63 pages • 2 hours read
The Bonfire of the Vanities
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Book Brief
690
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1980s
1987
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe follows wealthy Manhattan broker Sherman McCoy, whose life unravels after a car accident in the Bronx with his mistress Maria Ruskin. The incident involving Sherman hitting a young Black man, Henry Lamb, escalates racial and class tensions, leading to public outcry and legal battles that expose the harsh realities and inequities of New York City's justice system and society. Featured content includes harmful language related to racism and misogyny.
Gritty
Dark
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
87,485 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Tom Wolfe's The Bonfire of the Vanities entertains with its vivid characters and satirical portrayal of 1980s New York excess. Critics praise its sharp social commentary and Wolfe's detailed observations. However, some find the novel's length daunting and its characters lacking depth. Overall, it’s a compelling critique of ambition and greed.
Who Should Read The Bonfire of the Vanities?
The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe will captivate readers who relish incisive social satire, intricate character studies, and a deep dive into the excesses of 1980s New York. Fans of Bret Easton Ellis's American Psycho and Jay McInerney's Bright Lights, Big City will find Wolfe's novel equally compelling.
87,485 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lawrence “Larry” Kramer
Lawrence “Larry” Kramer
An assistant district attorney from the Upper West Side, Kramer handles homicide cases and exemplifies ambitious pursuit and manipulation of the legal system.
Peter Fallow
Peter Fallow
An English journalist with intentions of becoming a novelist, Fallow works in New York and is known for his less-than-ethical approach to getting a good story.
Reverend Bacon
Reverend Bacon
A charismatic, eloquent church leader involved in civic groups, Bacon is portrayed as a significant activist figure in New York City.
Maria Ruskin
Maria Ruskin
A beautiful young woman from the American South, Maria is married to an older financier and is involved in complex personal relationships that drive much of the plot.
Judy McCoy
Judy McCoy
Sherman McCoy's wife, Judy is an interior decorator and mother to their daughter, known for her supportive but principled demeanor.
Abe Weiss
Abe Weiss
The ambitious District Attorney of the Bronx who seeks to navigate public perception and career advancement amid the legal challenges in the novel.
Judge Myron “Mike” Kovitsky
Judge Myron “Mike” Kovitsky
A judge with a strong sense of justice and moral integrity, Kovitsky's judicial decisions play a crucial role in the unfolding legal proceedings.
690
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1980s
1987
Adult
18+ years
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