34 pages • 1 hour read
Wise Blood
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Book Brief
256
Novel • Fiction
Southern United States • 1940s
1952
Adult
18+ years
920L
Super Short Summary
Wise Blood by Flannery O'Connor follows Hazel Motes, a disillusioned World War II veteran who arrives in Taulkinham, Tennessee, and founds the Church Without Christ, preaching against religious belief while grappling with various eccentric characters, including Enoch Emery and Asa Hawks, until his fatal end. The novel includes depictions of violence, death, and mental health struggles.
Mysterious
Dark
Unnerving
Gritty
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
36,407 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Wise Blood by Flannery O'Connor is a polarizing read, marked by its dark humor and exploration of religious themes. Critics praise O'Connor's distinctive prose and complex characters, though some find the plot disjointed and the tone overly bleak. This debut novel remains a notable work for its originality and thought-provoking narrative.
Who Should Read Wise Blood?
Readers who would enjoy Wise Blood by Flannery O'Connor are likely drawn to darkly humorous and profound explorations of religious themes and human flaws. Fans of Southern Gothic literature and works like As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner or The Road by Cormac McCarthy will find its surreal and gritty narrative compelling.
36,407 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
256
Novel • Fiction
Southern United States • 1940s
1952
Adult
18+ years
920L
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