logo

62 pages 2 hours read

Still Life with Woodpecker

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1980

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Tom Robbins

Still Life with Woodpecker

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1980
Book Details
Pages

277

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

United States • 1980s

Publication Year

1980

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins, published in 1980, follows exiled princess Leigh-Cheri Furstenberg-Barcalona, who falls in love with bomber and outlaw Bernard Mickey Wrangle, known as the Woodpecker. Set against a backdrop of fantasy and magical realism, their unconventional romance explores themes of rebellion, identity, and the human condition, culminating in a postmodern fairy tale. The novel features depictions of abortion, miscarriage, and domestic terrorism.

Humorous

Fantastical

Romantic

Adventurous

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.3

83,119 ratings

75%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins is celebrated for its whimsical and poetic prose, engaging readers with its bold and innovative narrative style. Critics appreciate Robbins' unique humor and philosophical reflections. However, some find the plot meandering and the philosophical digressions excessive. Fans of eccentric storytelling will likely enjoy it.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Still Life with Woodpecker?

Readers who enjoy quirky, philosophical narratives blending romance and existential themes will love Tom Robbins' Still Life with Woodpecker. Fans of Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five and Richard Brautigan's Trout Fishing in America will appreciate Robbins' whimsical prose and eccentric characters. This book is ideal for those who savor unconventional love stories and thought-provoking humor.

4.3

83,119 ratings

75%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Leigh-Cheri Furstenberg-Barcalona

A deposed princess with striking red hair who lives with her parents in Seattle, determined to make a difference in the world and navigate her own path in life.

Known as the Woodpecker, he is a fugitive with strong views on societal norms and disrupts the status quo, influencing Leigh-Cheri's perspective and journey.

The elderly servant of the Furstenberg-Barcalonas, whose character subverts the typical nursemaid role and reveals unexpected layers as the story progresses.

A deposed king residing in Seattle, whose loyalty shifts from his lost kingdom to Seattle sports teams as he grapples with his dislocation from power.

Max’s wife and a former queen from a prominent royal lineage, who adapts humorously to modern absurdities without fully leaving her old world behind.

An unnamed character who provides commentary on the narrative, reflecting on the writing process and thematic issues via his electric typewriter.

Book Details
Pages

277

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

United States • 1980s

Publication Year

1980

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.