The Wild Palms
The Wild Palms
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995
Book Brief
Beta304
Novel • Fiction
Mississippi, Illinois • 1930s
1995
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Wild Palms by William Faulkner consists of two intertwining narratives: "Wild Palms" and "Old Man." The narrative explores themes of love, freedom, and societal constraints, contrasting the passionate affair between two individuals in "Wild Palms" with the challenges faced by a convict during a flood in "Old Man."
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Emotional
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
5,500 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Wild Palms by William Faulkner is lauded for its intricate narrative structure and profound exploration of human passion and despair. Critics praise its dual storylines for their emotional depth but note the complexity may challenge readers. While Faulkner's language is richly evocative, some find the themes overly bleak. Overall, it’s a profound if demanding read.
Who Should Read The Wild Palms?
A reader who enjoys The Wild Palms by William Faulkner is likely drawn to complex narratives and stream-of-consciousness techniques. This reader appreciates Southern Gothic elements and themes of love and suffering, similar to readers of Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway and James Joyce's Ulysses.
5,500 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
304
Novel • Fiction
Mississippi, Illinois • 1930s
1995
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!