The Darling
The Darling
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2004
Book Brief
400
Novel • Fiction
Liberia • 1990s
2004
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Darling by Russell Banks, protagonist Hannah Musgrave, a radical white American, reflects on her political activism with the Weathermen, her life in Liberia married to a government official, and her work in a chimpanzee sanctuary. Through personal and historical turmoil spanning from the 1970s to the Liberian Civil War, Hannah grapples with her complicated identities and the impact of her choices on herself and her family. The book addresses violence and political upheaval.
Dark
Mysterious
Contemplative
Emotional
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
2,691 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Russell Banks' The Darling offers a politically charged narrative that dives into complex themes and well-drawn characters. Reviewers laud Banks for his evocative prose and vivid depictions of Liberia and the inner workings of a revolutionary mindset. However, some critics find the pacing uneven and the protagonist's motivations occasionally difficult to connect with.
Who Should Read The Darling?
A reader who enjoys The Darling by Russell Banks would likely appreciate complex narratives focused on political turbulence, personal redemption, and moral ambiguity. Fans of Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible or Graham Greene’s The Quiet American would find similar thematic elements and compelling character studies.
2,691 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
400
Novel • Fiction
Liberia • 1990s
2004
Adult
18+ years
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