49 pages • 1 hour read
Autobiography Of Red
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
160
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
Various Global • Contemporary
1998
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Autobiography of Red by Anne Carson reimagines the myth of Herakles and Geryon, focusing on Geryon's perspective. It tells the story of Geryon, a young red-winged monster, and his relationship with Herakles, exploring themes of identity, trauma, and self-discovery. The novel blends modern coming-of-age elements with a poetic recounting based on fragments from Stesichoros' ancient poem. The novel includes instances of bullying and sexual abuse.
Mysterious
Emotional
Fantastical
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
32,029 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Anne Carson's Autobiography of Red is celebrated for its inventive approach to mythology and poetry, blending the two seamlessly. Critics applaud Carson's lyrical prose and deep exploration of identity and love. However, some find the narrative's experimental style challenging. Overall, it offers a unique, enriching experience for readers open to unconventional storytelling.
Who Should Read Autobiography Of Red?
Readers who relish innovative, genre-blurring literature like The Lover by Marguerite Duras and The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson will be captivated by Anne Carson's Autobiography of Red. This audience appreciates poetic prose, mythological themes, and explorations of identity and desire. Perfect for fans of contemporary classics and experimental narratives.
32,029 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Herakles
Herakles
A vibrant and physically expressive character who becomes involved in a romantic relationship with Geryon, embodying the traits of a classical hero with a focus on strength and outward energy.
Ancash
Ancash
A kind, young Peruvian man who is in a relationship with Herakles when Geryon reconnects with them, and who shares mythological stories that impact Geryon's journey.
Geryon's Mother
Geryon's Mother
A protective figure in Geryon's life, depicted as a smoker and a source of comfort for Geryon during his childhood and later maintaining a supportive relationship into his adulthood.
Geryon's Brother
Geryon's Brother
Portrayed as abusive and disrespectful toward Geryon during their childhood, with occasional moments of decency; later becomes a sportscaster, maintaining some level of communication with Geryon as adults.
Herakles' Grandmother
Herakles' Grandmother
A frail but kind elderly woman who engages Geryon in conversations that influence his thinking about photography, volcanoes, and time.
160
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
Various Global • Contemporary
1998
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.