Giles Goat-Boy
752
Novel • Fiction
University Campus • Indeterminate
1987
Adult
18+ years
Giles Goat-Boy by John Barth is an allegorical novel where a young man, raised as a goat, discovers his human identity and embarks on a quest for enlightenment. Set in a university that represents the world, the story explores themes of knowledge, power, and identity through the protagonist's encounters and experiences.
Fantastical
Mysterious
Contemplative
Humorous
Challenging
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Giles Goat-Boy is praised for its inventive narrative and allegorical depth, blending satire with myth. Critics appreciate Barth's intellectual engagement and humor, but some find the novel overly complex and unwieldy. Its ambitious scope sparks diverse interpretations, appealing to readers who enjoy detailed, intricate storytelling.
A reader who enjoys Giles Goat-Boy by John Barth likely appreciates satirical metafiction exploring themes of identity and knowledge. Fans of Thomas Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow or Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five might also enjoy Barth's blend of absurdity and philosophical depth.
2,282 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Giles Goat-Boy is a satirical novel that was published in 1966 and is often considered a major work in postmodern American literature.
The novel is notable for its complex allegorical structure, using a university as a metaphor for the universe, which invites readers to explore themes of identity and knowledge.
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John Barth's playful narrative techniques in Giles Goat-Boy include pseudo-academic elements such as introductions and notes attributed to fictional editors, contributing to the novel's metafictional nature.
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752
Novel • Fiction
University Campus • Indeterminate
1987
Adult
18+ years
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