The Greatest Hungarian, Swedish "Psychological, 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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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.

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Hungarian

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  1. 1. Embers by Sandor Marai

    "Embers" is a novel about two old friends who reunite after being apart for 41 years. The story takes place in a secluded castle in the Carpathian Mountains, where the two men confront each other about a long-kept secret that has kept them apart. The narrative delves into themes of friendship, love, loyalty, and betrayal, while exploring the intricate dynamics of human relationships. The novel is a poignant examination of the nature of time and memory, and the ways in which they can shape and define our lives.

    The 722nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

    A disgraced journalist is hired by a wealthy industrialist to solve a forty-year-old mystery involving the disappearance of his niece. He is assisted in his investigation by a brilliant but deeply troubled hacker. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a twisted web of family secrets, corruption, and murder. The story is a dark and gripping exploration of Swedish society, as well as a thrilling mystery.

    The 948th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Dwarf by Par Lagerkvist

    "The Dwarf" is a dark, philosophical novel set in the Italian Renaissance, narrated by a malevolent court dwarf who serves a prince. The dwarf is a symbol for the darker side of humanity, embodying all the malice, deceit, and manipulation that one can possess. His actions and viewpoint provide a cynical commentary on human nature and the moral complexities of power, war, and love. The novel explores themes of good and evil, faith and doubt, and the destructive side of human nature.

    The 1022nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Notebook: The Proof ; The Third Lie : Three Novels by Agota Kristof

    "The Notebook: The Proof ; The Third Lie : Three Novels" is a trilogy of novels that follow the lives of twin brothers, living through the harsh realities of war, separation, and betrayal. The first novel, "The Notebook," tells the story of their survival as children in a rural town at the end of World War II. The second book, "The Proof," continues their story into adulthood, exploring the effects of their traumatic childhood. The final book, "The Third Lie," delves into the complexities of their relationship and the secrets they kept from one another. The trilogy is a poignant exploration of identity, love, and the enduring bond of brotherhood.

    The 1298th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Journey by Moonlight by Antal Szerb

    "Journey by Moonlight" tells the story of a newlywed Hungarian couple, Mihály and Erzsi, who honeymoon in Italy. Mihály, however, is haunted by his past and becomes increasingly obsessed with his adolescent years, his old friends, and a mysterious brother and sister. This results in him abandoning Erzsi in order to embark on a strange and dark journey of self-discovery. The novel explores themes of nostalgia, love, and the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations.

    The 1350th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Door by Szabó, Magda

    "The Door" by Magda Szabo is a novel about the relationship between two women, one of whom is a writer and the other is her housekeeper. The story explores themes of class, power, and the complexities of human relationships. As the two women become increasingly intertwined, their relationship becomes more and more complicated, leading to unexpected consequences for both of them. The novel is a powerful exploration of the human condition, and a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding and empathy in our interactions with others.

    The 2379th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Case Worker by György Konrád

    "The Case Worker" is a novel that follows the life of a young, disillusioned social worker in Hungary who is struggling with the grim realities of his job. He is constantly faced with the harsh and desperate situations of his clients, which include the poor, the mentally ill, and the elderly. As he tries to help them, he becomes increasingly aware of the bureaucratic and social systems that often hinder rather than aid these vulnerable individuals. This leads him to question the effectiveness of his role and the larger societal structures in place.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Kallocain by Karin Boye

    This dystopian novel presents a totalitarian world where the government exercises complete control over its citizens' lives, even their thoughts. The protagonist, a loyal soldier, invents a truth serum named Kallocain, which the government uses to extract citizens' innermost secrets. As the story unfolds, the protagonist begins to question the morality of his invention and the regime he serves, leading to a deep personal crisis. The book explores themes of individual freedom, privacy, and the dehumanizing effects of totalitarianism.

    The 2711th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Doctor Glas by Hjalmar Soderberg

    This novel revolves around a physician named Doctor Glas who finds himself morally conflicted when he falls in love with a young woman, the wife of a corrupt clergyman. The doctor is torn between his professional obligation and his personal feelings, as he contemplates murdering the clergyman to free the woman he loves. The book explores themes of love, morality, and the struggle between societal expectations and personal desires.

    The 2711th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. A Burnt Child by Stig Dagerman

    The novel delves into the psychological turmoil of a young man grappling with the complexities of adulthood and the haunting specter of his father's death. As he navigates the murky waters of guilt, desire, and rebellion, he becomes entangled in a web of relationships that challenge his understanding of love, morality, and his own identity. Set against the backdrop of post-war Sweden, the story is a poignant exploration of grief, the struggle for self-discovery, and the painful journey towards coming-of-age in a world that seems both indifferent and unforgiving.

    The 2942nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Revulsion by László Németh

    "Revulsion" is a psychological novel that delves into the depths of human emotions and societal norms. The story revolves around a protagonist who returns to his native country after a long absence, only to find himself deeply disturbed by the moral decay and hypocrisy he observes in the people around him. As he grapples with his own feelings of disgust and alienation, the novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the struggle to maintain personal integrity in the face of overwhelming social pressure. The narrative is a poignant critique of the human condition and the often-unseen forces that shape our lives and relationships.

    The 4461st Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. A Book Of Memories by Peter Nadas

    "A Book of Memories" is a complex narrative that weaves together the lives of a young Hungarian intellectual, his friends, and lovers, set against the backdrop of Eastern Europe during the Cold War. The novel delves into themes of memory, history, and identity, exploring the protagonist's personal relationships and his struggle with his own sexuality. Rich in philosophical and psychological insights, the book is a tapestry of stories within stories, where the past and present intertwine, and characters search for meaning in a world marked by political turmoil and social change.

    The 5672nd 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