51 pages • 1 hour read
Dorothy AllisonBastard Out Of Carolina
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1992A 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
Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison is a semi-autobiographical novel set in 1950s Greenville County, South Carolina, following Ruth Anne “Bone” Boatwright's difficult childhood. Amidst poverty, class-based discrimination, and familial loyalty, Bone endures physical and sexual abuse, particularly by her stepfather Glen, while seeking solace and support from her extended family. The book depicts domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison has been acclaimed for its raw and powerful storytelling. Critics commend its unflinching portrayal of poverty and abuse in the South. Allison's rich and evocative prose brings depth to her characters, notably the resilient protagonist, Bone. However, some reviewers find the graphic content challenging and the resolution somewhat unsatisfying.
Who Should Read Bastard Out Of Carolina?
A reader who would enjoy Bastard Out Of Carolina by Dorothy Allison often appreciates raw, emotionally poignant storytelling, exploring themes of poverty, family, and resilience. Fans of The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls and The Color Purple by Alice Walker will resonate with Allison's gritty Southern narrative and complex, enduring characters.