78 pages • 2 hours read
The Monkey Wrench Gang
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Book Brief
480
Novel • Fiction
American Southwest • 1970s
1975
Adult
18+ years
860L
Super Short Summary
Written by environmental advocate Edward Abbey in 1975, The Monkey Wrench Gang tells the story of a motley crew of environmental activists fighting industrialization in the American Southwest. Doc, Bonnie, Hayduke, and Smith join forces to sabotage construction projects, targeting developers, politicians, and resource extraction companies. Their ultimate goal is the destruction of Glen Canyon Dam, culminating in a series of high-stakes sabotage missions.
Adventurous
Gritty
Suspenseful
Humorous
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
29,619 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Edward Abbey's The Monkey Wrench Gang garners acclaim for its bold environmental themes, vivid descriptions, and spirited characters committed to sabotaging development in the American Southwest. Critics, however, note occasional lapses into didacticism and uneven pacing. Overall, the novel's passionate advocacy for nature and relentless energy make it a compelling read.
Who Should Read The Monkey Wrench Gang?
Readers who relish environmental activism with a dose of humor and adventure will enjoy The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey. They likely appreciate works like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain and Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk for their rebellious spirit and strong character voices.
29,619 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
480
Novel • Fiction
American Southwest • 1970s
1975
Adult
18+ years
860L
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