The Greatest Hungarian, Indian "Psychological" Books of All Time

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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 God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

    This novel is a poignant tale of fraternal twins, a boy and a girl, who navigate through their childhood in Kerala, India, amidst a backdrop of political unrest and societal norms. The story, set in 1969, explores the complexities of their family's history and the tragic events that shape their lives. Their mother's transgression of caste and societal norms by having an affair with an untouchable leads to disastrous consequences, revealing the oppressive nature of the caste system and the destructive power of forbidden love. The novel also delves into themes of postcolonial identity, gender roles, and the lingering effects of trauma.

    The 225th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. 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
  3. 3. Clear Light of Day by Anita Desai

    "Clear Light of Day" is a novel set in Old Delhi, which explores the dynamics of the Das family. The story shifts back and forth in time, reflecting on the lives of siblings Bim, Raja, Baba, and Tara, and their relationships with each other and their aunts. The narrative delves into themes of memory, time, and decay, as well as the political upheaval of the Partition of India. The novel is a poignant study of family relationships, personal change, and loss.

    The 1213th 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. The Skeleton by Amrita Pritam

    "The Skeleton" is a poignant tale of a woman named Chandi who, in her pursuit of love, ends up becoming a prostitute. The narrative explores her struggle to maintain her dignity and self-respect in a society that looks down upon her profession. The book delves into themes of love, betrayal, and societal norms, offering a powerful commentary on the hypocrisy and double standards of society.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. 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
  10. 10. 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
  11. 11. 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 8203rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi

    This novel delves into the complex and fraught relationship between a mother and daughter against the backdrop of contemporary India. The daughter, now an adult, grapples with her mother's advancing dementia and the bitter memories of a childhood marked by neglect and unconventional parenting. As the mother's memory deteriorates, the daughter is forced to confront the painful legacy of their past and the ambiguity of her filial obligations. The narrative weaves through themes of memory, betrayal, and the inextricable bond of family, painting a portrait of two women bound by love and resentment in equal measure.

    The 9027th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag

    "Ghachar Ghochar" is a compelling novella that explores the dynamics of a close-knit Indian family whose lives change dramatically after a sudden financial windfall. The story, narrated by an unnamed protagonist, examines the moral and emotional complexities that arise from their newfound wealth, leading to tension, corruption, and a disintegration of their former values. The title, a nonsense phrase coined by the family, symbolizes the tangled mess their lives have become - a situation so complicated that it's beyond any solution.

    The 9142nd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. That Long Silence by Shashi Deshpande

    In this thought-provoking novel, a woman named Jaya struggles to find her identity and voice in a patriarchal society. Through introspection and reflection on her past, she grapples with the expectations placed upon her as a wife, mother, and daughter-in-law. As she navigates the complexities of her relationships and confronts societal norms, Jaya embarks on a journey of self-discovery and liberation, ultimately finding the courage to break her long silence and assert her individuality.

    The 9462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Love And Longing In Bombay by Vikram Chandra

    "Love And Longing In Bombay" is a collection of five interconnected stories set in the bustling city of Bombay. Each story explores themes of love, loss, and longing, as characters navigate their way through the complexities of relationships and the challenges of modern life. From a detective investigating a mysterious disappearance to a struggling actor caught in a web of deceit, these stories offer a glimpse into the diverse lives and emotions of Bombay's inhabitants. With richly drawn characters and evocative descriptions of the city, the book captures the essence of Bombay and delves into the universal experiences of love and longing.

    The 9584th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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