The Dog Of The South by Charles Portis

This novel follows the journey of Ray Midge as he embarks on a quest to retrieve his stolen Ford Torino and his runaway wife, Norma, who has fled with her first husband, Guy Dupree. Midge's pursuit leads him from Little Rock, Arkansas, down into Mexico and Central America, encountering a cast of eccentric characters along the way, including a dubious doctor, a philosophical mechanic, and a civil war enthusiast. Through a blend of humor and adventure, the narrative delves into themes of obsession, redemption, and the search for identity amidst the chaos of the 1970s American South and the vibrant, yet tumultuous landscapes of Central America.

The 5326th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 84

Since this book was first published in 1979, there is a penalty of 8.0%. The age adjusted score is 77.28.

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.