34 pages • 1 hour read
Ironweed
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Book Brief
208
Novel • Fiction
Albany, New York • 1930s
1983
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Published in 1983, Ironweed by William Kennedy is the story of Francis Phelan, a former baseball player turned homeless drifter, who returns to his hometown of Albany, New York, in 1938. Over the span of two days, he reconnects with his past, visiting his family's home and confronting memories of trauma. The novel vividly portrays Francis's experiences and interactions, blending realism with elements of fantasy as he converses with apparitions from his past. Contains themes of infant mortality, homelessness, and fatal illness.
Melancholic
Gritty
Contemplative
Dark
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
17,654 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
William Kennedy's Ironweed garners praise for its vivid, lyrical portrayal of Depression-era Albany and complex, haunting characters. Critics commend the novel's emotional depth and Kennedy's masterful prose. However, some find the narrative bleak and its structure fragmented. Overall, it stands out for its rich storytelling and historical authenticity.
Who Should Read Ironweed?
Readers who enjoy Ironweed by William Kennedy are often drawn to gritty, realistic depictions of American life. Fans of John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath and F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby will appreciate Kennedy's exploration of the human condition and societal struggles during the Great Depression.
17,654 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Helen Archer
Helen Archer
Francis’s girlfriend who, despite a higher socioeconomic background and refined artistic ability, faces the challenges of transient status and shares a complex relationship with him marked by both sincere attachment and disagreements.
Rudy Newton
Rudy Newton
Francis’s friend and fellow vagrant, he fits the archetype of the wise fool with laughable yet thought-provoking comments, adding humor and a touch of tragedy to the narrative through his interactions and aspirations.
208
Novel • Fiction
Albany, New York • 1930s
1983
Adult
18+ years
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