The Greatest French, British "Modernist, Social & Cultural Fiction, 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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Modernist

Modernist literature is a category of books that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by a break from traditional literary forms and a focus on individual experience and perception. Modernist writers experimented with language, form, and structure, often using stream-of-consciousness narration and fragmented storytelling to convey the complexity and ambiguity of modern life. Themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the search for meaning are common in modernist literature, which reflects the cultural and social upheavals of the time. Overall, modernist literature is a challenging and thought-provoking genre that continues to influence contemporary literature and culture.

Social & Cultural Fiction

Social & Cultural Fiction is a literary category that encompasses novels and stories that delve into the complexities of society and culture, exploring themes such as class, race, gender, and identity within specific social contexts. These narratives often provide a lens through which readers can examine the intricacies of human relationships and the impact of cultural norms and societal structures on individuals and communities. By offering a fictional yet reflective portrayal of real-world social dynamics, this genre invites readers to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences that shape our world. Authors in this category frequently use their characters and settings to comment on contemporary issues, challenge prevailing ideologies, and provoke thought about the possibility of social change, making Social & Cultural Fiction a powerful tool for empathy and a mirror for the ever-evolving human condition.

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  1. 1. In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust

    This renowned novel is a sweeping exploration of memory, love, art, and the passage of time, told through the narrator's recollections of his childhood and experiences into adulthood in the late 19th and early 20th century aristocratic France. The narrative is notable for its lengthy and intricate involuntary memory episodes, the most famous being the "madeleine episode". It explores the themes of time, space and memory, but also raises questions about the nature of art and literature, and the complex relationships between love, sexuality, and possession.

    The 6th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Stranger by Albert Camus

    The narrative follows a man who, after the death of his mother, falls into a routine of indifference and emotional detachment, leading him to commit an act of violence on a sun-drenched beach. His subsequent trial becomes less about the act itself and more about his inability to conform to societal norms and expectations, ultimately exploring themes of existentialism, absurdism, and the human condition.

    The 31st Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

    This novel is a pioneering work of modernist literature that explores the Ramsay family's experiences at their summer home on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The narrative is divided into three sections, focusing on a day in the family's life, a description of the house during their absence, and their return after ten years. The book is known for its stream of consciousness narrative technique and its exploration of topics such as the passage of time, the nature of art, and the female experience.

    The 35th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

    The novel chronicles a day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, a high-society woman in post-World War I England, as she prepares for a party she is hosting that evening. Throughout the day, she encounters various characters from her past, including a former suitor and a shell-shocked war veteran. The narrative jumps back and forth in time and in and out of different characters' minds, exploring themes of mental illness, existentialism, and the nature of time.

    The 36th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Under the Volcano by Malcolm Lowry

    Set in Mexico on the Day of the Dead in 1938, the novel follows the last day in the life of Geoffrey Firmin, a British consul with a severe alcohol addiction. Through his interactions with his estranged wife and half-brother, the book explores themes of despair, betrayal, and the destructive power of addiction, against the backdrop of political and social unrest. The impending eruption of the nearby volcano serves as a metaphor for Firmin's deteriorating mental state and the looming world war.

    The 119th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Journey to the End of The Night by Louis-Ferdinand Céline

    The novel is a semi-autobiographical work that explores the harsh realities of life through the cynical and disillusioned eyes of the protagonist. The narrative follows his experiences from the trenches of World War I, through the African jungles, to the streets of America and the slums of Paris, showcasing the horrors of war, colonialism, and the dark side of human nature. The protagonist's journey is marked by his struggle with despair, loneliness, and the absurdity of existence, offering a bleak yet profound commentary on the human condition.

    The 124th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Lady Chatterley's Lover by D. H. Lawrence

    "Lady Chatterley's Lover" is a controversial novel that explores themes of class, sexuality, and the human condition. The story revolves around a young, upper-class woman married to a paralyzed war veteran who, feeling emotionally and physically neglected, embarks on a passionate affair with the estate's gamekeeper. The narrative delves into the protagonist's sexual awakening and her struggle against societal norms, ultimately advocating for emotional honesty and physical intimacy as essential components of a fulfilling life.

    The 184th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Women in Love by D. H. Lawrence

    "Women in Love" is a novel that explores the complex relationships of two sisters, Ursula and Gudrun Brangwen, as they navigate their passions, desires, and connections with two men, Rupert Birkin and Gerald Crich, in post-World War I England. The novel delves deep into the psychological aspects of love, questioning traditional romantic love and proposing a more modern, individualistic approach to relationships. It also explores themes of industrialization, modernity, and the nature of human existence.

    The 228th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Counterfeiters by André Gide

    "The Counterfeiters" is a complex novel that explores themes of authenticity, morality, and identity, primarily through the lens of a group of friends in Paris. The story revolves around a series of counterfeit coins, which serve as a metaphor for the characters' struggles with their own authenticity and self-perception. The narrative also delves into the lives of the characters, their relationships, personal struggles, and their journey towards self-discovery. The book is noted for its non-linear structure and metafictional elements, with the author himself being a character in the story.

    The 262nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Rainbow by D. H. Lawrence

    The novel explores the lives of three generations of a farming family, the Brangwens, living in rural England in the late 19th and early 20th century. The narrative primarily focuses on the sexual and emotional maturation of Ursula Brangwen, a young woman who rejects traditional societal norms in her quest for spiritual fulfillment and personal independence. The book is known for its vivid depiction of the English countryside and its frank portrayal of sexual desire.

    The 393rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood

    This novel is a semi-autobiographical account of the author's experiences in 1930s Berlin. The protagonist, a young Englishman, observes and documents the lives of a wide range of characters, from the working class to the upper class, all against the backdrop of the rising Nazi regime. The book offers a vivid and poignant portrayal of Berlin and its inhabitants during a time of great political and social upheaval.

    The 1025th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Death on Credit by Louis-Ferdinand Céline

    "Death on Credit" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the life of a young Frenchman in Paris during the early 20th century. The protagonist, a medical student from a poor family, struggles with the harsh realities of life, including poverty, sickness, and death. The narrative is marked by its dark humor, cynicism, and scathing critique of society, reflecting the author's own experiences and views. The protagonist's journey is a constant struggle against the absurdity and despair of existence, depicted through a series of episodic adventures and misadventures.

    The 1067th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Justine by Lawrence Durrell

    "Justine" is a novel set in pre-World War II Alexandria, Egypt, and is the first in a quartet of books. The story is told from the perspective of an Irish teacher living in Alexandria, who becomes entangled in a complex love triangle with a beautiful Jewish woman named Justine and her husband, a wealthy Coptic Christian. The narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, and cultural tension against the backdrop of a city teeming with political intrigue and social unrest.

    The 1562nd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Pilgrimage by Dorothy Richardson

    "Pilgrimage" is a sequence of semi-autobiographical novels that follow the life of the protagonist, Miriam Henderson, through her journey of self-discovery in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The narrative explores Miriam's experiences, thoughts, and feelings, as she navigates through her life, dealing with issues of feminism, love, and social expectations. The book is notable for its stream of consciousness writing style, which allows readers to experience Miriam's inner world in a profound and intimate way.

    The 1613th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Vice-Consul by Marguerite Duras

    This novel follows the story of three lonely, dispossessed people in Calcutta, India: a troubled former French diplomat, a young French woman haunted by her past, and a poverty-stricken Indian woman. As their lives intersect, they grapple with desire, despair, and the struggle for redemption. The narrative is a complex exploration of colonialism, privilege, and the human condition, told through the lens of these three characters' tragic and intertwined lives.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Summer Will Show by Sylvia Townsend Warner

    Set in the 19th century, the novel follows the life of a highborn Englishwoman who, after being betrayed by her husband, decides to live independently. However, she is drawn back into a relationship when her husband's mistress, a French actress, sends for her after he falls ill. The protagonist travels to Paris, where she becomes involved in the 1848 revolution and begins a romantic relationship with the actress. The novel explores themes of gender, sexuality, and social class against the backdrop of a tumultuous historical period.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Point Counter Point by Aldous Huxley

    "Point Counter Point" is a satirical novel that explores the dilemmas of a group of intellectuals living in 1920s London. The narrative delves into their personal lives, affairs, and philosophical debates, presenting a vivid portrait of post-World War I society. The characters' diverse viewpoints on science, art, religion, and politics reflect the cultural and ideological conflicts of the time, with the author skillfully interweaving their stories to create a complex, multi-layered narrative. The novel is notable for its experimental structure, which mirrors the form of a musical counterpoint, with multiple plot lines unfolding simultaneously.

    The 2880th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Querelle by Jean Genet

    "Querelle" is a provocative novel set in the seedy port of Brest, where the protagonist, an amoral, bisexual sailor, engages in theft, drug dealing, and murder. The story explores themes of identity, sexuality, and power, presenting a dark and complex character study that challenges societal norms and expectations. The narrative is imbued with homoerotic undertones, reflecting the author's own experiences and perspectives as a gay man.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Childhood by Nathalie Sarraute

    "Childhood" is a memoir that delves into the fragmented memories of the author's early years, exploring the complexities of growing up and the formation of identity. Through a series of vignettes, the narrative captures the nuanced emotions and experiences of a young girl navigating her way through the challenges of family dynamics, societal expectations, and self-discovery. The author employs an innovative literary style, characterized by introspection and a stream-of-consciousness approach, to reflect on the elusive nature of memory and the ways in which our childhood experiences shape who we become.

    The 4506th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. The Prussian Officer by D. H. Lawrence

    "The Prussian Officer" is a tale of a young soldier and his authoritarian captain in the Prussian army. The captain, who is of noble lineage, is envious and resentful of the soldier's youth and attractiveness. As the captain's jealousy grows, he becomes increasingly abusive towards the soldier, inflicting physical and psychological torment. The story reaches a climax when the captain's cruelty drives the soldier to a breaking point, leading to a violent confrontation between the two, which ends in tragedy.

    The 7960th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Adam's Breed by Radclyffe Hall

    "Adam's Breed" by Radclyffe Hall is a captivating novel that follows the life of Adam, a talented Italian chef who leaves his small village to pursue his dreams in London. As he navigates the bustling city and the challenges of his profession, Adam's passion for food and his unwavering determination to succeed drive him forward. Along the way, he encounters love, heartbreak, and the complexities of human nature, ultimately finding solace in his culinary creations and a sense of fulfillment in his chosen path.

    The 7960th 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