The Half-Skinned Steer
The Half-Skinned Steer
Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1997
Book Brief
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Super Short Summary
In "The Half-Skinned Steer" by Annie Proulx, a person named Mero returns to a family ranch in Wyoming for a funeral after many years away. The journey forces Mero to confront memories and unresolved tensions from his past, exploring themes of aging, memory, and the inescapable pull of one's roots.
Mysterious
Dark
Unnerving
Gritty
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
109 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
Annie Proulx's The Half-Skinned Steer is praised for its rich, evocative prose and stark portrayal of nature, deeply immersing readers in its rugged landscape. The story's haunting atmosphere and intricate symbolism captivate, though some may find its ambiguous ending challenging. Proulx's storytelling prowess is evident, making it a compelling read despite its complexity.
Who Should Read The Half-Skinned Steer?
A reader who enjoys The Half-Skinned Steer by Annie Proulx likely appreciates richly crafted narratives with themes of rural life, fate, and mortality. Fans of Cormac McCarthy's All the Pretty Horses or Kent Haruf's Plainsong might be drawn to Proulx's vivid prose and atmospheric storytelling.
109 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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