49 pages • 1 hour read
Bewilderment
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Book Brief
288
Novel • Fiction
United States • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Bewilderment by Richard Powers is a 2021 novel set in the near future amidst a collapsing environment, following astrobiologist Theo Byrne and his neurodivergent son Robin as they navigate personal and societal challenges after the death of Robin's mother, Alyssa. Their journey includes efforts to cope without psychoactive drugs, excursions into nature, and participation in a groundbreaking neuroscience experiment to help Robin manage his emotions. Sensitive topics include the death of a child and environmental crises.
Contemplative
Emotional
Mysterious
Adventurous
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
73,170 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Bewilderment by Richard Powers delves into a father's struggle to help his extraordinary, troubled son in a contemporary setting. Reviews praise its emotional depth, intricate prose, and exploration of environmental themes. Some critics found the narrative overly ambitious and occasionally dense. Despite this, the poignant portrayal of familial bonds resonates strongly. MLA Style: Bewilderment. Richard Powers.
Who Should Read Bewilderment?
A reader who enjoys Bewilderment by Richard Powers likely appreciates literary fiction that explores complex emotional and scientific themes. Fans of Powers' The Overstory or Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See will find resonance in its profound narrative that merges environmental concerns with intimate human experiences.
73,170 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Robin Byrne
Robin Byrne
Theo's son who faces challenges in school and social interactions, dealing with the complexities of conditions like Asperger syndrome, OCD, and ADHD, while cherishing the memory of his deceased mother.
Alyssa Byrne
Alyssa Byrne
Theo's late wife, remembered for her dedication to animal rights and her impact on her family and those around her, represented through memories and videos by her surviving family.
Martin Currier
Martin Currier
A neuroscientist who develops a treatment to help people alter their emotional states, assisting Robin with his social integration, and sharing a complicated relationship with Theo and Alyssa.
288
Novel • Fiction
United States • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
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