Desertion by Abdulrazak Gurnah

"Desertion" is a novel that intertwines two love stories set in East Africa, spanning the mid-20th century. The narrative begins with the taboo romance between a British colonial official and a local woman in the 1890s, a relationship that is abruptly severed, leaving a legacy of silence and pain. The story then shifts to the 1950s, where the impact of the earlier affair resonates through the lives of new characters, revealing the complexities of love, race, and betrayal against the backdrop of a society in the throes of political and social upheaval. The novel explores themes of cultural collision, the enduring consequences of personal choices, and the intricate tapestry of human connections that shape individual destinies and collective histories.

The 8705th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 66

Since this book was first published in 2005, there is a penalty of 49.6%. The age adjusted score is 33.26.

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.