62 pages 2 hours read

Tom Wolfe

A Man In Full

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Tom Wolfe's novel A Man in Full, powerful businessman Charlie Croker faces a financial crisis as his real estate empire collapses, while a young man named Conrad Hensley loses his job and experiences a transformative journey involving Stoic philosophy. Charlie must navigate pressures related to a racially charged rape accusation, with both men's stories ultimately intersecting in themes of resilience and redemption. Sensitive topics include false rape accusations and racial tensions.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

A Man In Full by Tom Wolfe receives praise for its rich character portrayals and incisive social commentary, reflecting Atlanta's diverse socio-economic landscape. However, critics note its sprawling narrative can be unwieldy and the pacing uneven. Despite this, Wolfe's sharp prose and vivid depiction of modern life make it a compelling read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Man In Full?

A reader who would enjoy A Man In Full by Tom Wolfe appreciates expansive, character-driven narratives that explore social and economic issues with sharp wit. Fans of John Updike's Rabbit, Run or Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections will find similar depth and observational prowess in Wolfe's work.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

American Literature

Classic Fiction

Southern Literature

Topics

Philosophy

Themes

Identity: Masculinity

Identity: Race

Society: Class