43 pages • 1 hour read
Annie DillardHoly the Firm
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1977A 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
In Holy the Firm by Annie Dillard, a three-day period on an island in Puget Sound serves as the backdrop for Dillard's deep inquiry into the nature of reality, time, sacrifice, art, and the Christian God's role in alleviating suffering. Dillard explores these themes through a blend of vivid natural descriptions, personal reflections, and a symbolic narrative structure that resembles a prose poem. The book examines sensitive topics, including severe burns suffered by a young girl in a plane crash and the universality of suffering.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Annie Dillard's Holy the Firm is often praised for its poetic prose and philosophical depth, exploring themes of faith, suffering, and the natural world. Critics commend Dillard's ability to reflect on profound questions with eloquence and clarity. However, some find the dense and abstract nature of her writing challenging and obscure at times, making it less accessible for all readers.
Who Should Read Holy the Firm?
Readers who revel in profound meditations on nature and spirituality will cherish Holy the Firm by Annie Dillard. Much like in Pilgrim at Tinker Creek or Gilead by Marilynne Robinson, this book appeals to those who appreciate lyrical, contemplative prose and are intrigued by existential inquiries and the mysteries of life.