46 pages 1 hour read

Edgar Allan Poe

The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1838

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket, 16-year-old Arthur Gordon Pym stows away on a whaling ship, the Grampus, with the help of his friend Augustus. A mutiny ensues, and after regaining control of the ship, Pym and a few others are stranded at sea. They are eventually rescued and continue their journey to the South Pole, encountering perilous and mysterious events. The novel includes depictions of racism and alcohol misuse.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Edgar Allan Poe's The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket reveals a mastery in atmospheric storytelling with vivid, eerie descriptions and suspenseful sequences. However, some readers find the plot disjointed and the ending unsatisfactory. Overall, it's a compelling, albeit fragmented, work that showcases Poe's talent but may not appeal to everyone.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket?

Readers who enjoy dark, adventurous, and suspenseful sea tales like Herman Melville's Moby-Dick and Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness will find Edgar Allan Poe's The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket intriguing. The novel appeals to those who appreciate psychological depth, mysteries, and the macabre intertwined with exploration.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Action / Adventure

Classic Fiction

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Themes

Society: Colonialism

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Identity: Masculinity

Topics

History: World