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Literary Fiction· United States

White Noise

by Don DeLillo
Aggregate Editorial Score60/100
★National Book Award
Published 1985326 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

When Don DeLillo published White Noise in 1985, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of literary fiction. Jack Gladney, professor of Hitler Studies at a Midwestern liberal arts college, contends with the fear of death—his own and his wife's, who is taking an experimental drug—amid a 'toxic airborne event' and the white noise of consumer culture. DeLillo's National Book Award winner is the supreme postmodern American novel. Themes of death, consumerism, media run through the work. The book has received recognition from National Book Award 1985.

Book Details

AuthorDon DeLillo
Published1985
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Pages326
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780143105985
Editorial Score60/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

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Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

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

Explore books from United States →

Editorial Assessment

White Noise by Don DeLillo sits within the tradition of literary fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1985 in United States, it engages with death, consumerism, media, fear in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. Critics and institutions have consistently placed White Noise among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: National Book Award 1985. Our aggregate score of 60/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of White Noise lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of death, consumerism, media, fear is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Within United States's literary landscape, Don DeLillo occupies a significant position. White Noise is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
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

National Book Award
winner · national
198548
✍️
About the Author
Don DeLillo
United States
View Author →

Don DeLillo is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is White Noise about?

Jack Gladney, professor of Hitler Studies at a Midwestern liberal arts college, contends with the fear of death—his own and his wife's, who is taking an experimental drug—amid a 'toxic airborne event' and the white noise of consumer culture. DeLillo's National Book Award winner is the supreme postmodern American novel.

Who wrote White Noise?

White Noise was written by Don DeLillo, from United States. First published in 1985.

What awards has White Noise won?

White Noise has received the following awards and honours: National Book Award 1985.

Is White Noise worth reading?

White Noise is a notable work that has earned critical attention, with an aggregate editorial score of 48/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in death, consumerism, media.

Where can I buy White Noise?

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

What category is White Noise?

White Noise is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is White Noise from?

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

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