Riddley Walker

by Russell Hoban
Riddley Walker cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Format • £9.49–£10.44
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Technical
  • ID: 1164
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780253334480
  • Publisher: Indiana University Press
  • Published: 1998-01-01
  • Formats: 40
  • Reviews: 4

Set in a distant future where England has regressed to an iron-age, semi-literate state following a nuclear holocaust, Riddley Walker tells the story of its eponymous protagonist. Riddley is a rebel and artist in his culture, embodying the spirit of both Huck Finn and Stephen Dedalus. The novel is renowned for its inventive language, which reflects the degraded state of society and offers a unique lens through which to view the narrative. /n/n The book explores themes of survival, identity, and the cyclical nature of history, as Riddley seeks to understand the remnants of the old world and his place within the new. With its richly imagined setting and linguistic innovation, Riddley Walker stands as a masterpiece of 20th-century literature.

Reviews
Write Out Loud Blog · 2023-12-03
fascinating 4.50

The book is a fascinating read, likened to the science fiction equivalent of Joyce's Finnegans Wake. It is far more engaging and thought-provoking.

This reviewer found the book to be an absolutely fascinating read, comparing it to the complexity of Joyce's Finnegans Wake but with a more engaging narrative. They appreciate the unique language and the depth of thought it provokes, making it a standout in the science fiction genre. The reviewer enjoys the challenge of deciphering the text and finds it rewarding. They highlight the book's ability to make them think deeply about its themes and language, making it a memorable and enriching experience.

Quick quotes

    It is an absolutely fascinating read.

    I find myself thinking it is like the science fiction equivalent of Joyce's Finnegans Wake albeit far more interesting.

    It is far more engaging and thought-provoking.

Reviews by Writers · Adele Geras · 2016-07-26
challenging 4.00

The book is hard to describe and not for everyone, but it is full of humor and unique sayings. It is a challenging but rewarding read.

Adele Geras finds Riddley Walker to be a challenging book that is not for everyone, but she appreciates its unique qualities. She highlights the humor and the distinctive sayings that make the book memorable. Geras acknowledges the difficulty in describing the book, but she finds it rewarding and engaging. She enjoys the way the book challenges readers and provokes thought, making it a standout experience.

Quick quotes

    It's a book that's very hard to describe.

    It's full of humour and some of the sayings like "TRUBBA" are memorable.

    It's not one that everyone will like, but it's rewarding.

The Guardian · 2010-12-03
astonishing 5.00

The book is described as an astonishing masterpiece that deserves more recognition. It is praised for its uniqueness and profound impact.

The Guardian's reviewer calls Riddley Walker an astonishing masterpiece that is not widely read enough. They believe it deserves far more recognition for its profound impact and unique storytelling. The reviewer finds the book to be a wonderful and enriching experience, highlighting its ability to captivate and provoke thought. They appreciate the novel's depth and the way it challenges readers, making it a standout piece of literature.

Quick quotes

    Riddley Walker is an astonishing masterpiece, and deserves to be far better known and more widely read than it is.

    A wonderful, wonderful book.

    It is a profound and unique piece of literature.

Fantasy Book Review · 1974-01-01
unique 3.50

The book is unique and challenging, with a highly dialected form of English that makes it difficult but rewarding. The reviewer appreciates its originality and the effort required to fully understand it.

Fantasy Book Review describes Riddley Walker as one of the most unique and difficult books they have ever read. The reviewer appreciates the book's originality and the effort required to fully understand it. They highlight the highly dialected form of English used throughout the novel, which adds a layer of complexity and depth to the narrative. Despite the challenges, the reviewer finds the book rewarding and praises its ability to create a rich and immersive world.

Quick quotes

    "Riddley Walker" is one of the most unique books I have ever read, and is also probably the most difficult book I will ever come across.

    The novel is set in a post-apocalyptic world where England has been reduced to a primitive state.

    The language is a highly dialected form of English, which can be challenging to decipher but adds to the book's unique charm.

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