The Living End by Stanley Elkin

"The Living End" is a darkly comedic and surreal exploration of the afterlife, where the protagonist, a liquor store owner, finds himself navigating the absurdities and injustices of heaven and hell following a violent robbery that leads to his untimely death. The narrative delves into themes of divine justice, eternal punishment, and the whims of a capricious God, as the protagonist encounters a cast of bizarre characters and experiences the ultimate existential crisis. Through sharp wit and biting satire, the story critiques religious conventions and the human quest for meaning in the face of an often indifferent universe.

The 3014th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 135

Since this book was first published in 1979, there is a penalty of 8.0%. The age adjusted score is 124.2.

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.