The Confidence-Man
The Confidence-Man
Book Brief
Beta361
Novel • Fiction
Mississippi River • 1850s
1999
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Confidence-Man by Herman Melville follows passengers aboard a Mississippi River steamboat, encountering a series of individuals who engage with various confidence schemes. Through a blend of humor and cynicism, the narrative explores themes of trust, deception, and human nature, examining how people interact with one another in a transient, morally ambiguous setting.
Mysterious
Gritty
Suspenseful
Dark
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
3,692 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Herman Melville's The Confidence-Man offers a satirical exploration of human gullibility and identity through a series of vignettes on a steamboat. Critics praise its inventive narrative and complex themes, though some find its structure disjointed and challenging. Ultimately, the novel's commentary on morality and deception provokes thought and debate.
Who Should Read The Confidence-Man?
A reader who enjoys The Confidence-Man by Herman Melville would likely appreciate philosophical satire and complex narratives. Fans of works like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain or Moby-Dick by Melville himself might find similar enjoyment in its exploration of identity and deception.
3,692 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Confidence-Man: His Masquerade was Herman Melville's last major novel, published on April Fool's Day in 1857, reflecting the book's themes of deception and trickery.
The novel was not well-received at the time of its initial release, contributing to Melville's retreat from fiction writing to focus more on poetry in his later years.
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The Confidence-Man is set on a Mississippi River steamboat, capturing the diverse American society of the mid-19th century, and has been noted for its satirical exploration of human nature and morality.
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361
Novel • Fiction
Mississippi River • 1850s
1999
Adult
18+ years
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