Clay Walls by Kim Ronyoung

The novel explores the immigrant experience through the eyes of a Korean family in early 20th-century America. It delves into the generational and cultural conflicts that arise as the family strives to navigate and assimilate into a society that is often hostile and discriminatory. The story focuses on the strong-willed matriarch who is determined to uphold her Korean heritage while facing the challenges of poverty, prejudice, and the struggle to provide a better future for her children in a foreign land. The narrative weaves a poignant tale of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of the American Dream amidst the backdrop of historical events that shaped the Korean-American community.

The 4859th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 108

Since this book was first published in 1987, there is a penalty of 20.8%. The age adjusted score is 85.54.

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.