They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995
Book Brief
Beta122
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles, California • 1930s
1995
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In They Shoot Horses, Don't They? by Horace McCoy, individuals gather for a grueling dance marathon during the Great Depression. Participants endure physical and emotional strain, seeking monetary reward and escape from desperation. The novel explores themes of human endurance, societal pressures, and the impact of economic hardship on personal lives.
Dark
Melancholic
Unnerving
Gritty
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
11,359 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
They Shoot Horses, Don't They? by Horace McCoy is often praised for its gritty depiction of despair during the Great Depression, offering a stark commentary on society's exploitation and the human condition. Critics admire its intense narrative and psychological depth, though some find its bleakness overwhelming. The novel's unrelenting pace and tragic themes resonate powerfully.
Who Should Read They Shoot Horses, Don't They??
A reader who enjoys They Shoot Horses, Don't They? by Horace McCoy would likely appreciate dark, psychological narratives exploring desperation and the human condition, similar to John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath or Richard Wright's Native Son. Fans of existential themes and bleak outlooks will find it compelling.
11,359 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
122
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles, California • 1930s
1995
Adult
18+ years
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