Lanark by Alasdair Gray
"Lanark" is an unconventional narrative that combines elements of fantasy, dystopia, and realism. The protagonist, a man named Lanark, moves through two parallel existences. In one, he's a young man named Duncan Thaw in post-war Glasgow, struggling with his artistic ambitions and personal relationships. In the other, he's Lanark in the grim, bureaucratic city of Unthank, suffering from a mysterious skin condition and grappling with his identity and purpose. The novel explores themes of love, alienation, creativity, and the human condition, presenting a complex and thought-provoking portrait of life and society.
The 655th greatest book of all time
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This book is on the following lists:
- 86th on The 100 Greatest Novels of All Time: The List (The Observer)
- 179th on Our Users' Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die (The Book)
- Modern Fantasy: The 100 Best Novels (Modern Fantasy: The 100 Best Novels (Book))
- The Modern Library: The Two Hundred Best Novels in English Since 1950 (The Modern Library (Book))