Wolf in White Van
Wolf in White Van
Book Brief
224
Novel • Fiction
United States • Contemporary
2014
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Wolf in White Van by John Darnielle follows Sean Phillips, a reclusive man with facial disfigurement who creates an intricate role-playing game called Trace Italian. When two teenage players take the game into reality with disastrous consequences, Sean is forced to grapple with his isolation, past trauma, and the moral implications of his creation.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Contemplative
Dark
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
26,857 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
John Darnielle’s Wolf in White Van captivates with its unique narrative structure and introspective depth. Reviewers praise Darnielle's evocative prose and the richly layered protagonist. However, some find the shifting timelines disorienting and the introspective nature potentially alienating. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that rewards patient readers.
Who Should Read Wolf in White Van?
A reader who enjoys Wolf in White Van by John Darnielle appreciates introspective, character-driven narratives with a touch of the surreal. Fans of David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas or Mark Z. Danielewski's House of Leaves may find this novel compelling due to its complex structure and focus on inner worlds.
26,857 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Wolf in White Van was a finalist for the 2014 National Book Award in the Fiction category, a prestigious recognition for John Darnielle's debut novel.
The author of Wolf in White Van, John Darnielle, is also the frontman of the band The Mountain Goats, highlighting his talents across both literature and music.
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The novel features a unique narrative structure, where the story is told in reverse chronological order, offering a distinctive reading experience.
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224
Novel • Fiction
United States • Contemporary
2014
Adult
18+ years
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