Dhalgren

by Samuel R. Delany
Dhalgren cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 1172
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780575091009
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2010-07-22
  • Formats: 17
  • Reviews: 4

Dhalgren follows 'the Kid,' a mysterious young man who arrives in the anarchic city of Bellona, a place that defies conventional understanding. This near-future USA has two moons and is both eerily familiar and strikingly alien. The Kid begins to write a novel called Dhalgren, which starts where it ends, exploring the boundaries of fiction and the unique experiences of youth culture. /n/n The novel is a complex tapestry of surreal events, vivid characters, and philosophical musings. It delves into themes of identity, perception, and the power of storytelling. The city of Bellona itself becomes a character, reflecting the inner turmoil and creativity of its inhabitants. Dhalgren is celebrated for its innovative narrative structure and its exploration of the possibilities of fiction.

Reviews
Edifice Rex Online · 2021-12-05
fascinating 4.00

They find the novel fascinating and real despite its impossible scenarios, often humorous and thought-provoking. The reviewer appreciates its unique blend of reality and absurdity.

The reviewer from Edifice Rex Online finds Dhalgren to be a captivating read, despite its impossible scenarios. They describe the novel as tremendously real and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to blend reality with absurdity, creating a thought-provoking and engaging experience. They highlight the novel's unique qualities, which make it a standout in the realm of speculative fiction.

Quick quotes

    Dhalgren is a novel I have found endlessly fascinating, tremendously real despite its impossibility.

    Sometimes laugh-out-loud funny.

    A thought-provoking and engaging experience.

The Paris Review · Tynan Kogane · 2020-03-30
thought-provoking 3.00

They note the book's formal and linguistic experimentations are challenging but ultimately rewarding. The reviewer finds it uncomfortable but thought-provoking.

Tynan Kogane from The Paris Review acknowledges that Dhalgren is not an easy read due to its formal and linguistic experimentations. They describe the book as uncomfortable and not very comforting, but also deeply thought-provoking. The reviewer appreciates the novel's boldness and willingness to push boundaries, even if it makes for a challenging reading experience. They find value in the book's exploration of complex themes and its unique narrative style.

Quick quotes

    Delany's formal and linguistic experimentations are a bumpy road to follow.

    It's not a very comforting book.

    The novel's boldness and willingness to push boundaries make it a thought-provoking read.

kara.reviews · Kara Babcock · 2011-05-25
polarizing 3.50

This book is polarizing, with some praising it highly while others criticize it harshly. The reviewer acknowledges its divisive nature but finds value in its unique qualities.

Kara Babcock highlights that Dhalgren is a book that sparks strong opinions. Some renowned authors have praised it, while others have been highly critical. The reviewer notes that the novel's polarizing nature is part of its charm, as it challenges readers and defies conventional expectations. They appreciate the book's boldness and willingness to explore complex themes, even if it doesn't always succeed in its execution. The book's experimental style and thematic depth make it a noteworthy read, despite its flaws.

Quick quotes

    This is a polarizing book that has earned high praise from some renowned authors, such as William Gibson, and nothing but vitriol from others.

    Dhalgren is a book that demands a lot from its readers, and it's not for everyone.

    The novel's experimental style and thematic depth make it a noteworthy read.

The Millions · 2010-06-29
intriguing 3.50

The book presents a challenging narrative with a protagonist who is amnesiac and possibly schizophrenic. The complexity and depth of the story make it a difficult but rewarding read.

The book opens with a protagonist who is amnesiac and possibly schizophrenic, setting the tone for a narrative that is as complex as it is intriguing. The reviewer notes that the book's depth and complexity make it a challenging read, but one that is ultimately rewarding for those who persist. The story's exploration of identity, society, and the human condition is both profound and thought-provoking, making it a standout work in the realm of difficult literature.

Quick quotes

    The book opens with a half-dozen pages written in the mind-voice of an amnesiac, possibly schizophrenic Kid; the thought of eight hundred more pages of this was daunting.

    Delany's formal and linguistic experimentations are a bumpy road to follow.

    It's not a very comforting book, and, of course, it's not a comfortable read.

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