Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
"One of the most intelligent, grimly funny voices to comment on life in present-day America" (The New York Times), Don DeLillo presents an extraordinary new novel about words and images, novelists and terrorists, the mass mind and the arch-individualist. At the heart of the book is Bill Gray, a famous reclusive writer who escapes the failed novel he has been working on for many years and enters the world of political violence, a nightscape of Semtex explosives and hostages locked in basement rooms. Bill's dangerous passage leaves two people stranded: his brilliant, fixated assistant, Scott, and the strange young woman who is Scott's lover--and Bill's.
Mao II: content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
This literary novel explores terrorism, political violence, and adult themes with strong language throughout. Contains references to hostage situations and explosive violence in a philosophical context examining the role of the writer in contemporary society.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, moderate sexual content, and strong language. Content notes include captivity, violence, and terrorism (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Adult readers interested in philosophical explorations of art, terrorism, and modern culture will find this thought-provoking.