40 pages • 1 hour read
Intruder In The Dust
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Book Brief
247
Novel • Fiction
Mississippi • 1940s
1948
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Intruder In The Dust by William Faulkner follows the story of a black man, Lucas Beauchamp, who is wrongfully accused of murdering a white man, Vinson Gowrie, and the subsequent efforts of a white teenager, Charles Mallison, to prove his innocence by navigating ingrained racial tensions and uncovering the town's hidden truths. This book examines themes of racial injustice and wrongful accusations in mid-twentieth-century southern America.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Dark
Suspenseful
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
5,936 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
William Faulkner's Intruder In The Dust is widely praised for its intricate narrative and deep exploration of racial tensions in the South. Critics laud Faulkner's ability to weave complex characters and moral ambiguity, but some note the prose can be challenging. Despite this, its poignant themes and storytelling make it a compelling read.
Who Should Read Intruder In The Dust?
A reader who enjoys Intruder In The Dust by William Faulkner likely appreciates Southern Gothic literature, complex character studies, and themes of race and justice in the American South. Similar audiences might appreciate Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and Toni Morrison’s Beloved.
5,936 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lucas Beauchamp
Lucas Beauchamp
A proud and resilient Black man wrongly accused of murder, whose character and actions challenge the racial norms of his community.
Miss Habersham
Miss Habersham
An older white woman from a past generation, who defies racial hierarchies and uses her status to protect Lucas.
Gavin Stevens
Gavin Stevens
Charles's uncle, a lawyer who prioritizes the enforcement of societal rules and theorizes about racial injustice and how to overcome it.
247
Novel • Fiction
Mississippi • 1940s
1948
Adult
18+ years
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