48 pages • 1 hour read
Russell HobanRiddley Walker
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1980A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Riddley Walker by Russell Hoban is set in post-apocalyptic South England, 2000 years after a nuclear war, where society has reverted to primitive ways and speaks a phonetic, fragmented English. The novel follows a 12-year-old boy named Riddley Walker who becomes his village’s connexion man, interpreting state-sponsored puppet shows about a historical figure named Eusa, encounters a forbidden town, and embarks on a journey that intertwines with mysterious figures and ancient technologies. The narrative involves violence, loss, and the actions of a marginalized group known as the Eusa folk.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Russell Hoban's Riddley Walker is lauded for its inventive use of language and deep philosophical themes, creating a post-apocalyptic world that's both immersive and thought-provoking. However, its challenging prose can be divisive, potentially frustrating readers. The novel's originality and depth make it a compelling but demanding read.
Who Should Read Riddley Walker?
Readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic, linguistically inventive narratives will savor Riddley Walker by Russell Hoban. Fans of works like A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess and The Road by Cormac McCarthy will appreciate its rich, dystopian world and unique use of language. Ideal for those who relish deep, thought-provoking fiction.