The Greatest French, British "Postmodern, Satire, 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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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.

Satire

Satire is a genre of literature that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize and ridicule human vices, follies, and shortcomings. It is a form of social commentary that aims to expose the flaws and absurdities of society, politics, and culture. Satirical books often employ sarcasm, wit, and parody to challenge the status quo and provoke thought and reflection in readers. Satire can be both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it has been used throughout history as a powerful tool for social and political critique.

Fiction

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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. Money by Martin Amis

    "Money" is a darkly humorous novel that follows the life of John Self, a hedonistic, self-destructive director of commercials, as he navigates the excesses and depravities of 1980s New York and London. His life is filled with overindulgence in food, alcohol, drugs, and women, leading to a downward spiral of self-destruction. The novel is a satire on the excesses of capitalism and the obsession with wealth and materialism, and it also explores themes of identity, self-loathing, and the destructive power of addiction.

    The 323rd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie

    The novel follows two Indian actors who miraculously survive a plane explosion, and as a result, find themselves embodying good and evil. As they navigate their new identities, the story also delves into the life of a prophet and his creation of a new religion in a city of sand. The narrative is a blend of fantasy and reality, exploring themes of identity, religion, and the immigrant experience, while also providing a controversial interpretation of Islamic faith and the life of Prophet Muhammad.

    The 518th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Flaubert's Parrot by Julian Barnes

    The novel centers around a retired doctor's obsession with the life and works of Gustave Flaubert, a 19th-century French writer. The doctor's fascination leads him on a quest to find a stuffed parrot that once belonged to the writer. The novel is a blend of biography, literary criticism, and personal memoir, and it explores themes such as the nature of art and the difficulties of interpreting the past.

    The 629th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. London Fields by Martin Amis

    The novel is a darkly comic, murder mystery set in London at the end of the 20th century. The story follows three main characters: a terminally ill American writer, a petty criminal, and a beautiful but doomed woman who predicts her own murder but not the murderer. The narrative is filled with satirical social commentary, exploring themes of love, lust, greed, and deception.

    The 970th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. 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
  7. 7. Travesties by Tom Stoppard

    The play is a comedic and intellectual romp through Zurich during World War I, where the lives of historical figures like the Dadaist Tristan Tzara, the novelist James Joyce, and the communist revolutionary Lenin intersect through the unreliable memories of British consular official Henry Carr. The narrative is a playful, non-linear exploration of art, politics, and the nature of memory, blending slapstick humor with sharp wit and literary allusions. The work challenges the audience to consider the role of the artist in society and the impact of political upheaval on cultural expression, all while questioning the reliability of history and the very nature of truth itself.

    The 2304th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. House Mother Normal by B. S. Johnson

    "House Mother Normal" is a unique and experimental novel that provides a deep exploration of the lives of eight elderly individuals living in a nursing home. The book is written from the perspective of each character, including the house mother, with each narrative providing a detailed account of the same events from their individual viewpoints. The novel uses various innovative techniques to depict the mental and physical deterioration of the characters, offering a profound and empathetic insight into the world of the elderly and the often overlooked challenges they face.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. There But For The by Ali Smith

    There But For The is a novel that explores the interconnectedness of people's lives through the story of a man who locks himself in a room of a house he was invited to for dinner, and refuses to come out. The man's actions cause a media frenzy and bring together four individuals who have links to him, each revealing their own stories and perspectives. The book is a commentary on contemporary life, exploring themes of identity, memory, time, and the nature of connection and disconnection in society.

    The 3656th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The History Man by Malcolm Bradbury

    The novel is a satirical portrayal of academic life in the 1970s, focusing on Howard Kirk, a radical sociology lecturer at a British university. As a self-proclaimed "history man," Kirk manipulates events and people around him to align with his progressive ideologies, all while navigating the complexities of campus politics, sexual liberation, and intellectual debates. Through Kirk's character and the vibrant cast surrounding him, the book critically examines the era's social, political, and academic climates, revealing the contradictions and challenges of living according to rigid ideological principles.

    The 4405th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. La Vie Et Demie by Sony Labou Tansi

    "La Vie Et Demie" is a thought-provoking novel set in an unnamed African country, where an oppressive regime has seized power and implemented a bizarre policy of dividing its citizens into "halves" and "wholes." The story follows the life of a young girl named Sophie, who is born as a "half" and faces discrimination and hardship due to her status. Through Sophie's experiences, the author explores themes of identity, inequality, and the dehumanizing effects of totalitarianism, offering a powerful critique of social and political systems.

    The 4444th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Heartsnatcher by Boris Vian

    The novel is a surreal and satirical tale set in a bizarre town where the eccentric inhabitants live under the oppressive rule of a despotic and whimsical figure. The narrative follows the lives of the townspeople, who are subjected to absurd and often cruel whims that challenge their sanity and morality. As the story unfolds, the characters confront the absurdity of existence, the nature of love and desire, and the struggle for individual freedom against authoritarian control. The book combines elements of fantasy, dark humor, and existential philosophy, creating a unique and thought-provoking exploration of human nature and society.

    The 5210th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Blue Flowers by Raymond Queneau

    The novel is a playful and complex narrative that intertwines the stories of two characters living centuries apart: the medieval Duke of Auge as he goes on various adventures, and a modern-day Frenchman named Cidrolin who spends his days idly lounging on a barge moored on the Seine. The narrative switches back and forth between the two timelines with each chapter, employing a variety of literary styles and linguistic puns. The book is known for its experimental use of language, its humorous take on historical and contemporary life, and its exploration of themes such as time, identity, and the cyclical nature of existence.

    The 5266th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Selected Works by Alfred Jarry

    "Selected Works" by Alfred Jarry is a compilation of the most significant writings from a French author known for his pioneering work in the Absurdist and Surrealist movements. The collection showcases a range of Jarry's literary output, including plays, essays, and novels, with his most famous character, Père Ubu, often taking center stage. Jarry's work is characterized by its satirical edge, inventive language, and the subversion of traditional literary forms. His influence extends beyond literature into the realms of theatre and the visual arts, where his ideas have continued to resonate with avant-garde movements throughout the 20th century and beyond.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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