51 pages • 1 hour read
Sanctuary
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Book Brief
317
Novel • Fiction
Mississippi • 1920s
1931
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Sanctuary by William Faulkner takes place in Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi, and follows Temple Drake, a college girl from a well-off family, who falls prey to a ruthless bootlegger named Popeye. Popeye's subsequent actions, including abducting Temple and raping her, ripple through the lives of characters like lawyer Horace Benbow, bootlegger Lee Goodwin, and Temple's date, Gowan Stevens. The book contains graphic depictions of sexual assault, domestic violence, and lynching, as well as the use of derogatory language.
Dark
Unnerving
Gritty
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
13,970 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
William Faulkner's Sanctuary has garnered mixed reviews. Praised for its gritty and complex narrative, the novel showcases Faulkner's masterful prose and deep psychological insight. However, its dark themes and graphic content have also drawn criticism for being overly disturbing and sensational. Overall, Sanctuary stands as a provocative and challenging read that continues to stir strong reactions.
Who Should Read Sanctuary?
A reader who would enjoy Sanctuary by William Faulkner is likely intrigued by dark, Southern Gothic literature. They appreciate complex character studies and psychological depth, similar to those found in Flannery O'Connor's Wise Blood or Cormac McCarthy's Child of God. This reader values intricate narrative techniques and morally ambiguous scenarios.
13,970 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Temple Drake
Temple Drake
A 17-year-old college student and daughter of a powerful judge, known for attending parties and having many suitors. Her upbringing and social status contrast with the challenges she faces throughout the narrative.
Popeye
Popeye
A bootlegger and career criminal, depicted with a menacing presence and connected to the underworld of Memphis. His interactions with other characters highlight the darker aspects of the setting he inhabits.
Lee and Ruby Goodwin
Lee and Ruby Goodwin
A couple in a common-law marriage, where Lee is involved in bootlegging and Ruby faces social scorn for her past. Ruby's loyalty to Lee and the challenges they face reflect broader societal hypocrisies.
317
Novel • Fiction
Mississippi • 1920s
1931
Adult
18+ years
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