The Corner That Held Them by Sylvia Townsend Warner

This novel offers a vivid portrayal of life in a medieval English convent over several decades, beginning in the 14th century. Without focusing on a central plot, it weaves together the lives, ambitions, and struggles of the nuns and their surrounding community against a backdrop of historical events like the Black Death and the Peasants' Revolt. Through detailed character studies and the depiction of daily monastic life, the narrative explores themes of faith, power, and the search for meaning in a world marked by transience and adversity. The book stands out for its rich historical detail, complex characters, and its reflection on the human condition through the lens of a secluded, yet dynamically changing, religious community.

The 2439th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 144

Since this book was first published in 1948, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 144.0.

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.