The Greatest Brazilian, Swiss "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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  1. 1. The Hour of the Star by Clarice Lispector

    "The Hour of the Star" is a poignant narrative that explores the life of Macabéa, a poor, unattractive, and naive typist living in the slums of Rio de Janeiro. The story is narrated by Rodrigo S.M., a sophisticated writer who struggles with how to accurately portray Macabéa's simple existence and her tragic fate. The novel delves into themes of identity, poverty, and the human condition, presenting a stark contrast between the lives of the rich and the poor, the educated and the ignorant, and the beautiful and the plain.

    The 502nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. I'm Not Stiller by Max Frisch

    The book is a profound exploration of identity and the human condition, revolving around a man who is arrested upon his return to his home country, Switzerland, after spending time in America. Although he insists he is not the man, Stiller, that everyone believes him to be, his protests are ignored. The story unfolds as he writes in his prison cell, reflecting on his past life and relationships, and grappling with the question of who he truly is. It's a thought-provoking narrative that challenges conventional notions of selfhood and personal identity.

    The 684th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Jakob Von Gunten by Robert Walser

    This novel is a first-person account of a young man who leaves his privileged life to enroll at a school for servants in Berlin. The protagonist's observations and experiences in the school, his interactions with the headmaster and other students, and his internal struggles and reflections form the crux of the story. The narrative, imbued with irony and dark humor, explores themes of power, submission, individuality, and the absurdity of societal norms and expectations.

    The 763rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Passion According to G.H. by Clarice Lispector

    "The Passion According to G.H." is a philosophical novel that delves into the existential crisis of a wealthy Brazilian woman who, after killing a cockroach in her maid's room, experiences a profound metaphysical crisis. The narrative unfolds as a stream of consciousness that explores themes of identity, existence, and the nature of reality. The protagonist's journey forces her to confront her own humanity, the concept of nothingness, and the chaotic, interconnected nature of life. It's a profound and introspective exploration of the human condition and the meaning of existence.

    The 1061st Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Homo Faber by Max Frisch

    "Homo Faber" is a novel about a man named Walter Faber, a highly rational and logical Swiss engineer who believes strongly in technology and progress. His life is turned upside down when he survives a plane crash in the Mexican desert, falls in love with a young woman who turns out to be his daughter, and then loses her to a tragic death. This series of events forces him to question his faith in technology and confront the irrationality of life.

    The 1231st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho

    The novel centers around Veronika, a young woman from Slovenia who, disillusioned by her life and the world, decides to commit suicide. Surviving her attempt, she wakes up in a mental institution where she learns that her failed attempt has left her with only a few days to live. During her stay, she meets a variety of characters, each with their own mental issues, who help her to see her life in a new perspective. The story explores themes of madness, individuality, and the value of life, challenging societal norms and questioning the meaning of sanity.

    The 1902nd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Moravagine by Blaise Cendrars

    The novel follows the adventures of an eccentric, violent, and mentally unstable protagonist who is released from an asylum by his psychiatrist. The pair embark on a chaotic journey across Europe and America, encountering a variety of strange and often dangerous situations. The narrative explores themes of insanity, violence, and the human condition, offering a dark and surreal critique of modern society.

    The 2117th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Devil and Miss Prym by Paulo Coelho

    A stranger arrives in the small town of Viscos, carrying with him a choice that could bless or curse the entire community. The town's inhabitants are forced to confront their deepest fears and question their moral compasses as they wrestle with the stranger's proposition: he will give them a fortune in gold if they kill one of their own. The stranger's presence stirs up chaos and brings to light the darkness within the human soul, challenging the townsfolk to make a decision that will determine their future.

    The 4905th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Two Essays on Analytical Psychology by Carl Jung

    This book contains two comprehensive essays that delve into the depths of analytical psychology. The first essay explores the role of the unconscious in the human psyche, discussing its influence on dreams, mythology, and mental illnesses. The second essay delves into the process of individuation, which is the psychological process of integrating the conscious and unconscious parts of the mind to achieve self-actualization. This work is a foundational text in understanding the theories and concepts of analytical psychology.

    The 5738th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Near To The Wild Heart by Clarice Lispector

    The novel delves into the inner life of Joana, a young woman with a complex and introspective nature, as she navigates the vicissitudes of her existence. Through a non-linear narrative and a stream-of-consciousness technique, the reader is immersed in Joana's thoughts and experiences, ranging from her childhood to her adult relationships, including her marriage to Otávio. The protagonist's search for meaning and understanding of her own identity unfolds in poetic and philosophical reflections, revealing the struggles of self-discovery and the desire to transcend the ordinary, bringing her metaphorically 'near to the wild heart' of life itself.

    The 6630th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Sweet Days of Discipline by Fleur Jaeggy

    The novel is a haunting tale of a young girl's experiences at a Swiss boarding school in the post-World War II era. The protagonist becomes infatuated with a fellow student, leading to an exploration of intense emotions, obsession, and the harsh realities of discipline and conformity within the rigid structure of the school. The narrative is characterized by its stark, minimalist prose and its exploration of themes such as loneliness, desire, and the loss of innocence.

    The 6677th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Night Train To Lisbon by Pascal Mercier

    The book revolves around a Swiss classics teacher who, upon encountering a mysterious book by a Portuguese author, becomes obsessed with the life and thoughts of the writer. This obsession leads him to abandon his job and life in Bern, embarking on an impulsive journey to Lisbon. In his quest to understand the author's fate and the resistance movement against the Portuguese dictatorship that the author was involved in, the protagonist explores themes of history, philosophy, and the complexities of human character. As he delves deeper into the past, he encounters various individuals who were connected to the author, piecing together a narrative that challenges his own understanding of life and identity.

    The 8122nd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Seven Years by Peter Stamm

    "Seven Years" is a novel about a complex love triangle. The protagonist is a man who's married to a woman he doesn't love, while he's obsessed with another woman who he doesn't understand. The novel explores the themes of love, desire, and the passage of time, as it jumps back and forth between different periods in the protagonist's life. Over the course of seven years, the protagonist grapples with his feelings and the consequences of his actions, leading to a series of dramatic and emotional revelations.

    The 8302nd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Montauk by Max Frisch

    "Montauk" is a poignant and introspective novel that explores the complexities of love, memory, and the passage of time. Through the lens of a middle-aged writer reflecting on his past romantic encounters, the book delves into themes of longing, regret, and the elusive nature of happiness. With lyrical prose and a deeply personal narrative, the story offers a profound meditation on the human condition and the fleeting nature of relationships.

    The 8959th 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