The Immortal Bartfuss by Aharon Appelfeld

The book is a poignant exploration of the life of a Holocaust survivor grappling with the weight of his past and the struggle to find meaning in the aftermath of unimaginable trauma. The protagonist, a man who has outlived the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp, finds himself in a small Israeli town, where he is haunted by memories and the loss of his family. His survival comes with the burden of guilt and the challenge of reconnecting with a world that has been irrevocably changed. Through his journey, the narrative delves into themes of memory, identity, and the complex process of healing from psychological scars, offering a stark examination of the enduring impact of the Holocaust on individual lives.

The 8553rd greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 45

Since this book was first published in 1988, there is a penalty of 22.4%. The age adjusted score is 34.92.

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.