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53 pages 1 hour read

Lovecraft Country

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016

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Book Brief

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Matt Ruff

Lovecraft Country

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

372

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

1950s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff is a 2016 science fiction/horror novel that follows Atticus Turner, an African American, who returns to Chicago in the 1950s. He, his Uncle George, and friend Letitia embark on a journey to find his estranged father, encountering supernatural events and secrets involving a cult called The Adamite Order Of The Ancient Dawn, magic, haunted houses, and racial tensions. The book addresses themes of racism and violence.

Mysterious

Dark

Suspenseful

Gritty

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.3

57,351 ratings

79%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff is a compelling blend of horror and historical fiction, praised for its imaginative narrative and social commentary on Jim Crow-era racism. Critics commend its richly developed characters and suspenseful storytelling. However, some find the plot occasionally disjointed. Overall, it's an intellectually engaging and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Lovecraft Country?

A reader captivated by Matt Ruff's Lovecraft Country likely enjoys a mix of historical fiction, horror, and social commentary. Fans of works like Colson Whitehead's The Underground Railroad or Octavia Butler's Kindred will appreciate Ruff's blend of racial tension and supernatural elements in a 1950s America setting.

4.3

57,351 ratings

79%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Atticus Turner

An African American man navigating 1950s America, who becomes involved in a complex journey involving magic and his ancestral heritage.

A determined African American woman who faces challenges and adversity head-on, including buying a house in a predominantly white neighborhood.

A wealthy and privileged white man with access to magic, whose actions and attitudes reflect his unearned advantages.

Atticus Turner's father, who harbors deep-seated convictions about racism and struggles to connect with his family due to past traumas.

Letitia's sister, who grapples with her own ambitions and identity, experiencing life from a different perspective through magical means.

A woman with dreams of becoming an astronaut, who explores these aspirations through the use of magic and her scientific knowledge.

Book Details
Pages

372

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

1950s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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