Charming Billy by Alice McDermott

"Charming Billy" is a poignant exploration of love, loss, faith, and the power of stories. The narrative unfolds through the memories of friends and family gathered at a Bronx bar after the funeral of Billy Lynch, a charismatic but troubled man who died of alcoholism. As the mourners share their recollections, the reader learns about Billy's lifelong love for his Irish sweetheart who he believed died young, his subsequent marriage to a woman he didn't love, and his descent into alcoholism. The truth about his sweetheart's fate and the impact of deception on his life form the crux of the story.

The 5570th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 114

Since this book was first published in 1998, there is a penalty of 38.4%. The age adjusted score is 70.22.

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.