46 pages • 1 hour read
The Good Lord Bird
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Book Brief
480
Novel • Fiction
Kansas • 1850s
2013
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Good Lord Bird by James McBride follows Henry Shackleford, a twelve-year-old boy mistaken for a girl, as he joins radical abolitionist John Brown's army in the slave-era South, experiencing a series of misadventures over three years while grappling with identity and manhood. The novel includes themes of slavery, racism, and violent protest.
Humorous
Adventurous
Emotional
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
43,254 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
James McBride's novel The Good Lord Bird is widely praised for its compelling storytelling, vivid characters, and unique blend of humor and historical fiction. Readers appreciate the nuanced portrayal of its protagonist and the insight into pre-Civil War America. Some critics, however, feel the pacing is uneven, particularly in the middle sections, but overall consensus views it as an engaging and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The Good Lord Bird?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a mix of humor and serious themes, similar to The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead and Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders, will be captivated by James McBride's The Good Lord Bird. Fans of richly developed characters and unique narrative voices will also appreciate this novel.
43,254 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
480
Novel • Fiction
Kansas • 1850s
2013
Adult
18+ years
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