BOOK BRIEF

Pierre; or, The Ambiguities

Herman Melville
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Pierre; or, The Ambiguities

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995

Book Brief

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Herman Melville

Pierre; or, The Ambiguities

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995
Book Details
Pages

495

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Gothic Literature

Classic Fiction

Romance
Setting

Upstate New York • 1850s

Topic
World History

US History
Publication Year

1995

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Pierre; or, The Ambiguities explores the complex life of a young man named Pierre Glendinning. He grapples with identity, family secrets, and personal dilemmas, set against a backdrop of societal expectations. As Pierre navigates these challenges, the novel delves into themes of truth, morality, and the nature of reality.

Mysterious

Dark

Melancholic

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

3.6

1,414 ratings

59%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

17%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Herman Melville's Pierre; or, The Ambiguities is a complex exploration of identity and morality. Critics appreciate its bold narrative and philosophical depth, though it often confounds with convoluted prose and uneven pacing. The novel's ambitious themes resonate with readers, but its challenging structure demands patience and perseverance.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Pierre; or, The Ambiguities?

A reader who enjoys Pierre; or, The Ambiguities often appreciates complex narratives, psychological depth, and philosophical musings. Fans of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter or Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment would likely appreciate its exploration of inner turmoil, moral ambiguity, and societal critique.

3.6

1,414 ratings

59%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

17%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

495

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Gothic Literature

Classic Fiction

Romance
Setting

Upstate New York • 1850s

Topic
World History

US History
Publication Year

1995

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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