Native Speaker by Chang-rae Lee

This novel delves into the life of Henry Park, a Korean-American industrial spy in New York City, who grapples with his complex identity, torn between his American upbringing and Korean heritage. After his young son's death and a separation from his wife, Henry's latest assignment—to spy on a rising Korean-American politician—forces him to confront his feelings of alienation and his struggle with language and loyalty. Through his journey, the narrative explores themes of cultural identity, betrayal, and the immigrant experience, painting a poignant picture of a man on the fringes of two cultures, seeking a place to belong.

The 5070th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 123

Since this book was first published in 1995, there is a penalty of 33.6%. The age adjusted score is 81.67.

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.