The Loneliness of the Long-distance Runner by Alan Sillitoe

This novel revolves around a rebellious young man from a working-class background who finds solace in long-distance running. After being sent to a Borstal (youth detention center) for robbing a bakery, he is selected for the institution's cross-country running team due to his talent for running. However, he uses the solitude of his long-distance runs to reflect on his life and the class system that has landed him in his current situation. Despite the expectations placed on him, he ultimately chooses to assert his independence in a final act of defiance, symbolizing his rejection of the system that seeks to control him.

The 4084th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 96

Since this book was first published in 1959, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 96.0.

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.