The Fall Of A Sparrow by Robert Hellenga

The novel explores the profound impact of personal tragedy on one's life and the journey towards healing and rediscovery. It follows the story of a classics professor who, after losing his daughter to a terrorist bombing in Italy, is consumed by grief and the need for understanding. His quest for closure and meaning takes him from the quiet halls of academia in the American Midwest to the vibrant streets of Bologna, where he immerses himself in the rich tapestry of Italian life. Along the way, he confronts his own sorrow, finds solace in new and unexpected friendships, and is challenged to open his heart again to love and joy. The narrative delves into themes of loss, redemption, and the enduring human capacity to rebuild one's life after devastating loss.

The 8142nd greatest book of all time


Ranking Details:

Our ranking system awards points to books based on their appearance and position on curated lists. Here's how it works:

Unranked Lists: For lists without specific rankings, each book receives points equivalent to the list's weight. This approach recognizes the book's inclusion on prestigious lists.

Ranked Lists: Books on ranked lists receive points in two ways:

  • Base Points: Initially, every book is awarded points equal to the list's weight, acknowledging its significance.
  • Bonus Points: Additionally, books earn bonus points based on their ranking. The total bonus pool, equal to 100% of the list's weight, is distributed among the books, with higher-ranked books receiving more points.

Exponential Distribution: The distribution of bonus points follows an exponential model. This means the top-ranked book (#1) receives significantly more bonus points than those further down the list (e.g., #100). Our algorithm ensures that higher placements are rewarded more generously, reflecting the achievement of a top rank on any given list.

This scoring system ensures that each book's ranking reflects both its presence on multiple lists and its positions within those lists, providing a comprehensive measure of its acclaim and popularity.

Total Points: 66

Since this book was first published in 1998, there is a penalty of 38.4%. The age adjusted score is 40.66.

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.