49 pages 1 hour read

Rick Bragg

Ava's Man

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2001

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Ava's Man by Rick Bragg chronicles the life of Charlie Bundrum, the author's maternal grandfather, through stories shared by family and friends. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the evolving South, the book explores Charlie’s unique survival tactics, such as fishing and distilling whiskey, while capturing his relationship with his wife Ava and their children, and the personal impact of socioeconomic changes. Throughout the narrative, Charlie faces challenges like poverty and clashes with the law due to shifting societal norms.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Rick Bragg's Ava's Man is lauded for its heartfelt storytelling and vivid depiction of the author's grandfather, Charlie Bundrum. Critics praise Bragg's lyrical prose and rich Southern atmosphere. Some reviewers, however, note the narrative occasionally wanders, affecting its pace. The portrait of rural life and complex characters remains a powerful highlight.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Ava's Man?

Readers who relish Southern American tales, rich storytelling, and familial legacies will enjoy Ava's Man by Rick Bragg. Comparable to works like North Toward Home by Willie Morris and The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, it appeals to those who appreciate memoirs imbued with cultural history and personal resilience.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

1150L

Book Details

Topics

History: U.S.

History: World

Period

Great Depression

Genre

Creative Nonfiction

Southern Literature

Biography

Themes

Relationships: Family