The Beggars' Strike by Aminata Sow Fall

The novel is a satirical exploration of a West African city where the local government decides to rid the streets of beggars, only to find that their absence disrupts the social order. The city's residents, who once relied on giving alms to the beggars as a means of securing their own spiritual salvation, are thrown into a moral crisis. The beggars, organized by a shrewd and charismatic leader, leverage their importance in the community and initiate a strike, refusing to accept alms, which leads to unforeseen consequences for the city's economy and the citizens' sense of identity. The story delves into themes of power, tradition, and the complex role of beggary in society, challenging the readers' perceptions of charity and social justice.

The 1951st greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 210

Since this book was first published in 1979, there is a penalty of 8.0%. The age adjusted score is 193.2.

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.