61 pages • 2 hours read
The Narrow Road to the Deep North
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Book Brief
464
Novel • Fiction
Burma • 1940s
2013
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Richard Flanagan's novel, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, follows Australian surgeon Dorrigo Evans as he navigates life during and after being held in a WWII Japanese POW camp. The story alternates between his harrowing experiences in the camp and his post-war struggles with fame, guilt, and complicated relationships, particularly his affair with his uncle's wife, Amy, whose memory sustains him through much of his suffering. The novel includes depictions of war trauma and violence against prisoners.
Dark
Melancholic
Emotional
Challenging
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
78,364 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Richard Flanagan's The Narrow Road to the Deep North receives high praise for its poignant portrayal of wartime suffering and complex human emotions. Critics laud its lyrical prose and profound character depth. However, some note that its nonlinear narrative can be confusing. Despite minor flaws, the novel stands out as a powerful and moving literary achievement.
Who Should Read The Narrow Road to the Deep North ?
A reader who would enjoy The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan is likely someone captivated by intense, character-driven narratives and historical fiction. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner or Markus Zusak's The Book Thief would appreciate the profound exploration of human resilience and morality in wartime.
78,364 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
464
Novel • Fiction
Burma • 1940s
2013
Adult
18+ years
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