Thomas Wolfe
Thomas Clayton Wolfe was a major American novelist of the early 20th century, known for his sprawling, autobiographical novels, including 'Look Homeward, Angel' and 'Of Time and the River.' His work often explored themes of personal identity and the American experience.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Look Homeward, Angel
A Story of the Buried Life
The novel tells the story of Eugene Gant, a brilliant and restless young man whose passion for a greater intellectual life shapes his adolescent years in rural North Carolina. Eugene's story is a deeply personal reflection of the author's own life, filled with vivid, poetic descriptions of the North Carolina landscape. The narrative explores themes of family, ambition, and the desire for a life beyond the confines of a small town.
The 273rd Greatest Book of All Time -
2. Of Time and the River
A Legend of Man's Hunger in His Youth
The novel is a semi-autobiographical work that follows the story of a young writer, Eugene Gant, as he explores his artistic ambitions and philosophical ideas while struggling with his Southern heritage. In his quest for self-discovery, Eugene travels from his home in North Carolina to Harvard University and then to New York City, before embarking on a voyage to Europe. The narrative is a poignant exploration of youth, time, and the relentless flow of life, highlighting the protagonist's internal and external struggles as he grapples with love, loss, and the relentless passage of time.
The 3075th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. You Can't Go Home Again
The novel explores the journey of a young writer who, after achieving literary success, returns to his hometown only to find that both he and the town have changed irreparably. As he grapples with the complexities of fame, identity, and belonging, he discovers that the past cannot be recaptured and that personal growth often requires leaving familiar places behind. Through a series of encounters and reflections, the protagonist learns about the transient nature of home and the inevitability of change, ultimately seeking solace in the broader human experience.
