The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O'Farrell

"The Hand That First Held Mine" is a captivating novel that tells two parallel stories. The first story is about a young, independent woman who moves to Soho, London in the 1950s, becomes involved in the bohemian art scene, and unexpectedly becomes a mother. The second story, set in the present day, follows a couple dealing with the chaotic and overwhelming reality of becoming first-time parents. As the novel progresses, the connection between these two narratives becomes clear, revealing a story of love, loss, and the powerful bond between a mother and her child.

The 10530th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 6

Since this book was first published in 2010, there is a penalty of 57.6%. The age adjusted score is 2.54.

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.