The Last Gentleman
The Last Gentleman
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999
Book Brief
Beta416
Novel • Fiction
•
Christian•
American LiteratureSouthern United States • 1960s
•
US History1999
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Last Gentleman by Walker Percy follows Will Barrett, a young man grappling with existential questions and identity crisis. As he embarks on a journey across the American South, he encounters a family dealing with illness and death. This quest for meaning explores themes of alienation, memory, and the search for personal purpose.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Mysterious
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
2,816 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Last Gentleman by Walker Percy is praised for its introspective exploration of identity and the human condition, offering rich character development and philosophical depth. Critics admire its humor and narrative style but note its complex themes may overwhelm some readers. The novel's existential undertones resonate, though its pacing can feel uneven.
Who Should Read The Last Gentleman?
A reader who appreciates existential themes, Southern settings, and introspective quests will enjoy The Last Gentleman by Walker Percy. Fans of The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and On the Road by Jack Kerouac, which explore identity and societal disconnection, will find similar intrigue in this narrative.
2,816 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
416
Novel • Fiction
•
Christian•
American LiteratureSouthern United States • 1960s
•
US History1999
Adult
18+ years
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