Beyond Black by Hilary Mantel

This novel delves into the life of Alison Hart, a medium who navigates the thin veil between the living and the dead with her unique psychic abilities. With her pragmatic assistant, Colette, Alison tours the dreary landscapes of suburban London, offering solace to the bereaved while grappling with her own tormented past. The narrative explores themes of memory, trauma, and redemption, as Alison confronts her own demons alongside those she communicates with from the beyond. Through a blend of dark humor and poignant moments, the story examines the complexities of the human spirit and the possibility of finding light in the darkest of places.

The 6928th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 96

Since this book was first published in 2005, there is a penalty of 49.6%. The age adjusted score is 48.38.

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.