Look Homeward, Angel

by Thomas Wolfe
Look Homeward, Angel cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Literary Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 1548
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • Publisher: Prabhat Prakashan
  • Published: 2021-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Embark on an unforgettable literary journey with 'Look Homeward, Angel' by Thomas Wolfe, a timeless masterpiece that delves into the complexities of family, identity, and the search for belonging. Follow the compelling story of Eugene Gant as he navigates the tumultuous landscape of early 20th-century America, grappling with the challenges of adolescence and the weight of his familial legacy. Set against the backdrop of a small Southern town, this epic novel captures the essence of a bygone era while exploring universal themes that resonate with readers of all generations. Through Wolfe's richly descriptive prose and profound insight into the human condition, 'Look Homeward, Angel' offers a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the pursuit of one's dreams. As Eugene embarks on a quest for self-discovery, readers are drawn into a world filled with vivid characters and evocative imagery, where every page is a revelation. The novel's overall tone is one of introspection, as Eugene grapples with his own desires and ambitions against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world. Themes of nostalgia, longing, and the passage of time weave together to create a tapestry of emotion that lingers long after the final page is turned.

Reviews
Reddit - Books · 2025-10-08
intense 4.50

The book is described as intense and beautifully narrated, standing the test of time. It is praised for its enduring appeal to young readers.

The reviewer on Reddit describes Look Homeward, Angel as an intense and beautifully narrated book that has stood the test of time. They highlight that the novel's appeal extends to young readers, suggesting its timeless quality. The reviewer appreciates the book's depth and the way it captures the essence of its characters and their experiences. They also note that the novel's intensity makes it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    This book is intense and narrated very beautifully.

    I do think has stood 'test of time' because of comments by several young readers!

    The novel's depth and the way it captures the essence of its characters and their experiences make it a memorable and impactful read.

Marjorie Apple · Marjorie Apple · 2024-09-08
poetic 3.50

The language is praised for its poetic qualities, but some parts are criticized for being overly ornate. The reviewer acknowledges the novel's strengths while noting its potential weaknesses.

Marjorie Apple finds the language in Look Homeward, Angel to be beautifully poetic at times, which enhances the reading experience. However, they also point out that contemporary critics might find much of the book rife with purple prose, which can be overwhelming. The reviewer acknowledges that while the novel has its strengths, the excessive use of ornate language might detract from the overall impact for some readers.

Quick quotes

    While the language is, at times, beautifully poetic, I think many contemporary critics would consider most of the book rife with purple prose.

    The novel's strengths lie in its poetic language and its ability to captivate readers.

    The excessive use of ornate language might detract from the overall impact for some readers.

English Plus Language Blog · 2019-07-29
beautiful 4.00

The novel is described as flawed yet beautiful, with a raw and unfiltered portrayal of humanity. It is noted for its lack of florid language, making it a compelling read despite its imperfections.

The reviewer appreciates the novel's honest and unfiltered depiction of life, finding beauty in its flaws. They highlight that the book is not overly ornate or florid, which adds to its authenticity. The reviewer suggests that while the novel may not appeal to everyone due to its raw and sometimes uncomfortable portrayals, it is a powerful and moving work. They also note that the book is not pornographic, despite some initial concerns.

Quick quotes

    Look Homeward, Angel is not florid.

    Like humanity itself, it may be flawed, but it is beautiful.

    While the novel is not pornographic at all, some people may find certain passages uncomfortable.

Appears in Lists