wilson

    This book is a satirical science fiction novel that delves into conspiracy theories, secret societies, and the nature of reality. It follows a diverse cast of characters, including detectives, spies, and occultists, as they navigate a complex plot involving the Illuminati, a shadowy organization believed to control world events. Set against a backdrop of historical and fictional events, the narrative weaves together disparate threads into a tapestry that challenges the reader's perception of truth and power. The novel's blend of humor, philosophy, and speculative fiction makes it a unique exploration of control, freedom, and the human condition.

    The 9627th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Impressionist by Hari Kunzru

    "The Impressionist" is a captivating novel that follows the life of a mixed-race boy named Pran Nath. Born in India during the British Raj era, Pran's fate takes a dramatic turn when he is mistaken for the son of a wealthy British aristocrat. As he navigates through various identities and encounters, Pran's journey becomes a reflection of the complexities of race, class, and colonialism. With vivid prose and a keen exploration of identity, this book offers a thought-provoking exploration of one man's quest for belonging and self-discovery in a rapidly changing world.

    The 9923rd 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