Riddley Walker

by Russell Hoban
Riddley Walker cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Technical:
  • ID: 1164
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2025-09-27
  • ISBN: 9780253334480
  • Publisher: Indiana University Press
  • Published: 1998-01-01
  • Formats: 26
  • Reviews: 3
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Paperback • £9.99
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Format • £9.49

Set in a distant future where humanity has regressed to an iron-age, semi-literate state, Riddley Walker is a coming-of-age story unlike any other. The novel's protagonist, Riddley, is both a rebel and an artist, navigating a world ravaged by a nuclear holocaust. Hoban's masterpiece is not just a tale of survival but also an exploration of language and culture, with Riddley's unique dialect reflecting the fragmented nature of his society. /n/n The book is a profound exploration of human resilience and the power of storytelling. Riddley's journey is one of self-discovery and rebellion against the oppressive norms of his time. The novel's inventive language and richly imagined world make it a standout work of 20th-century literature, offering a haunting vision of a world rebuilt from the ashes of catastrophe.

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.

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