Eva's Man by Gayl Jones

The novel centers around an African American woman who is incarcerated in a mental institution for poisoning and castrating her lover. Through a series of flashbacks and introspective musings, the narrative delves into her troubled past, exploring themes of sexual and emotional abuse, racial oppression, and the protagonist's complex relationships with the men in her life. The story is a harrowing examination of the protagonist's psyche and the societal forces that have shaped her experiences, ultimately leading to her act of violence. The novel's fragmented structure and poetic prose challenge readers to piece together the reality of the protagonist's life and the events that led to her incarceration.

The 5086th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 84

Since this book was first published in 1976, there is a penalty of 3.2%. The age adjusted score is 81.31.

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.