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Historical Fiction· United States

Cloudsplitter

by Russell Banks
Aggregate Editorial Score59/100
★PEN/Faulkner Award
Published 1999763 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Few works of historical fiction have earned the sustained critical attention that Cloudsplitter (1999) by Russell Banks continues to receive. Owen Brown narrates the story of his father John Brown—the fiery abolitionist who launched the raid on Harpers Ferry—in Banks's PEN/Faulkner Award-winning historical novel. A powerful reckoning with race, violence, and moral certainty in pre-Civil War America. Themes of John Brown, abolitionism, race run through the work. The book has received recognition from PEN/Faulkner Award 1999.

Book Details

AuthorRussell Banks
Published1999
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Pages763
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9780060930547
Editorial Score59/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

Russell Banks published Cloudsplitter in 1999, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of historical fiction from United States. The book's treatment of John Brown, abolitionism, race, violence accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Cloudsplitter among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: PEN/Faulkner Award 1999. Our aggregate score of 59/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of Cloudsplitter lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of John Brown, abolitionism, race, violence is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Cloudsplitter reflects Russell Banks's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with United States's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

PEN/Faulkner Award
winner · national
199958
✍️
About the Author
Russell Banks
United States
View Author →

Russell Banks is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of historical fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cloudsplitter about?

Owen Brown narrates the story of his father John Brown—the fiery abolitionist who launched the raid on Harpers Ferry—in Banks's PEN/Faulkner Award-winning historical novel. A powerful reckoning with race, violence, and moral certainty in pre-Civil War America.

Who wrote Cloudsplitter?

Cloudsplitter was written by Russell Banks, from United States. First published in 1999.

What awards has Cloudsplitter won?

Cloudsplitter has received the following awards and honours: PEN/Faulkner Award 1999.

Is Cloudsplitter worth reading?

Cloudsplitter is a well-regarded book with solid critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 58/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in John Brown, abolitionism, race.

Where can I buy Cloudsplitter?

You can buy Cloudsplitter on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Cloudsplitter?

Cloudsplitter is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is Cloudsplitter from?

Cloudsplitter originates from United States's literary tradition. Explore more books from United States on our country page.

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