Dumba Nengue, Run For Your Life by Lina Magaia

The book is a harrowing account of the Mozambican people's suffering during the civil war that followed the country's independence from Portugal. It compiles testimonies and personal stories that reveal the atrocities committed by the Renamo guerrillas, who were backed by foreign powers. Through the eyes of the survivors, the narrative exposes the brutalities of war, including the destruction of villages, the murder of innocent civilians, and the resilience of those who were forced to flee their homes. The work serves as both a poignant reminder of the cost of conflict and a tribute to the spirit of the Mozambican people who endured and survived amidst such terror.

The 4975th 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: 108

Since this book was first published in 1988, there is a penalty of 22.4%. The age adjusted score is 83.81.

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.