Efuru by Flora Nwapa

The novel is a poignant exploration of the life of a strong and independent woman in a traditional Igbo community in Nigeria. The protagonist, after whom the book is named, is admired for her beauty, intelligence, and wealth, but she faces personal tragedies and societal pressures. Despite her successes in business and her contributions to her community, she struggles with the expectations placed on her as a woman, particularly with respect to marriage and childbearing. The narrative delves into themes of feminism, tradition, and the role of women in a changing society, as the protagonist navigates her relationships and seeks fulfillment in a culture that often values women primarily through their husbands and children.

The 3462nd greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 108

Since this book was first published in 1966, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 108.0.

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.