The Girl Who Played Go by Shan Sa

Set in the 1930s during the Japanese occupation of Manchuria, the novel intertwines the lives of a young Chinese girl, a master of the ancient board game Go, and a Japanese soldier. As the girl seeks refuge from the turmoil of war in the strategy and beauty of Go, she encounters the soldier in the public square where they silently engage in a series of games. The board becomes a silent battleground reflecting their personal and political struggles. Their growing connection and the insights they gain into each other's cultures and vulnerabilities lead to a poignant and tragic conclusion, underscoring the senselessness of war and the transcendent power of human connection and empathy.

The 7801st greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 78

Since this book was first published in 2001, there is a penalty of 43.2%. The age adjusted score is 44.3.

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.