The Newcomes by William Makepeace Thackeray

The novel is a satirical study of British society in the mid-19th century, focusing on the fortunes and misfortunes of a respectable, though not wealthy, family. The narrative, presented as a biography of the family by a friend, traces the life of the protagonist, from his early years in India, through his education in England, to his attempts to find love and establish himself in society. Throughout the story, the family's experiences reveal the hypocrisies and vanities of the upper classes, with the central theme being the contrast between genuine emotion and social propriety. The work is notable for its rich characterizations and its exploration of themes such as colonialism, the role of women, and the rigid class system of the time.

The 3389th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 111

Since this book was first published in 1855, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 111.0.

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.