57 pages • 1 hour read
Birnam Wood
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Book Brief
432
Novel • Fiction
New Zealand • Contemporary
2023
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton follows Mira Bunting, the founder of a guerrilla gardening group called Birnam Wood, as they unknowingly collaborate with Robert Lemoine, an American billionaire secretly mining minerals in New Zealand and planning to build a bunker. The group becomes entangled in Lemoine's sinister motives, leading to confrontations and moral dilemmas about activism and trust amidst an escalating, destructive plot. This book contains scenes of graphic violence.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Challenging
Dark
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
48,508 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Eleanor Catton's Birnam Wood has garnered praise for its intricate plot and sharp social commentary. Readers appreciate the complex characters and articulate prose. However, some critiques highlight pacing issues and a dense narrative that may not appeal to all. Overall, it's a compelling read for those who enjoy thought-provoking fiction with a political edge.
Who Should Read Birnam Wood?
Readers who relish Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton will likely enjoy complex narratives blending social issues with psychological depth. Fans of Barbara Kingsolver's Flight Behavior or Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale will appreciate Catton's intricate storytelling and sharp socio-political commentary.
48,508 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
432
Novel • Fiction
New Zealand • Contemporary
2023
Adult
18+ years
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