Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

The novel weaves together multiple storylines spanning across different eras, from the 1960s Italian coastline to modern-day Hollywood. It centers around an almost-love affair between a young Italian innkeeper and an American actress who is believed to be dying. The narrative explores the complex interplay between life and art, love and dreams, as it moves through time and space, connecting a diverse cast of characters whose paths intersect in unexpected ways. The story delves into themes of missed opportunities, the impact of the past on the present, and the enduring allure of fame and ambition, all set against the backdrop of a changing cultural landscape.

The 10926th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 9

Since this book was first published in 2012, there is a penalty of 60.8%. The age adjusted score is 3.53.

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.