The Outsiders is a powerful story with brilliant, three-dimensional characters that has endured over time. However, the writing, while impressive for a sixteen-year-old, shows the hallmarks of a fledgling writer with excessive descriptions and some elements that don't age well.
The Outsiders is a classic tale that explores the push and pull between the haves and have-nots, with a focus on friendship, family, and the struggles of growing up too quickly. The characters are well-developed and the relationships, particularly between Pony and his brothers, are deeply affecting. The story's emotional impact remains strong, but the writing, while good for a teenager, reveals some flaws when read as an adult. There are excessive descriptions of characters' appearances, some implausible scenes, and elements that don't age well, such as misogynistic and racist remarks. Despite these issues, the story's enduring appeal lies in its powerful exploration of youth and societal divisions.
Quick quotes
The characters are brilliant and three-dimensional.
It is a classic story, the push and pull between the haves and the have nots, the violence that begets more violence.
The writing is very good for a sixteen-year-old. But coming back to the novel as an adult made some of the flaws harder to ignore.