Visions of Gerard
Visions of Gerard
Book Brief
Beta130
Novel • Fiction
Lowell, Massachusetts • 1920s
1991
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Visions of Gerard is Jack Kerouac's semi-autobiographical novel, depicting the early childhood of a person named Jack Duluoz in Lowell, Massachusetts. The narrative focuses on his older brother, Gerard, capturing family dynamics, spirituality, and the impact of Gerard's brief life on those around him. The novel blends memory with introspective reflections.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Serene
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
3,267 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Visions of Gerard by Jack Kerouac is lauded for its poetic and poignant depiction of childhood, capturing the spiritual essence with lyrical prose. Critics appreciate its emotional depth and autobiographical honesty. However, some find its narrative structure fragmented and less engaging than Kerouac's other works. Overall, it offers a tender and introspective look into loss and innocence.
Who Should Read Visions of Gerard?
A reader with an appreciation for introspective narratives and poetic prose in the style of On the Road by Kerouac or The Catcher in the Rye by Salinger would enjoy Visions of Gerard. Fans of memoirs exploring childhood and spirituality, immersed in the Beat Generation's essence, will find it compelling.
3,267 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Visions of Gerard is part of Jack Kerouac's "Duluoz Legend," a series of semi-autobiographical novels that explore different periods of his life, offering a spiritual and introspective look into his childhood.
The book is dedicated to Kerouac's older brother, Gerard, who passed away at a young age; it reflects the author's view of Gerard as an almost saint-like figure with profound spiritual insight.
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Jack Kerouac wrote Visions of Gerard in a distinctive, stream-of-consciousness style that characterized much of his work, capturing the fleeting thoughts and emotions that surrounded his memories of his brother.
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130
Novel • Fiction
Lowell, Massachusetts • 1920s
1991
Adult
18+ years
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