Under the Ribs of Death
Under the Ribs of Death
Book Brief
Beta264
Novel • Fiction
Winnipeg, Canada • 1920s
1990
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Under the Ribs of Death by John Marlyn follows Sandor Hunyadi, a young Hungarian immigrant in Canada during the early 20th century. Sandor struggles with identity, ambition, and assimilation, confronting societal pressures and personal challenges as he seeks a path to success while navigating the cultural and economic barriers he faces in his adopted country.
Gritty
Challenging
Dark
Mysterious
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
197 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Under the Ribs of Death by John Marlyn explores themes of identity and immigrant struggles with depth and nuance. The novel's vivid portrayal of Winnipeg and compelling character development earn praise. However, some readers find the pacing slow and the tone bleak. Overall, it captivates with its rich narrative but may not appeal to those seeking a lighter read.
Who Should Read Under the Ribs of Death?
Fans of immigrant narratives like The Jungle by Upton Sinclair and those interested in themes of identity and assimilation in North America will appreciate John Marlyn’s Under the Ribs of Death. Readers drawn to character studies of ambition, cultural conflict, and the American Dream will find it compelling.
197 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Under the Ribs of Death is a semi-autobiographical novel that draws on John Marlyn’s experiences growing up in a Hungarian immigrant family in Canada during the early 20th century.
The book's themes of identity and assimilation reflect Marlyn's exploration of cultural conflicts, a topic that resonated with post-World War II audiences and contributed to its continued relevance.
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John Marlyn was a prolific writer whose works often depicted the immigrant experience, and Under the Ribs of Death remains one of his most celebrated novels in exploring these themes.
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264
Novel • Fiction
Winnipeg, Canada • 1920s
1990
Adult
18+ years
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