The Return Of The Caravels by António Lobo Antunes

In this novel, the ghosts of Portugal's colonial past return to haunt the present, as the caravels from the age of exploration sail back into the Tagus River, bringing with them the historical figures from the 15th and 16th centuries. The narrative weaves together the lives of these returned explorers with those of contemporary Lisbon's denizens, blurring the lines between past and present. Through a series of interconnected stories, the book explores themes of identity, nostalgia, and the complex legacy of colonialism, as characters grapple with the dissolution of the Portuguese empire and the reintegration of its former colonies, reflecting on the impact of history on individual lives and national consciousness.

The 4122nd greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 126

Since this book was first published in 1988, there is a penalty of 22.4%. The age adjusted score is 97.78.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.