Look Homeward, Angel

Look Homeward, Angel is a novel written by Thomas Wolfe and published in 1929. It is a coming-of-age story that follows the protagonist, Eugene Gant, as he grows up in the fictional town of Altamont, North Carolina, during the early 20th century.

The novel explores Eugene's tumultuous upbringing in a dysfunctional family. His father, Oliver, is a restless and ambitious stonecutter, while his mother, Eliza, is a controlling and domineering woman. Eugene's siblings and extended family members also contribute to the complex dynamics within the Gant household.

As Eugene navigates his adolescence and early adulthood, he grapples with his own personal struggles and desires. He dreams of becoming a writer and seeks to escape the confines of his small town and his family's expectations.

Known for its richly descriptive language, Look Homeward, Angel is a powerful evocation of time and place. Wolfe's prose is lyrical and poetic, drawing on his own experiences growing up in the South.

The novel explores themes of identity, family, and the search for meaning. It delves into the complexities of human relationships, the impact of one's upbringing on their future, and the tension between personal desires and societal expectations.