On the Black Hill
On the Black Hill
Book Brief
Beta262
Novel • Fiction
Welsh Borders • 20th century
1998
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
On the Black Hill by Bruce Chatwin follows the lives of twin brothers living in rural Wales across several decades. The narrative captures their deep connection to each other and the transformative changes in their community and environment over time, depicting themes of family, identity, and tradition against the backdrop of the 20th century.
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
4,991 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Bruce Chatwin's On the Black Hill is lauded for its evocative prose and vivid depiction of rural life in Wales. Readers appreciate its intricate portrayal of the twin brothers’ bond and the landscape's influence on their lives. However, some find the narrative slow-paced. Despite this, its rich character development and exploration of human connections are widely praised.
Who Should Read On the Black Hill?
Readers who enjoy On the Black Hill by Bruce Chatwin likely appreciate reflective, pastoral narratives and complex family dynamics. Fans of Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles or John Steinbeck's East of Eden might enjoy this book for its rich descriptions and exploration of rural life.
4,991 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
On the Black Hill won the Whitbread First Novel Award in 1982, marking Bruce Chatwin's successful transition from a travel writer to a novelist.
Bruce Chatwin drew inspiration for On the Black Hill from the Welsh border country, capturing the unique, timeless essence of rural life that is central to the novel’s setting.
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The novel's focus on identical twin brothers is a reflection of Chatwin's interest in duality and the exploration of human relationships, themes that recur throughout his literary works.
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262
Novel • Fiction
Welsh Borders • 20th century
1998
Adult
18+ years
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