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Bastard out of Carolina
Bastard out of Carolina
Author: Dorothy Allison
Greenville County, South Carolina, a wild, lush place, is home to the Boatwright family -- rough-hewn men who drink hard and shoot up each other's trucks, and indomitable women who marry young and age all too quickly. At the heart of this astonishing novel is Ruth Anne Boatwright, known simply as "Bone," a South Carolina bastard wi...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780452269576
ISBN-10: 0452269571
Publication Date: 1993
Pages: 309
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 363

4 stars, based on 363 ratings
Publisher: Plume Books
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette
Members Wishing: 1
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

MaskedPenguinAvenger avatar reviewed Bastard out of Carolina on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 53
I'm almost hesitant to give this book up as it easily tops the list of books I love. Well written and emotionally charged without being over the top and trite. I encourage anyone who can to read this book.
reviewed Bastard out of Carolina on + 32 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
This is a heartbreaking and riveting tale of a young girl's coming of age in a cruel, hard world. Very good book that stays with you long after you have read it, but well worth reading. The end surprised me.
reviewed Bastard out of Carolina on + 75 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
Hell of a writer. Tough story. Somehow makes you understand how some people grow up just plain mean. This book deserves all the prizes and accolades the author received.
reviewed Bastard out of Carolina on + 55 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
This book was a National Book Award finalist - I have bought many a book just because it got that award and have yet to go wrong.
reviewed Bastard out of Carolina on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
This was a very sad, well-written story about an abused little girl. Allison is an excellent writer, so much so that I found some parts too hard to read. I got through the entire book, but I did skip about 3 pages that were particularly descriptive. Abuse is never easy, but it was wonderful getting to know this little girl.
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jazzysmom avatar reviewed Bastard out of Carolina on + 907 more book reviews
This is a novel that you read and never forget. It is so deep and moving, life for me would never of been the same had i not read this wonderful novel--i'd of missed so much if i'd of kept it on the shelf. I read this some years ago and still can quote from it--it is that good.
sherrie824 avatar reviewed Bastard out of Carolina on + 57 more book reviews
This was my first Dorothy Allison book. I found this one totally engrossing but disturbing! The details were amazing and vivid; you could feel the summer heat, hear the river flowing, you feel her shame at being poor...Bone's emotional pain was deep and heart-wrenching caused by so many things out of her control. It was the most riveting book about family and loyality and lack thereof. Disturbing what can happen when tragedy hits home that could have ended so differently...or avoided altogether.
reviewed Bastard out of Carolina on
A gripping, disturbing, enjoyable read. It would be amongst my "favorites", but for the ending which made me want to throw the book through the wall!
reviewed Bastard out of Carolina on + 3 more book reviews
I've been wanting to read this book for a long time but it wasn't available at our library.

The author showed the incredible strength and adaptability of southern women. This is definitely not a "feel good" book but it probably is an accurate portrayal of many families.
reviewed Bastard out of Carolina on + 11 more book reviews
Compelling and engaging. This book will stay with you.
gatorgal1981 avatar reviewed Bastard out of Carolina on + 34 more book reviews
A story told through the voice of an "bastard" girl growing up with the stigma that was once attached to that label. Her mother's extended family provide her with unconditional love but are not able to protect her from pain and abuse from outside sources. Touching story, quick read. Heart breaking and heart warming.
reviewed Bastard out of Carolina on + 3 more book reviews
This was a good read and a believable account of a young woman growing up in poverty.


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