logo

73 pages 2 hours read

Winter's Bone

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Book Brief

logo
Daniel Woodrell

Winter's Bone

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ozarks • Contemporary

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.0

40,567 ratings

70%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Winter's Bone?

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.

4.0

40,567 ratings

70%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

Ree Dolly

A sixteen-year-old caretaker of her family with dreams of joining the U.S. Army, who navigates familial challenges and seeks to discover the truth about her father's disappearance.

Ree's intimidating and erratic uncle, who becomes a crucial ally in her quest and provides insight into the family's history and dynamics.

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.

Ree's best friend, who struggles with her own marriage issues while maintaining a complex and deep friendship with Ree.

Ree's mother, who suffers from mental instability, largely due to the abuse and the burdens of being part of the Dolly family.

Ree's ten-year-old half-brother, known for his protective nature and his close bond with their younger brother, Harold.

Ree's eight-year-old younger brother, noted for his sensitivity and lack of the toughness expected in their harsh environment.

The Dolly patriarch of Hawkfall Valley with a formidable presence and reputation, who plays a significant role in the family's affairs.

Thump Milton's wife, a robust woman with a protective demeanor who influences family matters and upholds their moral code.

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ozarks • Contemporary

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.