The Kindly One by Jonathan Littell

"The Kindly Ones" is a controversial and provocative novel that follows the life of a former SS officer, who is of French and German descent, during and after World War II. The narrative is a first-person account of the atrocities he committed and witnessed during the Holocaust, presenting a chilling exploration of the human capacity for evil. The story also delves into his post-war life, his struggle with guilt, and his attempts to rationalize his actions. The novel is a profound and disturbing examination of the darkest aspects of human nature, history, and memory.

The 10400th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 9

Since this book was first published in 2006, there is a penalty of 51.2%. The age adjusted score is 4.39.

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.