To A Distant Island by James McConkey

In "To A Distant Island," the narrative follows a protagonist who embarks on a journey retracing the steps of a 19th-century Russian writer's self-imposed exile to Sakhalin Island, situated off the eastern coast of Russia. The protagonist, seeking to understand the writer's motivations and experiences, delves into a reflective exploration that intertwines the historical account with personal introspection. As he travels through Japan and Russia towards the distant and desolate island, the book becomes a meditation on freedom, punishment, and the human condition, all while providing a vivid portrayal of the lands and peoples encountered along the way.

The 6320th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 72

Since this book was first published in 1984, there is a penalty of 16.0%. The age adjusted score is 60.48.

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.