Envy by Yury Olesha

The novel is a satirical exploration of the conflict between the old, pre-revolutionary generation and the new Soviet order. It centers on Nikolai Kavalerov, a man who finds himself homeless and disillusioned with the socialist society around him. He is taken in by Andrei Babichev, an ardent supporter of the new regime and the creator of the perfect Soviet food, the "Olympian sausage." Kavalerov becomes envious of Babichev's success and his revolutionary brother Ivan, leading to a psychological struggle that reflects the larger societal tensions of the time. The narrative delves into themes of identity, purpose, and the nature of envy, as characters grapple with their roles in a rapidly changing world.

The 2374th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 150

Since this book was first published in 1927, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 150.0.

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.