36 pages 1 hour read

Djuna Barnes

Nightwood

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1936

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Nightwood by Djuna Barnes, first published in 1936, follows the lives of Robin Vote and those entwined with her as she seeks autonomy and wrestles with her desires. Set primarily in 1930s Paris, the novel also ventures into Vienna, Berlin, and America. It explores same-sex romance and women's independence from traditional marriage, distinguished by its dense poetic language and modernist style. The novel depicts experiences related to World War One and the ensuing cultural shifts. Sensitive topics include mental health challenges faced by individuals.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Nightwood by Djuna Barnes is a highly poetic and complex novel celebrated for its rich, evocative prose and deep exploration of marginalized identities. Critics applaud its groundbreaking narrative structure and vivid character portrayals but note its dense, non-linear storytelling can be challenging. A pioneering work of modernist fiction, it remains polarizing yet influential.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Nightwood?

Nightwood by Djuna Barnes appeals to readers who appreciate modernist literature and complex, lyrical prose. Fans of Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway and James Joyce's Ulysses will find the experimental narrative and exploration of human relationships engaging. This novel is ideal for those intrigued by themes of identity, love, and existentialism.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes

Relationships: Mothers

Genre

Modern Classic Fiction

Psychological Fiction

American Literature

Topics

LGBTQ

Women's Studies (Nonfiction)

History: World