The Greatest Indian, French, British "Poverty, Fiction" Books Since 1970

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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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Poverty

The category of "Poverty" in books refers to stories that explore the experiences of individuals or communities living in poverty. These books may examine the social, economic, and political factors that contribute to poverty, as well as the personal struggles and triumphs of those living in poverty. They may also shed light on the inequalities and injustices that exist within society and the impact they have on marginalized communities. Overall, books in this category aim to raise awareness and understanding of poverty and its effects on individuals and society as a whole.

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  1. 1. A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry

    "A Fine Balance" is a poignant narrative set in India during the 1970s, a time of political turmoil and upheaval. The plot revolves around four diverse characters - a widow, a young student, and two tailors - who are brought together by fate. Through their interconnected lives, the book explores themes of caste, poverty, political corruption, and the human spirit's resilience. It offers a profound exploration of the delicate balance that sustains life amidst adversity.

    The 385th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

    "The White Tiger" is a darkly humorous novel set in modern-day India that explores the country's class struggle through the eyes of an ambitious and cunning protagonist. Born in a poor village, he moves to Delhi to work as a chauffeur for a rich family. He eventually breaks free from his life of servitude by committing an act of shocking violence, and uses his newfound freedom to become a successful entrepreneur in Bangalore. The story, told through a series of letters written to the Chinese Premier, is a scathing critique of India's social and economic disparities, and the corruption that permeates all levels of society.

    The 1526th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Saville by David Storey

    Set in a Yorkshire mining town during the Great Depression and World War II, this novel follows the life of Colin Saville, a young boy from a working-class family. His parents sacrifice everything for him to receive a quality education, hoping it will lead to a better life. However, as Colin grows up and navigates the complexities of class, identity, and relationships, he finds himself torn between his humble roots and the intellectual world he's been thrust into. The book explores themes of social mobility, alienation, and the human condition.

    The 5106th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Union Street by Pat Barker

    Set in the industrial north of England, the novel delves into the lives of seven women, each living on the same street, as they navigate the gritty realities of working-class existence. Through their interconnected stories, the narrative explores themes of poverty, domestic violence, friendship, and survival. The women, ranging from young girls to elderly matriarchs, confront their individual struggles and societal challenges, painting a vivid portrait of resilience and the human spirit in the face of adversity. Their tales, though often harrowing, are imbued with a sense of community and the unspoken bonds that tie them together.

    The 5246th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Q & A by Vikas Swarup

    The book is a gripping tale of a young Indian waiter who becomes the biggest quiz show winner in history, only to be arrested for cheating. Through a series of flashbacks and heart-wrenching stories, we learn how his life experiences provided him with the answers to the show's questions. Each chapter reveals a different episode of his past, from his childhood in the slums to various encounters that taught him lessons about love, betrayal, and survival, painting a vivid portrait of the struggle and resilience of life in contemporary India.

    The 8224th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Even The Dogs by Jon McGregor

    The novel delves into the lives of a group of society's marginalized individuals, bound together by their struggles with addiction and poverty. Through a fragmented narrative that weaves together various perspectives, the story unfolds around the death of a homeless man during a cold winter in a derelict apartment. As the authorities investigate the circumstances of his death, the interconnected tales of his companions—each grappling with their own demons and histories of loss, neglect, and trauma—come to light, painting a stark and haunting portrait of life on the fringes of society. The book is a poignant exploration of the human condition and the thin lines between visibility and invisibility in the urban landscape.

    The 9721st 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