Certainly, among my top 5 books of all time. — Manuel

What are the other 4?

"Unbinding Isaac" by Aaron Koller. The better part of the book critiques Kierkegaard, which I've not gotten to, but he does present an interesting take on the parable. The sacrifice of Isaac symbolizes parental obligations forced upon children, burdening them with the parental failings, and the ram symbolizing pride, which ought be sacrificed instead.

The Vietnam War as an example (mine).. Kids sacrificed for a false belief, when what ought have been sacrificed is the belief. The kids were sacrificed, but the ram of pride survived, violating the lesson of the Akedah.

Novel Explosives by Jim Gauer is no.1, hands down. Should be a philosopher's dream. Criminally unknown, imo.

Then in no order: 2666 by Roberto Bolaño, A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James and Grotesque by Natsuo Kirino (This one is significantly narrower than the others, but its left a very strong impression.)

As for Brothers Karamazov being no.5, well, maybe it still is, its reputation is more than well earned. But I just finished The Magus by John Fowles yesterday and it's vying for the top 5 spot - it's astonishing, still reeling from that experience. I've had a good year with novels. :)

Thanks. I read The Magus back in the 1980's and have no memory of it. I'll have another look.

But I just finished The Magus by John Fowles yesterday and it's vying for the top 5 spot - it's astonishing — Manuel

So is the French Lieutenant's Woman.

Sure, if you forgot then I'd say go for it.



Oh cool! I've heard about it, but have not read it yet, thanks for the recommendation.