The Man Who Laughs by Victor Hugo

Set in 17th-century England, the novel follows the life of a disfigured boy, abandoned as a child on a winter's night, who is taken in and raised by a kind-hearted showman. The boy grows up to become a popular performer due to his permanent grin, a result of a cruel mutilation inflicted by a group of comprachicos. His life is marked by a series of dramatic turns, including love, nobility, and political intrigue. As he navigates a society that is both repulsed by his appearance and captivated by his entertainment, the narrative delves into themes of inner beauty, the nature of humanity, and the corrupting influence of wealth and power.

The 5217th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 78

Since this book was first published in 1869, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 78.0.

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.