34 pages • 1 hour read
William KennedyIronweed
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1983A 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
Published in 1983, Ironweed by William Kennedy is the story of Francis Phelan, a former baseball player turned homeless drifter, who returns to his hometown of Albany, New York, in 1938. Over the span of two days, he reconnects with his past, visiting his family's home and confronting memories of trauma. The novel vividly portrays Francis's experiences and interactions, blending realism with elements of fantasy as he converses with apparitions from his past. Contains themes of infant mortality, homelessness, and fatal illness.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
William Kennedy's Ironweed garners praise for its vivid, lyrical portrayal of Depression-era Albany and complex, haunting characters. Critics commend the novel's emotional depth and Kennedy's masterful prose. However, some find the narrative bleak and its structure fragmented. Overall, it stands out for its rich storytelling and historical authenticity.
Who Should Read Ironweed?
Readers who enjoy Ironweed by William Kennedy are often drawn to gritty, realistic depictions of American life. Fans of John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath and F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby will appreciate Kennedy's exploration of the human condition and societal struggles during the Great Depression.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Values/Ideas: Fate
History: U.S.
History: World
American Literature
Historical Fiction
Classic Fiction