The Skin by Curzio Malaparte

This book is a vivid and harrowing account of the liberation of Naples by the Allies during World War II, as seen through the eyes of the author, who serves as a liaison officer with the American forces. It delves into the moral and physical decay that war brings to a city and its inhabitants, exploring themes of survival, the price of liberation, and the complex relationship between conquerors and the conquered. Through a series of grotesque, often shocking episodes, the narrative portrays the desperation and degradation of a society stripped of dignity, where human skin becomes a metaphor for the erosion of humanity itself. The work is a powerful, if unsettling, examination of the human condition under the extreme pressures of war, betrayal, and occupation.

The 9876th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 21

Since this book was first published in 1949, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 21.0.

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.