The Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler

The Way of All Flesh

Samuel Butler

276 pages first pub 1903 (editions)

fiction classics challenging reflective slow-paced
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Readers who appreciate incisive critiques of societal norms and enjoy introspective, generational sagas exploring the psychological complexities of familial and religious influences will find this Victorian-era classic compelling.

Description

The Way of All Flesh is a semi-autobiographical novel by Samuel Butler that attacks Victorian-era hypocrisy. Written between 1873 and 1884, it traces four generations of the Pontifex family. Butler dared not publish it during his lifetime, but whe...

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Community Reviews

3.37
based on 378 reviews

Moods

reflective: 88%

funny: 33%

challenging: 27%

informative: 27%

emotional: 22%

sad: 22%

hopeful: 16%

dark: 5%

lighthearted: 5%

tense: 5%


Pace

11% of readers chose medium
88% of readers chose slow
medium
slow

Plot or character driven?

16% of readers chose Plot
83% of readers chose Character
Plot
Character

Strong character development?

75% of readers chose Yes
25% of readers chose No
Yes
No

Loveable characters?

25% of readers chose Yes
33% of readers chose Complicated
41% of readers chose No
Yes
Complicated
No

Diverse cast of characters?

15% of readers chose Yes
84% of readers chose No
Yes
No

Flaws of characters a main focus?

66% of readers chose Yes
25% of readers chose Complicated
8% of readers chose No
Yes
Complicated
No

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