This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The Line of Beauty

   

   Set in the 1980s during the era of Margaret Thatcher's conservative government in Britain, this novel follows the life of a young gay man named Nick Guest. Coming from a middle-class background, he moves into the home of his wealthy friend's family and becomes infatuated with the opulence and power of the upper class. As he navigates his way through this new world, he also explores his sexuality, all while dealing with the societal and political implications of the AIDS crisis.

   The 722nd Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Swimming-Pool Library

   

   The novel follows a young, privileged, and carefree gay man living in London. His life of leisure is interrupted when he saves the life of an elderly man, who in return asks him to write his biography. As he delves into the man's past, he uncovers a hidden history of gay life that is much darker and less accepted than the one he is used to, challenging his understanding of personal and societal progress.

   The 1093rd Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Our Evenings

   

   "Our Evenings" by Alan Hollinghurst is a novel that explores the life of Dave Win, a young man of mixed heritage, navigating the complexities of class, race, and identity in England. At thirteen, Dave earns a scholarship to a prestigious boarding school, opening doors to a world of privilege and prejudice. As he grows, Dave encounters the challenges of being a working-class brown child in a predominantly white environment, discovers queer culture, and experiences love and heartbreak. His journey takes him from a budding actor in an experimental theater troupe to a contented older man in a stable marriage. Throughout his life, Dave's path intersects with the Hadlow family, particularly Giles, a childhood acquaintance turned influential politician, whose actions threaten Dave's hard-won stability. The novel spans decades, capturing the beauty, pain, and joy of Dave's life as it unfolds against the backdrop of a changing England.

   The 8538th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. The Sparsholt Affair

   

   Set against the backdrop of changing social and sexual mores in Britain, this novel intricately weaves together the lives of several characters across multiple decades, beginning in the 1940s. The narrative unfolds through the lens of a scandal involving a charismatic young man, whose allure and actions ripple through the lives of those around him, leaving a lasting impact on subsequent generations. Through its exploration of art, identity, and the complexities of human relationships, the story delves into themes of desire, secrecy, and the passage of time, painting a vivid portrait of a society in flux.

   The 11455th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. The Folding Star

   

   "The Folding Star" by Alan Hollinghurst is a captivating novel that follows the life of a young Englishman named Edward Manners who moves to Belgium to become a language tutor. As he immerses himself in the local culture, Edward becomes infatuated with one of his students, a 17-year-old boy named Luc. The novel explores themes of obsession, desire, and the complexities of relationships, as Edward's infatuation leads him down a path of self-discovery and ultimately reveals the dark secrets of his own past.

   The 14901st Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. The Stranger's Child

   

   Spanning nearly a century, this novel intricately weaves the lives of two families, exploring the shifting sands of memory, history, and identity. It begins with a weekend visit in 1913, where a young poet's presence leaves an indelible mark on those around him. As the narrative unfolds through the decades, the characters grapple with the evolving perceptions of love, art, and legacy, revealing how the past continually reshapes the present. Through a tapestry of interconnected stories, the novel delves into the complexities of human relationships and the enduring impact of fleeting moments.

   The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. O Filho Do Desconhecido

   

   A century-spanning story follows the evolving legacy of a charismatic young poet whose 1913 visit to a suburban family leaves behind a celebrated poem and a web of hidden relationships. As time, class, and desire reshape the memories of those he touched, lovers, relatives, and biographers uncover contradictions and secrets that challenge the official version of events. The result is a subtle meditation on how art, reputation, and personal histories are continually rewritten.

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