Stones For Ibarra by Harriet Doerr

The novel is a poignant exploration of life and death in a small Mexican village, as seen through the eyes of an American couple who move there to revive a family-owned copper mine. The narrative weaves together the couple's personal journey and the rich tapestry of the village's inhabitants, their traditions, and their stories. As the couple confronts the challenges of adapting to a new culture and the harsh realities of the mining business, they also grapple with their own mortality and the impact they have on the community they have grown to love. The book is a lyrical meditation on the intersections of past and present, the inevitable passage of time, and the beauty found in the simplicity of rural life.

The 2429th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 174

Since this book was first published in 1984, there is a penalty of 16.0%. The age adjusted score is 146.16.

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.