The Good Hope by William Heinesen

"The Good Hope" is a novel set in the early 20th century on the Faroe Islands, where a small, insular community grapples with the forces of nature, societal change, and personal turmoil. The narrative revolves around the lives of the townsfolk, particularly the idealistic and compassionate pastor, who is determined to instill hope and moral fortitude in his congregation. As the islanders face the harsh realities of their existence, from treacherous seas to the encroaching modern world, they must navigate the complexities of faith, tradition, and the human spirit. The story is a rich tapestry of characters and themes, exploring the resilience of a community bound by the sea and the enduring quest for meaning in a changing world.

The 4916th greatest book of all time


Ranking Details:

Our ranking system awards points to books based on their appearance and position on curated lists. Here's how it works:

Unranked Lists: For lists without specific rankings, each book receives points equivalent to the list's weight. This approach recognizes the book's inclusion on prestigious lists.

Ranked Lists: Books on ranked lists receive points in two ways:

  • Base Points: Initially, every book is awarded points equal to the list's weight, acknowledging its significance.
  • Bonus Points: Additionally, books earn bonus points based on their ranking. The total bonus pool, equal to 100% of the list's weight, is distributed among the books, with higher-ranked books receiving more points.

Exponential Distribution: The distribution of bonus points follows an exponential model. This means the top-ranked book (#1) receives significantly more bonus points than those further down the list (e.g., #100). Our algorithm ensures that higher placements are rewarded more generously, reflecting the achievement of a top rank on any given list.

This scoring system ensures that each book's ranking reflects both its presence on multiple lists and its positions within those lists, providing a comprehensive measure of its acclaim and popularity.

Total Points: 84

Since this book was first published in 1964, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 84.0.

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.