Flaubert's Parrot by Julian Barnes
The novel centers around a retired doctor's obsession with the life and works of Gustave Flaubert, a 19th-century French writer. The doctor's fascination leads him on a quest to find a stuffed parrot that once belonged to the writer. The novel is a blend of biography, literary criticism, and personal memoir, and it explores themes such as the nature of art and the difficulties of interpreting the past.
The 792nd greatest book of all time
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Total Points: 543
Since this book was first published in 1984, there is a penalty of 16.0%. The age adjusted score is 456.12.
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.
- score: 144 -- 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die (Weight: 144)
- score: 126 -- Best Foreign Work of Fiction Chosen by Francophone Writers (Weight: 126)
- score: 96 -- 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read (Weight: 96)
- score: 69 -- 100 Best Novels in English Since 1900 (Weight: 69)
- score: 69 -- The Modern Library: The Two Hundred Best Novels in English Since 1950 (Weight: 69)
- score: 39 -- 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life-Changing List (Weight: 39)