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256
Novel • Fiction
Appalachia • Early 20th Century
1968
Adult
18+ years
Outer Dark by Cormac McCarthy is set in a semi-mythical Appalachia and follows siblings Culla and Rinthy Holme after the birth of their child, the product of incest. Culla abandons the baby in the woods and sets off on a wandering journey, shadowed by a foreboding trio, while Rinthy searches for their child, mistakenly believing a tinker has taken him. The narrative alternates between their harrowing journeys, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the presence of evil. The source material features depictions of slavery, racism, incest, and infanticide.
Dark
Mysterious
Gritty
Unnerving
Suspenseful
23,601 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Cormac McCarthy's Outer Dark captivates with its haunting prose and atmospheric storytelling. Reviewers praise its dark, lyrical beauty and powerful themes, though some find its bleakness overwhelming. The complex narrative structure and vivid imagery showcase McCarthy's literary prowess, evoking both admiration and discomfort. Overall, a masterful, if harrowing, read.
A reader who enjoys stark, gothic narratives and existential themes would be captivated by Cormac McCarthy's Outer Dark. Fans of McCarthy's Blood Meridian or William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying will appreciate the haunting prose, rural Southern setting, and exploration of human frailty and darkness.
23,601 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Rinthy Holme
Rinthy is Culla's 19-year-old sister, initially depicted nine months pregnant and seeking the child taken from her. Her journey through a dark world highlights her innocence and resilience.
The Trio
This group, also known as the "grim triune," shadows Culla throughout the story, serving as a dark and threatening presence. Comprising a black-bearded leader, Harmon with a rifle, and a nonspeaking man, the trio exerts physical and psychological violence.
The Tinker
An itinerant salesman selling illicit goods, the tinker lives in isolation and has a significant encounter with Rinthy. He harbors complex feelings towards Rinthy and her child, reflecting his loneliness and desire for possession.
256
Novel • Fiction
Appalachia • Early 20th Century
1968
Adult
18+ years
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