57 pages • 1 hour read
Eleanor CattonBirnam Wood
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton follows Mira Bunting, the founder of a guerrilla gardening group called Birnam Wood, as they unknowingly collaborate with Robert Lemoine, an American billionaire secretly mining minerals in New Zealand and planning to build a bunker. The group becomes entangled in Lemoine's sinister motives, leading to confrontations and moral dilemmas about activism and trust amidst an escalating, destructive plot. This book contains scenes of graphic violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Eleanor Catton's Birnam Wood has garnered praise for its intricate plot and sharp social commentary. Readers appreciate the complex characters and articulate prose. However, some critiques highlight pacing issues and a dense narrative that may not appeal to all. Overall, it's a compelling read for those who enjoy thought-provoking fiction with a political edge.
Who Should Read Birnam Wood?
Readers who relish Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton will likely enjoy complex narratives blending social issues with psychological depth. Fans of Barbara Kingsolver's Flight Behavior or Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale will appreciate Catton's intricate storytelling and sharp socio-political commentary.