Vineland by Thomas Pynchon
This novel is a complex, multi-layered narrative set in the 1980s in California, weaving together themes of government surveillance, counterculture, and the loss of the 1960s idealism. It follows the story of Zoyd Wheeler, a former hippie, as he navigates a world that has drastically changed from the one he once knew, with the Reagan administration's conservative policies in full swing. The narrative delves into the lives of various characters, including Zoyd's daughter Prairie and his ex-wife Frenesi, exploring their connections to a shadowy federal agency and their personal quests for identity and redemption amidst the remnants of a bygone era. The book is a rich tapestry of historical references, quirky humor, and poignant observations about America's cultural and political landscape.
The 4146th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1990
- Nationality
- American
- Length
- Moderate
- Pages
- 385
- Original Language
- English
- Avg User Rating
-
(4.0)
- Alternate Titles
- None
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This book is on the following 3 lists:
- 25th on 100 Best Western(United States) Works of Fiction (San Francisco Chronicle)
- 4495th on Our Users' Honorable Mention Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read (The Guardian)