Without a Hero

Without a Hero cover
Good Books rating 3.5
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Technical
  • ID: 10173
  • Added: 2026-01-16
  • Updated: 2026-01-16
  • ISBN: 9781101651575
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 1995-05-01
  • Reviews: 3

Without a Hero is a collection of fifteen stories by T.C. Boyle that showcases his virtuosity and versatility as a writer. Each story delves into the human condition with a keen sense of the absurd and a compassionate awareness of human frailty. From a college football player who knows only defeat to a couple searching for the last toads on earth, Boyle's characters are vivid and unforgettable. The stories range from laugh-out-loud funny to deeply moving, offering a unique perspective on the secret places in people's hearts. Boyle's range is astonishing, as he reexamines the ethos of Ernest Hemingway and explores the ethos of American life in all its complexity. /n/n The collection includes stories like 'Big Game,' where a wild animal safari takes place on a pay-per-shoot ranch in Southern California, and 'The Fog Man,' which captures the transition from childhood innocence to adult cynicism. Boyle's stories are marked by their wit, insight, and emotional depth, making Without a Hero a standout in contemporary literary fiction.

Reviews
good 3.50

The stories do not inspire a desire to read Boyle's novels, but they have their own merits. The collection offers a variety of themes and styles.

The reviewer initially felt that these stories did not motivate them to explore Boyle's novels further. However, upon deeper reflection, they found value in the collection. The stories present a range of themes and styles, showcasing Boyle's versatility. While they may not be as compelling as his novels, they still offer an enjoyable reading experience. The reviewer appreciates the diversity and creativity within the collection.


Quick quotes

    My first reaction to these stories was that they do not inspire me to read any of T. C. Boyle's novels.

    The more I think about it, the more I appreciate the variety of themes and styles.

    The collection offers a range of compelling worlds and situations.

Eric Lanke Blog · Eric Lanke · 2018-04-14
mixed 3.00

The stories have interesting premises but often lack strong conclusions. The author excels at starting stories but struggles with endings.

Eric Lanke appreciates the quirky and engaging premises of Boyle's stories. He finds the author's ability to start stories compelling, but he feels that the endings often fall short. This leaves the reader wanting more resolution or impact. Despite this, Lanke acknowledges Boyle's skill in creating intriguing scenarios and characters. He suggests that while the stories are enjoyable, they could benefit from more satisfying conclusions.


Quick quotes

    Boyle's stories all have interesting, and sometimes quirky, premises.

    He's much better at starting them than he is at ending them.

    The stories are compelling but often lack strong conclusions.

Goodreads · The Philadelphia Inquirer · 1994-01-01
great 4.00

The stories are sharp, guileful, and malevolently funny. They make you cringe with their wicked humor and insight.

The Philadelphia Inquirer praises Boyle's stories for their sharp wit and malevolent humor. They find the stories to be more than just funny; they are also insightful and thought-provoking. The reviewer appreciates the way Boyle's stories can make the reader cringe with their wicked humor. The collection is seen as a testament to Boyle's skill in blending humor with deeper themes and insights.


Quick quotes

    Sharp, guileful, and malevolently funny.

    They make you cringe with their wicked humor and insight.

    More than funny, better than wicked.