48 pages • 1 hour read
Deliverance
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Book Brief
278
Novel • Fiction
Georgia Wilderness • 1970s
1970
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
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
Reviews & Readership
33,009 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read Deliverance?
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
Lewis Medlock
Lewis Medlock
Lewis is Ed's adventurous and physically capable friend who leads the canoe trip and seeks to test himself against the challenges of nature, displaying a strong belief in self-reliance.
Bobby Trippe
Bobby Trippe
Bobby is a less experienced and more apprehensive member of the group, often portrayed as comical, who faces a significant personal ordeal early in the trip.
Drew Ballinger
Drew Ballinger
Drew is the most ethical and principled member of the group, valuing fairness and the rule of law, and approaches the trip as an opportunity for thoughtful reflection.
278
Novel • Fiction
Georgia Wilderness • 1970s
1970
Adult
18+ years
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