34 pages • 1 hour read
Pincher Martin
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Book Brief
216
Novel • Fiction
Rocky Islet • 1940s
1956
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Pincher Martin by William Golding, set during World War II, tells the story of Royal Navy lieutenant Christopher Hadley Martin, who washes up on an inhospitable islet after his ship sinks. While initially focused on his physical struggle for survival, the novel delves deeply into his spiritual and metaphysical journey as he battles to maintain sanity while awaiting rescue. Descriptions of sexual violence appear in the book.
Mysterious
Dark
Unnerving
Challenging
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
2,612 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
William Golding's Pincher Martin is lauded for its intense psychological depth and vivid narrative, painting a harrowing picture of survival and human psyche. Readers praise its inventive storytelling and rich symbolism. However, some find the dense prose and abstract themes challenging and less accessible, which might deter casual readers. Overall, it's celebrated for its literary significance.
Who Should Read Pincher Martin?
Readers who enjoy psychologically intense and existential narratives will appreciate William Golding’s Pincher Martin. Fans of Albert Camus’ The Stranger or Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness will find thematic resonance. This novel appeals to those intrigued by the human psyche, isolation, and the struggle for survival.
2,612 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mary
Mary
A young woman whom Martin becomes obsessed with, notable for her demoniac and musky attractiveness that unintentionally captivates Martin.
Nathaniel
Nathaniel
A sailor aboard the Wildebeest and Martin’s friend, who later marries Mary and delivers lectures that challenge Martin’s materialistic views.
216
Novel • Fiction
Rocky Islet • 1940s
1956
Adult
18+ years
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