Jack’s Return Home by Ted Lewis

This gritty crime novel follows the story of a tough and morally complex protagonist who returns to his hometown to investigate the mysterious death of his brother. Set against the backdrop of the grim and violent underworld of the 1960s northern England, the narrative delves deep into themes of revenge, loyalty, and the inescapable pull of one's past. As the protagonist navigates through a maze of gangland politics and family secrets, he is forced to confront his own dark history and the realization that escaping one's origins is not as simple as it seems. The book is a compelling exploration of the criminal landscape and the bonds of blood, set to the rhythm of sharp dialogue and vivid, noirish atmosphere.

The 6331st 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: 60

Since this book was first published in 1970, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 60.0.

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.