April Fool's Day by Josip Novakovich

This book is a poignant narrative that follows the life of Ivan Dolinar, born in Croatia on April 1, 1948, a date that marks both his birth and the myriad of misfortunes and absurdities that will follow him throughout his life under Tito's communist regime. The story weaves through Ivan's experiences, from his early years in a country marred by political upheaval, through his time in prison due to a series of misunderstandings and unfortunate events, to his eventual emigration. Through a blend of dark humor and tragedy, the novel explores themes of identity, the absurdity of bureaucratic systems, and the struggle for survival in a world that often seems as unpredictable and cruel as it is beautiful. The narrative serves as a powerful commentary on the human condition and the arbitrary nature of fate, all while providing a vivid window into the history and culture of the Balkans during a tumultuous period.

The 6396th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 114

Since this book was first published in 2004, there is a penalty of 48.0%. The age adjusted score is 59.28.

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.