49 pages • 1 hour read
Rick BraggAva's Man
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2001A 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
Ava's Man by Rick Bragg chronicles the life of Charlie Bundrum, the author's maternal grandfather, through stories shared by family and friends. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the evolving South, the book explores Charlie’s unique survival tactics, such as fishing and distilling whiskey, while capturing his relationship with his wife Ava and their children, and the personal impact of socioeconomic changes. Throughout the narrative, Charlie faces challenges like poverty and clashes with the law due to shifting societal norms.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Rick Bragg's Ava's Man is lauded for its heartfelt storytelling and vivid depiction of the author's grandfather, Charlie Bundrum. Critics praise Bragg's lyrical prose and rich Southern atmosphere. Some reviewers, however, note the narrative occasionally wanders, affecting its pace. The portrait of rural life and complex characters remains a powerful highlight.
Who Should Read Ava's Man?
Readers who relish Southern American tales, rich storytelling, and familial legacies will enjoy Ava's Man by Rick Bragg. Comparable to works like North Toward Home by Willie Morris and The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, it appeals to those who appreciate memoirs imbued with cultural history and personal resilience.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1150LBook Details
History: U.S.
History: World
Great Depression
Creative Nonfiction
Southern Literature
Biography
Relationships: Family