73 pages • 2 hours read
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224
Novel • Fiction
Ozarks • Contemporary
2006
Adult
18+ years
In Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell, sixteen-year-old Ree Dolly embarks on a dangerous quest to find her missing father, Jessup, who has used their house to secure bail, risking her family's home if he fails to appear for his court date. Ree must navigate the criminal underworld of her extended Dolly family, encountering corruption and hardship, while caring for her younger brothers and mentally absent mother. Sensitive topics such as substance abuse, domestic violence, and socioeconomic hardship are depicted.
Gritty
Dark
Challenging
Melancholic
40,567 ratings
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Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell offers a gripping, gritty depiction of life in the Ozarks, earning praise for its evocative prose and strong, resilient protagonist. While some readers find it bleak and slow-paced, others appreciate its authenticity and atmospheric tension. The novel's detailed setting and character development stand out, making it a compelling yet somber read.
Readers who enjoy gritty, character-driven stories set in rural America will appreciate Daniel Woodrell's Winter's Bone. Fans of literary noir with a strong female protagonist, similar to those in Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn and True Grit by Charles Portis, will find it compelling. The vivid depiction of family loyalty and survival in harsh conditions resonates deeply.
40,567 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Uncle Teardrop
Ree's intimidating and erratic uncle, who becomes a crucial ally in her quest and provides insight into the family's history and dynamics.
Jessup Dolly
Ree's largely absent father whose disappearance sets off a chain of events, known for his skills as a crank chef and the complex relationships he leaves behind.
Gail Lockrum
Ree's best friend, who struggles with her own marriage issues while maintaining a complex and deep friendship with Ree.
Connie Dolly
Ree's mother, who suffers from mental instability, largely due to the abuse and the burdens of being part of the Dolly family.
Sonny Dolly
Ree's ten-year-old half-brother, known for his protective nature and his close bond with their younger brother, Harold.
Harold Dolly
Ree's eight-year-old younger brother, noted for his sensitivity and lack of the toughness expected in their harsh environment.
Thump Milton
The Dolly patriarch of Hawkfall Valley with a formidable presence and reputation, who plays a significant role in the family's affairs.
Mrs. Merab Thump
Thump Milton's wife, a robust woman with a protective demeanor who influences family matters and upholds their moral code.
224
Novel • Fiction
Ozarks • Contemporary
2006
Adult
18+ years
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