62 pages • 2 hours read
Saul BellowThe Adventures of Augie March
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1953A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow chronicles Augie March's life from an underprivileged childhood in Chicago to his waning wanderlust in Paris. His journey includes encounters with colorful characters, various occupations, and romantic entanglements, ultimately leading him to enlist in the Merchant Marines during World War II and marry an actress named Stella, all while exploring themes of identity and self-determination. The book depicts ableist ideas that were prevalent at the time it was written, and characters with disabilities face institutionalization and marginalization.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Numerous reviews praise Saul Bellow's The Adventures of Augie March for its rich, vivid prose and dynamic character development, highlighting Bellow's skill in capturing the American spirit. However, some critics mention the narrative's sprawling nature as a downside, noting it can be challenging to follow. Overall, it is celebrated as a literary triumph for its depth and originality.
Who Should Read The Adventures of Augie March?
Readers who appreciate the vibrant, picaresque adventures of Saul Bellow's The Adventures of Augie March typically enjoy novels with richly drawn characters, existential themes, and a quest for identity. Fans of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye or Jack Kerouac's On the Road will find a similar appeal in Bellow's work.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1040L