Dirty Havana Trilogy by Pedro Juan Gutierrez

This book is a raw and gritty portrayal of life in Havana, Cuba during the economic collapse of the 1990s. The story is narrated by a former journalist turned hustler who lives in the city's slums. The protagonist survives through a series of odd jobs and illegal activities, as he navigates through a world of poverty, violence, and corruption. The narrative is filled with graphic depictions of sex, drugs, and the struggle to survive, providing a stark contrast to the romanticized image of Havana.

The 4387th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 150

Since this book was first published in 1998, there is a penalty of 38.4%. The age adjusted score is 92.4.

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.