logo

51 pages 1 hour read

Dorothy Allison

Bastard Out Of Carolina

Dorothy AllisonFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1992

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

logo
Dorothy Allison

Bastard Out Of Carolina

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1992
Book Details
Pages

309

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

South Carolina • 1950s

Theme
Publication Year

1992

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison is a semi-autobiographical novel set in 1950s Greenville County, South Carolina, following Ruth Anne “Bone” Boatwright's difficult childhood. Amidst poverty, class-based discrimination, and familial loyalty, Bone endures physical and sexual abuse, particularly by her stepfather Glen, while seeking solace and support from her extended family. The book depicts domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Gritty

Dark

Emotional

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.3

48,738 ratings

80%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison has been acclaimed for its raw and powerful storytelling. Critics commend its unflinching portrayal of poverty and abuse in the South. Allison's rich and evocative prose brings depth to her characters, notably the resilient protagonist, Bone. However, some reviewers find the graphic content challenging and the resolution somewhat unsatisfying.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Bastard Out Of Carolina?

A reader who would enjoy Bastard Out Of Carolina by Dorothy Allison often appreciates raw, emotionally poignant storytelling, exploring themes of poverty, family, and resilience. Fans of The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls and The Color Purple by Alice Walker will resonate with Allison's gritty Southern narrative and complex, enduring characters.

4.3

48,738 ratings

80%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

309

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

South Carolina • 1950s

Theme
Publication Year

1992

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

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.