Plot Summary

The Bushwhacked Piano

Thomas McGuane
Guide cover placeholder

The Bushwhacked Piano

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1971

Book Brief

Thomas McGuane

The Bushwhacked Piano

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1971
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Montana • 1970s

Publication Year

1971

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Bushwhacked Piano by Thomas McGuane, published in 1971, follows Nicholas Payne, a failed law student who abandons traditional aspirations for a road trip across the American South in pursuit of Ann Fitzgerald, a spirited heiress seeking independence. With an eccentric con man, CJ Clovis, as his companion, Nick encounters a series of surreal events and peculiar characters, all underscored by McGuane's distinctive, lyrical prose. - The novel contains depictions of explicit sexual content.

Humorous

Gritty

Adventurous

Mysterious

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

3.7

872 ratings

61%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Thomas McGuane's The Bushwhacked Piano has garnered praise for its sharp wit, vivid prose, and rich character development, encapsulating the absurdities of American life. However, some critics find its plot meandering and the humor occasional overdone. Overall, it's celebrated for its unique voice and comedic insight, despite minor reservations regarding its narrative structure.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Bushwhacked Piano?

Readers who relish dark humor, satirical takes on American life, and vivid, offbeat characters will savor Thomas McGuane's The Bushwhacked Piano. Comparable to works such as Richard Ford's Independence Day and John Kennedy Toole's A Confederacy of Dunces, this novel appeals to fans of quirky, incisive narratives.

3.7

872 ratings

61%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The Bushwhacked Piano was first published in 1971 and serves as an example of McGuane's early work that established his unique style blending humor with existential themes.

The novel received critical acclaim for its witty prose and vivid depiction of the American West, solidifying McGuane's reputation as a significant voice in contemporary American literature.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

Thomas McGuane's writing in The Bushwhacked Piano is often noted for its distinctive use of language and sharp satirical edge, attributes that have contributed to his cult following.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Montana • 1970s

Publication Year

1971

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!