Giles Goat-Boy
Giles Goat-Boy
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1987
Book Brief
Beta752
Novel • Fiction
•
Fantasy•
Science FictionUniversity Campus • Indeterminate
•
US History1987
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Giles Goat-Boy by John Barth is an allegorical novel where a young man, raised as a goat, discovers his human identity and embarks on a quest for enlightenment. Set in a university that represents the world, the story explores themes of knowledge, power, and identity through the protagonist's encounters and experiences.
Fantastical
Mysterious
Contemplative
Humorous
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
2,282 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Giles Goat-Boy is praised for its inventive narrative and allegorical depth, blending satire with myth. Critics appreciate Barth's intellectual engagement and humor, but some find the novel overly complex and unwieldy. Its ambitious scope sparks diverse interpretations, appealing to readers who enjoy detailed, intricate storytelling.
Who Should Read Giles Goat-Boy?
A reader who enjoys Giles Goat-Boy by John Barth likely appreciates satirical metafiction exploring themes of identity and knowledge. Fans of Thomas Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow or Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five might also enjoy Barth's blend of absurdity and philosophical depth.
2,282 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
752
Novel • Fiction
•
Fantasy•
Science FictionUniversity Campus • Indeterminate
•
US History1987
Adult
18+ years
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