Let It Come Down by Paul Bowles

This novel explores the journey of an American bank clerk who, disillusioned with his mundane life, moves to Tangier in search of freedom and adventure. However, his quest for liberation quickly descends into a nightmarish spiral of crime and moral disintegration. Set against the backdrop of post-colonial Morocco, the narrative delves into themes of alienation, the quest for identity, and the often-blurred line between the exotic dream and the harsh realities of cultural dislocation. Through vivid descriptions and a haunting atmosphere, the story presents a compelling examination of the consequences of fleeing one's life only to confront the inescapable truths of the self.

The 4419th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 94

Since this book was first published in 1952, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 94.0.

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.