The Nature Of Blood by Caryl Phillips

The book interweaves multiple narratives spanning different times and places, exploring themes of displacement, identity, and belonging. It delves into the experiences of a young Jewish girl during the Holocaust, an African servant in Renaissance Venice, and a British soldier in Palestine after World War II, among others. Through these disparate but interconnected stories, the novel examines the historical and ongoing consequences of racism and intolerance, as well as the complex legacies of trauma and memory. The characters' struggles for acceptance and peace reflect the broader human quest for dignity and connection in a world often marred by prejudice and division.

The 6538th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 90

Since this book was first published in 1997, there is a penalty of 36.8%. The age adjusted score is 56.88.

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.