Oxherding Tale
Oxherding Tale
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Brief
Beta208
Novel • Fiction
•
Historical Fiction•
American LiteratureSouthern United States • 1850s
•
World History2005
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Oxherding Tale by Charles R. Johnson follows a person named Andrew as he navigates his journey from enslavement to freedom in the antebellum South. The narrative intertwines allegory, philosophy, and humor, drawing on the Zen Buddhist oxherding metaphor to explore themes of identity, liberation, and the complexities of race and self-discovery.
Mysterious
Challenging
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Humorous
Reviews & Readership
496 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Oxherding Tale by Charles R. Johnson deftly weaves philosophy, satire, and African American history, providing a thought-provoking narrative. Readers praise its complex characters and profound themes, yet some find its blending of genres and philosophical discourse occasionally challenging. Overall, it's esteemed for its originality and deep exploration of identity.
Who Should Read Oxherding Tale?
Readers who enjoy Oxherding Tale by Charles R. Johnson likely appreciate philosophical narratives blending historical fiction and spiritual themes. Similar to those interested in Beloved by Toni Morrison or The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, they value rich storytelling, humor, and existential exploration.
496 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
208
Novel • Fiction
•
Historical Fiction•
American LiteratureSouthern United States • 1850s
•
World History2005
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!