The Palm-Wine Drinkard

by Amos Tutuola
The Palm-Wine Drinkard cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Fantasy
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 7820
  • Added: 2025-12-17
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780571311545
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2014-07-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Palm-Wine Drinkard is a classic novel that blends Yoruba folktales with a unique, 'creepy crawly imagination' to create a phantasmagorical story. The protagonist, an alcoholic man, ventures into the land of the dead in search of his deceased palm-wine tapster, encountering a myriad of supernatural beings, both terrifying and fascinating. The novel is celebrated for its imaginative storytelling and is regarded as a seminal work of African literature. /n/n Praised by literary figures such as T. S. Eliot and Dylan Thomas, the novel's unique artistry and purpose have been noted by renowned authors like Chinua Achebe. The Palm-Wine Drinkard is a thronged, grisly, and bewitching tale that has captivated readers for generations.

Reviews
The New York Times · 2025-06-19
brilliant 4.50

The book is celebrated for its unique blend of folktale and magical realism, offering a rich and imaginative narrative. It stands out as a pioneering work in African literature, bridging cultural gaps and inspiring future generations of writers.

The New York Times review highlights how 'The Palm-Wine Drinkard' masterfully combines elements of folktale, fantasy, and magical realism to create a vivid and enchanting world. The narrative's imaginative depth and cultural richness are praised, making it a seminal work in African literature. The review also notes the book's enduring influence, bridging cultural divides and inspiring a new wave of literary creativity. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to transport readers into a realm where the ordinary and the extraordinary coexist, making it a timeless classic.

Quick quotes

    A pioneering work in African literature that bridges cultural gaps and inspires future generations of writers.

    The book's unique blend of folktale and magical realism offers a rich and imaginative narrative.

    It stands out as a seminal work in African literature, celebrated for its vivid and enchanting world.

Vishy the Knight's Blog · Vishy the Knight · 2022-02-22
intriguing 4.00

The book is a captivating blend of folktale, fantasy, and mythology, offering a unique and engaging reading experience. The reviewer appreciates the book's imaginative storytelling and cultural depth.

Vishy the Knight's review of 'The Palm-Wine Drinkard' emphasizes the book's captivating blend of folktale, fantasy, and mythology. The reviewer is drawn to the unique and engaging narrative that unfolds as the protagonist embarks on a series of adventures. The cultural depth and imaginative storytelling are particularly highlighted, making the book a standout in the realm of African literature. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to transport readers into a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are beautifully blurred.

Quick quotes

    A fascinating book that combines folktale, fantasy, magic, and mythology.

    The pages are filled with imaginative storytelling and cultural depth.

    The book offers a unique and engaging reading experience.

Pechorin's Journal · 2016-05-23
good 3.50

The book is a challenging yet rewarding read, offering a rich tapestry of Yoruba culture and folklore. The reviewer appreciates the book's unique perspective and imaginative storytelling.

Pechorin's Journal review of 'The Palm-Wine Drinkard' describes it as a challenging yet rewarding read. The book's rich tapestry of Yoruba culture and folklore is particularly highlighted, offering readers a unique perspective on African storytelling. The reviewer appreciates the book's imaginative storytelling and the way it blends elements of folktale and fantasy. The book's cultural depth and unique narrative style are praised, making it a standout work in the realm of African literature. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to transport readers into a world where the ordinary and the extraordinary coexist, making it a timeless classic.

Quick quotes

    A hard book to describe, let alone review, but a rewarding read.

    The book offers a rich tapestry of Yoruba culture and folklore.

    The unique perspective and imaginative storytelling make it a standout work.

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