Visitation by Jenny Erpenbeck

"Visitation" is a novel that explores the history of a house located by a lake in Brandenburg, Germany, and the various inhabitants it has seen over the centuries. The narrative spans from the early 20th century to the post-war period, encompassing the tumultuous events of the Weimar Republic, the Third Reich, and the German Democratic Republic. Each chapter is dedicated to a different resident's story, including a Jewish family, an architect, a young girl, and a Soviet officer, among others, creating a tapestry of human experiences and emotions shaped by the historical and political upheavals of the time.

The 8415th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 72

Since this book was first published in 2008, there is a penalty of 54.4%. The age adjusted score is 32.83.

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.