48 pages • 1 hour read
278
Novel • Fiction
Georgia Wilderness • 1970s
1970
Adult
18+ years
In Deliverance by James Dickey, four urban friends—Ed, Lewis, Drew, and Bobby—embark on a canoe trip down the remote Cahulawassee river, aiming to experience the wilderness before it is dammed. Their adventure takes a dark turn when they encounter violent locals, leading to a harrowing struggle for survival against nature and human threats. The book contains graphic scenes of violence and sexual assault.
Suspenseful
Dark
Adventurous
Challenging
Gritty
33,009 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
James Dickey’s Deliverance captivates readers with its intense narrative and richly detailed setting, making it a powerful exploration of survival and human nature. Positive reviews commend the novel's visceral prose and psychological depth. However, some critics find the violent scenes unsettling and the pacing inconsistent. Overall, it’s a gripping, though sometimes disturbing, read.
Readers who relish intense, psychological thrillers with elements of survival and moral quandaries will appreciate James Dickey’s Deliverance. Fans of Cormac McCarthy’s No Country for Old Men and Peter Benchley’s Jaws will find the harrowing journey and deep character introspection compelling and thought-provoking.
33,009 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
278
Novel • Fiction
Georgia Wilderness • 1970s
1970
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.