- Paperback: 560 pages
- Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd; New edition edition (26 April 1990)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0140181938
- ISBN-13: 978-0140181937
- Product Dimensions: 19.4 x 12.4 x 2.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 373,460 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Synopsis
A family with a great appetite for living is dominated by the father until an older son, Eugene, is able to free himself.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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First Sentence
A destiny that leads the English to the Dutch is strange enough; but one that leads from Epsom into Pennsylvania, and thence into the hills that shut in Altamont over the proud coral cry of the cock, and the soft stone smile of an angel, is touched by that dark miracle of chance which makes new magic in a dusty world. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
A destiny that leads the English to the Dutch is strange enough; but one that leads from Epsom into Pennsylvania, and thence into the hills that shut in Altamont over the proud coral cry of the cock, and the soft stone smile of an angel, is touched by that dark miracle of chance which makes new magic in a dusty world. Read the first page
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I can't understand why Thomas Wolfe isn't as widely reprinted as Hemingway or Faulkner, because his work is up there with them. Like Richard Yates and Revolutionary Road, it might take Hollywood making a film of this book to make it really popular again, which would be a sad reflection on a book like this.
Look Homeward, Angel is semi-autobiographical, but this does not make it sentimental. It is steeped in nostalgia, and anyone who naturally reflects on the past and sees the melancholy in irretrievably lost time, missed relationships, and things left forever unsaid, will understand where Wolfe is coming from. The story is of a Southern family called Gant; it follows one son Eugene's growth from birth to adulthood, and is written with both a wisful sadness and an irrepressible joy for living. The writing is superb, in some places the best prose I've seen. The dialogue, especially from members of the Gant family, is both touching and hilarious, and because of this all of the characters are vivid and detailed, without fail.
The book is fairly long and intricate, but this should not put you off, think of Dickens and the detail that makes his work so great too. This is not a quick read type of novel, which is probably why it only got one star from the book club reviewer (wholly undeserved - don't blame Thomas Wolfe for not being Dan Brown). In my opinion, Look Homeward, Angel has far more to offer than almost any other American novel I've read.
Look Homeward, Angel is semi-autobiographical, but this does not make it sentimental. It is steeped in nostalgia, and anyone who naturally reflects on the past and sees the melancholy in irretrievably lost time, missed relationships, and things left forever unsaid, will understand where Wolfe is coming from. The story is of a Southern family called Gant; it follows one son Eugene's growth from birth to adulthood, and is written with both a wisful sadness and an irrepressible joy for living. The writing is superb, in some places the best prose I've seen. The dialogue, especially from members of the Gant family, is both touching and hilarious, and because of this all of the characters are vivid and detailed, without fail.
The book is fairly long and intricate, but this should not put you off, think of Dickens and the detail that makes his work so great too. This is not a quick read type of novel, which is probably why it only got one star from the book club reviewer (wholly undeserved - don't blame Thomas Wolfe for not being Dan Brown). In my opinion, Look Homeward, Angel has far more to offer than almost any other American novel I've read.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Before I read this, I was hopeful about Wolfe's writing. I had never read him before and had heard complimentary reviews of his work. I was hoping to find a Modern American writer that has been neglected because of the dominance of Faulkner, Hemingway, Fitzgerald, et al. Wolfe excels in description and that is what much of the novel is, description of his family and his hometown. A thinly veiled autobiography, the novel is a bildungsroman set in his hometown, Asheville, NC. Many times, the description is wonderful and uplifting, but at other times, annoying. Wolfe has a tendency to overwrite. No one wishes this book any longer.
15 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A novel about growing up living and dying. A life filled with anguish,angst,loneliness and quiet beauty. The characters are so vivid you can see the buttons on their coats. Wolfe loves his life but he also knows that it will soon be over, so he captures the essence here. This novel is sometimes so beautiful it will fill your heart to the brim, making you stop reading ,put the book down and hold the ache until it passes. A must must read. Wolfe's "Of Time and the River", is also brilliant, as is his short stories.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Coming Home...
... to a book of one's youth. I first read Look Homeward, Angel some 40 years ago, and like a few other reviewers, decided it merited a re-read. Read more
Published 17 months ago by John P. Jones III
I can't believe I had to finish this horrible book
I am writing this review to protect others who might mistakenly pick this book as I recently did for my book club. It was well reviewed, a classic and highly recommended. Read more
Published on 13 Aug 1999
The spirit of the South in this portrayal of a time & place.
Wolfe catches the spirit of the South in this accurate portrayal of a time and place. His descriptions bring the picture vividly to life. Read more
Published on 26 Dec 1998
Like a river
Yes, he did write while standing next to his refrigerator using its top as a writing surface. Writing for Wolfe was so necessary and exciting that it could not be done sitting... Read more
Published on 18 Dec 1998
The loneliest book you'll ever read.
I agree that this is that Great American Novel everyone keeps talking about. It has its flaws, but then, well, so does America. Read more
Published on 10 Aug 1998
The "Great American Novel"? RIGHT HERE!
Listen. This is the "Great American Novel" that supposedly is waiting to be written. Mr. Read more
Published on 4 Aug 1998
Quite simply, this is the best book I have ever read.
This is one of the forgotten classics of American literature. It is unbelievable, a must read.
Published on 12 July 1998
A tumultous, compelling work which engages the reader 100%.
Never have I read a novel which has rewarded the close attention to detail that this novel demands of its readers. Read more
Published on 30 July 1997
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