Doruntine by Ismail Kadare

The book is a haunting tale that weaves together Albanian folklore and history, centered on the mysterious return of Doruntine to her family home after her brother Constantine, who had sworn on his honor to bring her back from her faraway marriage, is found to have been dead for years. The story delves into the depths of a medieval society's beliefs and the unbreakable vow known as the "besa," exploring themes of familial duty, the supernatural, and the struggle between modernity and tradition. As the local authorities investigate the enigmatic circumstances of Doruntine's return, the narrative unfolds into a gripping examination of the collective psyche and the power of an unyielding promise that transcends death.

The 3350th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 126

Since this book was first published in 1980, there is a penalty of 9.6%. The age adjusted score is 113.9.

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.