Farewell To Matyora by Valentin Rasputin

The book is a poignant exploration of the tension between progress and tradition, set in a small Siberian village that is doomed to be submerged by the construction of a hydroelectric dam. As the government mandates the relocation of the village's inhabitants, the narrative delves into the lives of the villagers who are grappling with the loss of their ancestral home and way of life. The story is a meditation on the cost of modernization, the deep connection between people and their land, and the inevitable passing of time that brings change, often at the expense of cultural heritage and personal identity. Through the villagers' resistance and sorrow, the novel examines themes of environmental impact, the clash of ideologies, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of displacement.

The 4083rd greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 102

Since this book was first published in 1976, there is a penalty of 3.2%. The age adjusted score is 98.74.

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.