Title: Buried Child
Author: Sam Shepard
First published January 1, 1979
120 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780307274977 (ISBN10: 0307274977)
Rating: 3.86
Overview
Sam Shepard’s Buried Child has been reimagined in a new edition that is as powerful and unforgettable as the original. When Vince and his girlfriend arrive at his grandparents’ dilapidated farmhouse, they are greeted by a scene of chaos and insanity.
Vince’s father, Tilden, a once-great footballer, and his uncle, who has lost a leg to a chainsaw, don’t recognize him. The only hope for this broken family lies in the long-buried secret of an unwanted child.
Shepard’s haunting tale of family dysfunction and buried memories will stay with you long after the final page.
About the Author
Sam Shepard was a versatile American artist who excelled as a playwright, writer, and actor, winning multiple awards throughout his career. He was known for his frank and sometimes bizarre writing style, which captured the gritty essence of the modern American west.
In addition to his writing, Shepard was also a talented actor and director, with experience in both stage and motion pictures. He even dabbled in music and authored several books of short stories, essays, and memoirs.
Overall, Shepard was a multi-talented creative force who made a significant impact in the world of art and entertainment.
Editoral Review
Buried Child by Sam Shepard is an iconic piece of literary work that was first published on January 1, 1979. Shepard, who was known for his works in film and theatre in addition to writing, presented a masterpiece in this novel which has been classified as a dark comedy.
The plot, which delves into themes of family secrets and societal degeneration, delivers a powerful critique on American culture and society.
The story centers around a troubled family living on a farm in Illinois.
It introduces us to a family that faces issues of incest, denial, and alcoholism. The main character, Vince, is returning to his estranged family’s home after a six-year absence.
The family’s rundown farm is now home to a garden filled with vegetables that refuse to grow and a barren cornfield. Vince’s unexpected return leads to the uncovering of the family’s dark secrets with resolutions that take a sinister and tragic twist.
Shepard’s writing style is both poignant and powerful, revealing the intricacies of the characters’ innermost thoughts through the use of symbolism and metaphorical expressions. The novel’s portrayal of family dysfunction and societal breakdown is realistic and relatable to modern-day America.
The use of dark comedy and surrealism enhances the story’s impact while also providing a sense of distance from the characters’ pain and grief. Buried Child tackles several themes that are still relevant to current times.
The novel, which was written during a time of political and cultural upheaval, reflects Shepard’s social commentary on America’s moral and social decline. The story critiques the image of the American Dream as a symbol of hope and success, and instead, it portends moral and social decay.
The book’s strength lies in its character development; Shepard masterfully creates an ensemble of characters that readers cannot help but care about. The conflicts that arise are a result of their flawed personalities and idiosyncrasies.
The pacing is slow, allowing readers to delve deeper into the characters and their motivations. While there are times when the novel’s surrealism becomes confusing, the author’s artistic intent and focus on the theme carry the story forward.
Nevertheless, the book’s complexity could make it a little difficult for some readers to understand the underlying message. In conclusion, Buried Child is an exceptional work of fiction that will appeal to readers who enjoy dark comedy and entertaining writing.
Furthermore, anyone interested in a unique take on family complexities and societal issues will find this book intriguing. With powerful themes, excellent character development, and skillfully crafted writing, this book is truly a masterpiece.
The Washington Post gives it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
