An Ice Cream War by William Boyd

This novel is a darkly comic exploration of the absurdity and tragedy of war, set against the backdrop of World War I in East Africa. It follows the intertwining lives of several characters, including a naive young Englishman who ventures to the German colony in East Africa to run a coffee plantation, and an American whose quest for revenge takes him to the battlefields of this lesser-known front of the war. The narrative delves into the personal impacts of global conflict, highlighting the chaos, cultural clashes, and the often ludicrous nature of colonial endeavors, all while maintaining a sharp wit. Through its vivid portrayal of a forgotten corner of history, the story examines the futility and human cost of war, as well as the arbitrary borders - both literal and metaphorical - that conflict can create and destroy.

The 4997th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 96

Since this book was first published in 1982, there is a penalty of 12.8%. The age adjusted score is 83.71.

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.