Shipwrecks by Akira Yoshimura

The novel is a haunting tale set in a remote medieval Japanese village where the impoverished inhabitants rely on the grim practice of salvaging goods from shipwrecks to survive. The story follows a young boy who eagerly awaits the next shipwreck in the hope that it will bring enough wealth to prevent his family from starving or having to sell his sister into prostitution. As he grapples with the moral dilemma of desiring a disaster for his own gain, the narrative explores themes of fate, survival, and the blurred lines between misfortune and fortune. The stark and somber atmosphere of the novel underscores the harsh realities of life in a community caught in a cycle of desperation and the complex emotions that come with their reliance on the misfortunes of others.

The 6490th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 66

Since this book was first published in 1982, there is a penalty of 12.8%. The age adjusted score is 57.55.

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.