Dancing In The Dark by Caryl Phillips

"Dancing in the Dark" delves into the complex life and career of Bert Williams, a pioneering black entertainer in early 20th-century America. The novel explores Williams' struggles with his racial identity and the societal pressures that come with it, as he performs in blackface to gain acceptance and success in the predominantly white entertainment industry. Through a poignant narrative, the book examines themes of race, performance, and the personal costs of compromise in a society divided by color lines, revealing the emotional and psychological toll of Williams' choices on his personal and professional life.

The 6750th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 102

Since this book was first published in 2005, there is a penalty of 49.6%. The age adjusted score is 51.41.

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.