Possessing the Secret of Joy by Alice Walker

The novel explores the life of Tashi, an African woman who voluntarily undergoes the traditional ritual of female circumcision, a decision that haunts her as she moves to the United States, marries, and bears children. The emotional and physical repercussions of this act, along with her struggle to understand and reconcile with her cultural heritage, form the heart of the story. The narrative presents a powerful critique of the practice, highlighting its traumatic consequences on women's lives while also exploring themes of cultural identity, tradition, and personal freedom.

The 2055th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 252

Since this book was first published in 1992, there is a penalty of 28.8%. The age adjusted score is 179.42.

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.