The Ice Age by Margaret Drabble

"The Ice Age" is a novel that explores the social and psychological landscape of 1970s Britain through the eyes of its protagonist, a middle-aged real estate developer. As he navigates the economic downturn and the changing social climate, his personal life becomes intertwined with those of a diverse cast of characters, including a troubled young girl and an American Vietnam war veteran. The narrative delves into themes of isolation, societal decay, and the search for meaning amidst the chaos of a world in flux, painting a vivid portrait of an era marked by uncertainty and the quest for personal and collective identity.

The 6248th greatest book of all time


Ranking Details:

Our ranking system awards points to books based on their appearance and position on curated lists. Here's how it works:

Unranked Lists: For lists without specific rankings, each book receives points equivalent to the list's weight. This approach recognizes the book's inclusion on prestigious lists.

Ranked Lists: Books on ranked lists receive points in two ways:

  • Base Points: Initially, every book is awarded points equal to the list's weight, acknowledging its significance.
  • Bonus Points: Additionally, books earn bonus points based on their ranking. The total bonus pool, equal to 100% of the list's weight, is distributed among the books, with higher-ranked books receiving more points.

Exponential Distribution: The distribution of bonus points follows an exponential model. This means the top-ranked book (#1) receives significantly more bonus points than those further down the list (e.g., #100). Our algorithm ensures that higher placements are rewarded more generously, reflecting the achievement of a top rank on any given list.

This scoring system ensures that each book's ranking reflects both its presence on multiple lists and its positions within those lists, providing a comprehensive measure of its acclaim and popularity.

Total Points: 66

Since this book was first published in 1977, there is a penalty of 4.8%. The age adjusted score is 62.83.

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.