41 pages • 1 hour read
The Golden Ass
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Book Brief
256
Novel • Fiction
Roman Empire • 2nd Century
159
Adult
18+ years
1350L
Super Short Summary
The Golden Ass by Apuleius follows Lucius, who, while exploring Thessaly to learn about magic, is transformed into a donkey through a spell gone wrong. He experiences numerous adventures and hears various tales, including the story of Cupid and Psyche, before finally being returned to human form through the intervention of the goddess Isis, leading him to a life of religious devotion. The book includes instances of sexual violence and animal abuse.
Adventurous
Fantastical
Humorous
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Apuleius's The Golden Ass is celebrated for its imaginative narrative and insightful social satire, offering readers a captivating blend of humor and serious themes. Critics praise its vivid storytelling and robust character development. However, some argue that certain episodic sections can be tangential and overly verbose. Overall, it remains a seminal work in classical literature.
Who Should Read The Golden Ass?
A reader who enjoys The Golden Ass by Apuleius likely appreciates ancient literature, satirical humor, and transformation tales. Comparable books include Ovid's Metamorphoses and Petronius's Satyrica, appealing to those fascinated by classical myths, moral lessons, and adventurous narratives.
256
Novel • Fiction
Roman Empire • 2nd Century
159
Adult
18+ years
1350L
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