Daniel Quinn's Ishmael receives praise for its thought-provoking narrative that challenges anthropocentric views and societal norms. Reviewers appreciate its philosophical depth and originality. However, some criticize the didactic tone and repetitive arguments. Its unconventional approach resonates with readers seeking profound ecological and cultural reflections.

A reader who enjoys thought-provoking philosophical dialogues would be captivated by Daniel Quinn's Ishmael. Fans of Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha and Aldous Huxley's Brave New World will appreciate its profound exploration of human culture, environmental ethics, and societal structures. Ideal for those curious about humanity's impact on the Earth and seeking alternative worldviews.

<Ishmael> by Daniel Quinn is a philosophical novel featuring a Socratic dialogue between a telepathic gorilla, Ishmael, and an unnamed narrator, exploring themes of human civilization, sustainability, and our roles in the ecosystem. Ishmael's lessons challenge the narrator to rethink humanity's anthropocentric worldview and envision more sustainable narratives for the future. The story addresses the Holocaust, global exploitation, and industrialism.

Informative / Contemplative / Mysterious / Challenging

- Ishmael by Daniel Quinn won the 1991 Turner Tomorrow Fellowship Award, a prize for literature offering creative solutions to global problems.
- The unusual teacher-student dynamic in Ishmael features a gorilla as the teacher, which challenges traditional notions of wisdom and communication.
- The novel gained a cult following and was featured in the movie Instinct (1999), where its themes were partially incorporated into the storyline.

**The Narrator**  
The unnamed protagonist who is a writer, working on contract, and engaging with themes of social change and cynicism about societal progress.

**Ishmael**  
A telepathic gorilla with a deep understanding of humanity and ecology that acts as a teacher and mentor to the narrator.

**Takers**  
A group characterized broadly as those who prioritize human dominance and resource extraction without regard for sustainability.

**Leavers**  
A group depicted as living sustainably and humbly within nature, often presented as a foil to the Takers' more destructive tendencies.

Daniel Quinn

Adult

Novel

Ishmael

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Ishmael reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Ishmael | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Ishmael and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Ishmael Summary

Background

Ishmael Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Parts 1-3

Ishmael Parts 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Parts 4-6

Ishmael Parts 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Parts 7-8

Ishmael Parts 7-8 Summary & Analysis

Parts 9-10

Ishmael Parts 9-10 Summary & Analysis

Parts 11-13

Ishmael Parts 11-13 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Ishmael Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Ishmael Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Ishmael Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Ishmael Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Ishmael Essay Topics

Ishmael

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Ishmael?

Reading Age

Book Details