The Sweet Hereafter by Russell Banks

"The Sweet Hereafter" is a poignant exploration of a small town's grief and search for justice following a tragic school bus accident that claims the lives of numerous local children. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of four different characters, each deeply affected by the tragedy. As the community grapples with the emotional aftermath and the complexities of blame, the story delves into themes of loss, community bonds, and the challenging path toward healing. The novel examines the impact of the disaster on the town's social fabric and the personal lives of its residents, revealing the enduring strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of profound sorrow.

The 9659th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 33

Since this book was first published in 1991, there is a penalty of 27.2%. The age adjusted score is 24.02.

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.