Editors’ Pick
Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feelby Peter Burchardt — on emotions, evolution & the science of feeling
View on Amazon →
Cover of The Kingdom of this World
Historical Fiction· Cuba

The Kingdom of this World

by Alejo Carpentier
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1949Spanish
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

Alejo Carpentier's The Kingdom of this World (1949) stands as one of the most significant works of historical fiction of its era. Alejo Carpentier's 'The Kingdom of this World' is a pioneering work of magical realism that recounts the history of Haiti from the perspective of a slave named Ti Noël. The novel blends historical events with myth and legend, offering a profound commentary on colonialism and the nature of power. Carpentier's vivid prose and imaginative storytelling have made this book a cornerstone of Latin American literature. Themes of magical realism, colonialism, power run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorAlejo Carpentier
Published1949
Country of Origin🇨🇺 Cuba
LanguageSpanish
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9780374530112
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇨🇺 Cuba

This book is part of Cuba's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Cuba →

Editorial Assessment

Alejo Carpentier published The Kingdom of this World in 1949, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of historical fiction from Cuba. The book's treatment of magical realism, colonialism, power, myth and legend accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Kingdom of this World among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of The Kingdom of this World lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of magical realism, colonialism, power, myth and legend is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Within Cuba's literary landscape, Alejo Carpentier occupies a significant position. The Kingdom of this World is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Guardian 100 Best Novels
list · global
20030
✍️
About the Author
Alejo Carpentier
Cuba
View Author →

Alejo Carpentier is a Cuba author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

Happy Employees
The Management Companion
Happy Employees
What Evolution Tells You About Leading People
Lead with human nature, and your team won’t just perform — they’ll thrive.
Get It on Amazon →Paperback & Kindle

What to Read Next

Cover of Midnight's Children
literary-fiction

Midnight's Children

Salman Rushdie· 1981
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The God of Small Things
literary-fiction

The God of Small Things

Arundhati Roy· 1997
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of Wolf Hall
historical-fiction

Wolf Hall

Hilary Mantel· 2009
★Booker Prize★Costa Book Award
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The Tin Drum
literary-fiction

The Tin Drum

Günter Grass· 1999
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Editorial Score98/100
Cover of Celestial Bodies
literary-fiction

Celestial Bodies

Jokha Alharthi· 2010
★Booker Prize
Editorial Score93/100
Cover of A Brief History of Seven Killings
literary-fiction

A Brief History of Seven Killings

Marlon James· 2015
★Booker Prize
Editorial Score89/100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Kingdom of this World about?

Alejo Carpentier's 'The Kingdom of this World' is a pioneering work of magical realism that recounts the history of Haiti from the perspective of a slave named Ti Noël. The novel blends historical events with myth and legend, offering a profound commentary on colonialism and the nature of power. Carpentier's vivid prose and imaginative storytelling have made this book a cornerstone of Latin American literature.

Who wrote The Kingdom of this World?

The Kingdom of this World was written by Alejo Carpentier, from Cuba. First published in 1949.

What awards has The Kingdom of this World won?

The Kingdom of this World has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Kingdom of this World worth reading?

The Kingdom of this World is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in magical realism, colonialism, power.

Where can I buy The Kingdom of this World?

You can buy The Kingdom of this World on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Kingdom of this World?

The Kingdom of this World is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is The Kingdom of this World from?

The Kingdom of this World originates from Cuba's literary tradition. Explore more books from Cuba on our country page.

Popular on 50 Best Books

Best Science Fiction Books of All TimeScience FictionBooker Prize Winners — Complete List & GuideLiterary PrizesNobel Prize in Literature — Every Winner Since 1901Literary PrizesClassic Literature Reading List — 50 Essential BooksReading GuidesBest Books for Beginners — 20 Easy Reads for New BookloversReading Guides

Explore More

🗺️More Historical FictionBrowse all Historical Fiction books🇨🇺Books from Cuba🇨🇺 Cuba literature📅1940s BooksPublished in the 1940s🏆Top 50 RankingsThe greatest books of all time