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42 pages 1 hour read

At Swim-Two-Birds

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1939

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Book Brief

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Flann O'Brien

At Swim-Two-Birds

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1939
Book Details
Pages

239

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Dublin, Ireland • 1930s

Publication Year

1939

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

At Swim-Two-Birds by Flann O'Brien tells the story of an unnamed Dublin student writing a novel about fictional characters who conspire against their author, Dermot Trellis. The student's life serves as a framing device, with his manuscript intertwining stories about a Pooka, a fictional man named John Furriskey, and the folklore hero Finn Mac Cool. The characters eventually rebel, seeking freedom from Trellis's control. The book portrays scenes of sexual violence.

Humorous

Mysterious

Playful

Fantastical

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

3.8

14,104 ratings

67%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

At Swim-Two-Birds by Flann O'Brien is praised for its inventive narrative and witty, metafictional style. While some find the complex structure disorienting, it is celebrated for its originality and humor. The novel’s layered storytelling captivates readers who appreciate unconventional plots, though it may challenge those seeking straightforward narratives.

Who should read this

Who Should Read At Swim-Two-Birds?

A reader who enjoys At Swim-Two-Birds by Flann O'Brien appreciates metafiction, dark humor, and Irish literature. Fans of James Joyce's Ulysses and Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot will be drawn to O'Brien's inventive narrative and whimsical storytelling. Ideal for those intrigued by literary experimentation and postmodern themes.

3.8

14,104 ratings

67%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

239

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Dublin, Ireland • 1930s

Publication Year

1939

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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