The Kingdom of This World by Alejo Carpentier

"The Kingdom of This World" is a historical novel that explores the tumultuous period of the Haitian Revolution and its aftermath through the eyes of a slave named Ti Noël. The narrative weaves together elements of magical realism and historical fact, highlighting the brutalities of slavery, the struggle for freedom, and the rise and fall of leaders. The novel also delves into the themes of power, corruption, and the cyclical nature of history, while showcasing the rich culture and folklore of Haiti.

The 791st greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 460

Since this book was first published in 1949, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 460.0.

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.