42 pages • 1 hour read
Flann O'BrienAt Swim-Two-Birds
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1939A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
At Swim-Two-Birds by Flann O'Brien tells the story of an unnamed Dublin student writing a novel about fictional characters who conspire against their author, Dermot Trellis. The student's life serves as a framing device, with his manuscript intertwining stories about a Pooka, a fictional man named John Furriskey, and the folklore hero Finn Mac Cool. The characters eventually rebel, seeking freedom from Trellis's control. The book portrays scenes of sexual violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
At Swim-Two-Birds by Flann O'Brien is praised for its inventive narrative and witty, metafictional style. While some find the complex structure disorienting, it is celebrated for its originality and humor. The novel’s layered storytelling captivates readers who appreciate unconventional plots, though it may challenge those seeking straightforward narratives.
Who Should Read At Swim-Two-Birds?
A reader who enjoys At Swim-Two-Birds by Flann O'Brien appreciates metafiction, dark humor, and Irish literature. Fans of James Joyce's Ulysses and Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot will be drawn to O'Brien's inventive narrative and whimsical storytelling. Ideal for those intrigued by literary experimentation and postmodern themes.