Music and Silence by Rose Tremain

Set in the 17th-century Danish court of King Christian IV, this novel follows the intertwining lives of several characters including a young English lute player, the king's ambitious second wife, and a manipulative servant. As they navigate the complexities of court life, their stories reveal themes of love, power, betrayal, and the transformative power of music. The novel is a rich tapestry of historical detail, complex characters, and emotional depth, exploring the silence that can exist in the midst of noise and the music that can emerge from silence.

The 6738th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 102

Since this book was first published in 1999, there is a penalty of 40.0%. The age adjusted score is 61.2.

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.