The Greatest Australian, Irish "Psychological, 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

Psychological

The Psychological genre of books typically explores the inner workings of the human mind and emotions, often delving into complex and sometimes disturbing psychological states. These books may focus on mental illness, trauma, relationships, or personal growth, and often challenge readers to confront their own beliefs and perceptions. Psychological books may be suspenseful, thought-provoking, and emotionally intense, offering readers a deep and often unsettling glimpse into the human psyche.

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. The Transit of Venus by Shirley Hazzard

    The novel follows the lives of two orphaned Australian sisters, Caroline and Grace Bell, who move to England in the post-World War II era. The story revolves around their relationships, particularly Caroline's complex and often tragic love life. The narrative is filled with themes of love, fate, time, and the intricate complexities of human relationships, all set against the backdrop of significant historical events.

    The 1198th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Fortunes Of Richard Mahony by Henry Handel Richardson

    "The Fortunes of Richard Mahony" is a trilogy that chronicles the life of an Irish-born man who emigrates to Australia during the gold rush of the 1850s. The narrative follows his journey, detailing his struggles with mental health, the challenges of marriage, and the difficulties of raising a family in a foreign land. The story provides a deep insight into the complexities of human nature, the societal norms of the time, and the challenges faced by immigrants.

    The 1367th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín

    The novel tells the story of a young Irish woman, Eilis Lacey, in the 1950s who, unable to find work at home, is sent to Brooklyn by a helpful priest where she builds a new life. She finds work, studies to become a bookkeeper, and falls in love with an Italian plumber named Tony. However, a family tragedy forces her to return to Ireland, where she must choose between her new life in America and her old life at home.

    The 2624th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Commandant by Jessica Anderson

    "The Commandant" is a historical novel that explores the life of Frances Forbes, the wife of Commandant Patrick Logan, who was a penal colony superintendent in Australia during the 19th century. The story, narrated by Frances, provides a detailed account of their life in the colony, including the harsh conditions, the social hierarchy, and the relationships between the convicts, soldiers, and officers. The narrative also delves into Frances' personal life, her loneliness, her relationship with her husband, and her struggle to maintain her sanity amidst the harsh and isolated environment.

    The 2625th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The House Of Splendid Isolation by Edna O'Brien

    The book tells the story of an old woman living in isolation in a grand but dilapidated house in rural Ireland. Her quiet life is disrupted when a fugitive on the run from the law invades her home. As she's forced to coexist with him, she begins to reflect on her own past and the history of the Irish people, leading to a complex exploration of themes such as loneliness, regret, and the struggle for national identity.

    The 4734th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Great Fire by Shirley Hazzard

    "The Great Fire" is a historical novel set in the aftermath of World War II. The story follows a British war hero, Aldred Leith, who is sent to occupied Japan to research the effects of the war on the country's culture. During his stay, he falls in love with a young girl, Helen, who is the daughter of the Australian camp commander. Despite the age difference and societal expectations, the two form a deep bond. The book explores themes of love, war, cultural change, and personal transformation.

    The 5859th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Reading In The Dark by Seamus Deane

    "Reading In The Dark" is a captivating novel that delves into the complex history of Northern Ireland through the eyes of an unnamed protagonist. Set against the backdrop of political turmoil and sectarian violence, the story follows the protagonist's journey of self-discovery as he unravels family secrets and confronts the ghosts of the past. Seamlessly blending personal and political narratives, the book explores themes of memory, identity, and the power of storytelling, ultimately offering a poignant reflection on the lasting impact of history on individuals and communities.

    The 6852nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry

    "The Secret Scripture" is a deeply moving tale of Roseanne McNulty, a centenarian who has spent most of her life in a mental institution in Ireland. As the institution is about to be demolished, her psychiatrist Dr. Grene must determine whether she's fit to be released. As he delves into her past, Roseanne reveals her life story through a secret memoir she's been writing. The narrative alternates between Roseanne's recollections and Dr. Grene's observations, revealing a tragic and complex history of Ireland's social and political changes, while also exploring themes of memory, identity, and sanity.

    The 9499th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Coming Rain by Stephen Daisley

    "Coming Rain" is a poignant and atmospheric novel set in the harsh Australian outback during the early 20th century. The story follows two vastly different characters, a young woman named Billy and an itinerant horse breaker named Tull, whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. As they navigate the unforgiving landscape, facing personal demons and confronting the brutal realities of their world, they find solace and connection in each other. With evocative prose and vivid descriptions, the book explores themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

    The 10119th 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