A Wolf at the Table
A Wolf at the Table
Book Brief
A Wolf at the Table
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2008272
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Massachusetts • 1970s
2008
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
A Wolf at the Table is a memoir by Augusten Burroughs that details his early childhood and complicated relationship with his distant and troubled father, from Augusten's initial yearning for his father's affection to the eventual resentment he feels as their familial bond deteriorates, leading to his father's eventual death and Augusten seeking closure. The book discusses experiences of child neglect, substance abuse, and emotional trauma.
Dark
Unnerving
Emotional
Melancholic
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
30,499 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
A Wolf at the Table by Augusten Burroughs presents a harrowing memoir characterized by stark, vivid prose. Reviewers praise its emotional depth and compelling storytelling, but critiques include an overreliance on dark themes and a sometimes disjointed narrative. Overall, it offers an unsettling yet powerful exploration of a troubled father-son relationship.
Who Should Read A Wolf at the Table?
A reader who would enjoy A Wolf at the Table by Augusten Burroughs is likely drawn to dark, introspective memoirs exploring complex family dynamics. Fans of J.D. Vance's Hillbilly Elegy or Jeanette Walls' The Glass Castle will appreciate the raw, emotional storytelling and vivid, evocative prose.
30,499 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A Wolf at the Table by Augusten Burroughs is a memoir that provides a deeper glimpse into the author's troubled family life, expanding on themes introduced in his earlier works.
The book became a New York Times Bestseller shortly after its release, resonating with readers due to its raw and emotionally charged narrative.
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Augusten Burroughs wrote A Wolf at the Table with an intention to probe into the darker aspects of familial relationships, contrasting with the humor found in his previous memoirs.
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272
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Massachusetts • 1970s
2008
Adult
18+ years
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