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36 pages 1 hour read

Nightwood

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1936

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Book Brief

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Djuna Barnes

Nightwood

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1936
Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Europe • 1920s

Theme
Publication Year

1936

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Nightwood by Djuna Barnes, first published in 1936, follows the lives of Robin Vote and those entwined with her as she seeks autonomy and wrestles with her desires. Set primarily in 1930s Paris, the novel also ventures into Vienna, Berlin, and America. It explores same-sex romance and women's independence from traditional marriage, distinguished by its dense poetic language and modernist style. The novel depicts experiences related to World War One and the ensuing cultural shifts. Sensitive topics include mental health challenges faced by individuals.

Mysterious

Melancholic

Dark

Contemplative

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

3.8

13,808 ratings

57%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

17%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Nightwood by Djuna Barnes is a highly poetic and complex novel celebrated for its rich, evocative prose and deep exploration of marginalized identities. Critics applaud its groundbreaking narrative structure and vivid character portrayals but note its dense, non-linear storytelling can be challenging. A pioneering work of modernist fiction, it remains polarizing yet influential.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Nightwood?

Nightwood by Djuna Barnes appeals to readers who appreciate modernist literature and complex, lyrical prose. Fans of Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway and James Joyce's Ulysses will find the experimental narrative and exploration of human relationships engaging. This novel is ideal for those intrigued by themes of identity, love, and existentialism.

3.8

13,808 ratings

57%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

17%

Not a fan

Character List

Robin Vote

A young American woman in Europe, at odds with societal norms and engaged in complicated relationships, conveying her internal struggles through minimal dialogue.

An Irish-American eccentric doctor in Berlin known for his unlicensed medical practice and philosophical advice, openly grappling with his personal identity issues.

A Viennese man clinging to old European traditions, driven by his complex family history and yearning for a noble legacy.

An American publicist who hosts an unconventional salon and falls for Robin Vote, her sincere and devoted nature contrasting with her partner's secretive lifestyle.

A middle-aged widow living off the inheritance from deceased spouses, defined by her tendency to mimic others and intrude into their lives.

The sensitive son of Felix and Robin, whose emotional development is impacted by his family's dynamics.

Felix's father, an Italian Jew who assumes a baronial title to escape societal limitations but dies before meeting his son.

Felix's mother, described initially as a strong Viennese woman, gives birth later in life and passes away shortly thereafter.

A circus performer and friend of Felix, known as The Duchess of Broadback, who openly embraces her stage persona.

A possibly fraudulent count who briefly appears to disrupt a party, pivotal in connecting the main characters.

A young girl residing in Jenny's house, infatuated with Robin, which causes tension with Jenny.

Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Europe • 1920s

Theme
Publication Year

1936

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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