Plot Summary

The Dead Father

Donald Barthelme
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The Dead Father

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1975

Book Brief

Donald Barthelme

The Dead Father

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1975
Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Publication Year

1975

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Donald Barthelme’s post-modernist novel The Dead Father (1975), an oversized mechanical father figure, known as the "Dead Father," is chained and dragged along the ground by his sons, led by Thomas, symbolizing their rebellion against his patriarchal dominance. As they travel past the town of the Wends, the Dead Father becomes increasingly vocal, trying to assert his relevance by pursuing a woman named Julie, but ultimately fails, leading to his acceptance of his diminishing control and eventual burial.

Mysterious

Fantastical

Humorous

Dark

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.0

2,342 ratings

63%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Dead Father by Donald Barthelme is celebrated for its innovative narrative and dark humor but can be challenging due to its abstract style and fragmented structure. Some readers praise the novel's exploration of authority and mythology, while others find it difficult to follow. It offers a unique reading experience, blending wit with deeper philosophical inquiries.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Dead Father?

Readers who enjoy surreal, postmodern fiction with a mix of dark humor and existential themes would appreciate The Dead Father by Donald Barthelme. Fans of Thomas Pynchon’s Gravity’s Rainbow or Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five will find Barthelme’s innovative narrative style and fragmented storytelling appealing.

4.0

2,342 ratings

63%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Publication Year

1975

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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