Reading Turgenev by William Trevor

The novella presents the poignant tale of a young Irish woman trapped in a stifling marriage, who finds solace and escape in her imagination and the literature of Russian novelist Ivan Turgenev. Her life, constrained by the expectations of her small rural community and a loveless union with an older man, contrasts sharply with the passionate world she encounters in the novels she cherishes. As she retreats further into her fantasies and the comfort of her secret attic space, the lines between reality and fiction blur, offering both a refuge and a haunting reminder of the life she yearns for but cannot openly pursue.

The 6965th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 66

Since this book was first published in 1991, there is a penalty of 27.2%. The age adjusted score is 48.05.

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.