A Feast of Snakes

In 'A Feast of Snakes,' Harry Crews immerses readers in the gritty world of a small Southern town, where violence and desperation lurk beneath the surface. The story revolves around a high-stakes snake-hunting contest that reveals the darker nature of its eccentric characters. As the plot unfolds, themes of masculinity, mortality, and the primal instincts of human nature take center stage. Crews' vivid storytelling and rich, evocative prose invite readers into a world that is both bizarre and hauntingly familiar. This gripping tale challenges our understanding of morality and the lengths one will go to in the name of pride.

By Harry Crews

Published: 1998

"In the end, we are all just echoes of our desires, wrestling with the ghosts of our pasts while craving the taste of freedom in a world that offers none."

A Feast of SnakesBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

From the acclaimed author of such novels as "Blood and Grits" and "Childhood" comes a wildly weird and breathtakingly original visit to the rural South that reveals the exotic subculture that erupts in all its glory at the Rattlesnake Roundup in Mystic, Georgia. "No number of adjectives in the thesaurus can do full justice to the dazzlingly bizarre nature of Crews' creations".--"Washington Post Book World".

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from A Feast of Snakes

About the Author

H

Harry Crews

Harry Crews was an American author known for his raw, gritty exploration of the human condition and southern culture. Born on June 7, 1935, in Alma, Georgia, he grew up in poverty, experiences that profoundly influenced his writing. Crews is celebrated for his unique literary voice, characterized by dark humor, vivid imagery, and a focus on outcasts and marginalized figures. Among his notable works are 'A Feast of Snakes,' 'The Gospel Singer,' and 'Body,' which showcase his ability to blend the grotesque and the tragic. His writing often delves into themes of violence, survival, and the complexities of human existence, making him a significant figure in American literature until his passing in 2017.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Harry Crews
Published
January 1998
Publisher
Simon and Schuster
ISBN
0684842483
Language
English
Pages
195
Genres
FictionLiterary Fiction

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

TractionBook binding

Traction

Gabriel Weinberg, Justin Mares

Blood MeridianBook binding

Blood Meridian

Cormac McCarthy

BlindnessBook binding

Blindness

José Saramago

American TabloidBook binding

American Tabloid

James Ellroy

What Lips My Lips Have KissedBook binding

What Lips My Lips Have Kissed

Daniel Mark Epstein

Bastard Out of CarolinaBook binding

Bastard Out of Carolina

Dorothy Allison

All-night PartyBook binding

All-night Party

Andrea Barnet

An American Marriage (Oprah's Book Club)Book binding

An American Marriage (Oprah's Book Club)

Tayari Jones

A Room of One's OwnBook binding

A Room of One's Own

Virginia Woolf

A Lesson Before DyingBook binding

A Lesson Before Dying

Ernest J. Gaines

A Million Little PiecesBook binding

A Million Little Pieces

James Frey

Story Of Writing Second EditionBook binding

Story Of Writing Second Edition

Andrew Robinson

PandaemoniumBook binding

Pandaemonium

Humphrey Jennings, Mary-Lou Jennings, Charles Madge

The Five Temptations of a CEOBook binding

The Five Temptations of a CEO

Patrick M. Lencioni

Notes for a Young PrinceBook binding

Notes for a Young Prince

Alexi Lubomirski

ColumbineBook binding

Columbine

Dave Cullen

The Nickel Boys (Winner 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction)Book binding

The Nickel Boys (Winner 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction)

Colson Whitehead

Furious HoursBook binding

Furious Hours

Casey Cep

Freedom's ForgeBook binding

Freedom's Forge

Arthur Herman

A Little LifeBook binding

A Little Life

Hanya Yanagihara

36 Arguments for the Existence of GodBook binding

36 Arguments for the Existence of God

Rebecca Goldstein

A Tomb for Boris DavidovichBook binding

A Tomb for Boris Davidovich

Danilo Kiš

Three Book Sebald SetBook binding

Three Book Sebald Set

W. G. Sebald

CallingsBook binding

Callings

Gregg Michael Levoy

The Shadow of the WindBook binding

The Shadow of the Wind

Carlos Ruiz Zafon

LibraBook binding

Libra

Don DeLillo

Don't Call Us DeadBook binding

Don't Call Us Dead

Danez Smith

A Head Full of GhostsBook binding

A Head Full of Ghosts

Paul Tremblay

A Widow for One YearBook binding

A Widow for One Year

John Irving

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Alain de Botton's Book Recommendations

Alain de Botton's Book Recommendations

Alain de Botton is a Swiss-British philosopher, author, and founder of The School of Life, an organization dedicated to teaching emotional intelligence and life skills. De Botton’s books, such as The Consolations of Philosophy and How Proust Can Change Your Life, blend philosophy with everyday life, offering practical wisdom on love, work, and happiness. His work has popularized philosophy, making it accessible to a wider audience. De Botton is also a public speaker and essayist, frequently exploring topics related to human fulfillment and personal growth. His unique approach to philosophy has made him a respected voice in contemporary culture.

View Collection
Jon Hamm's Book Recommendations

Jon Hamm's Book Recommendations

Jon Hamm is an American actor best known for his role as Don Draper in the critically acclaimed television series "Mad Men," which aired from 2007 to 2015. While Hamm's achievements are primarily in acting, his portrayal of the complex, enigmatic ad executive has been lauded for its depth and nuance, significantly impacting television storytelling. His performance earned him numerous awards, including a Golden Globe and an Emmy. Beyond "Mad Men," Hamm has appeared in various films and TV shows, showcasing his versatility across genres. Though not primarily a literary figure, his work has influenced contemporary narratives and character development in modern media.

View Collection
Abi Tyas Tunggal's Book Recommendations

Abi Tyas Tunggal's Book Recommendations

Abi Tyas Tunggal is a distinguished author known for his impactful contributions to contemporary literature and digital content. He has garnered acclaim for his insightful storytelling and adept handling of complex themes, resonating with a diverse readership. Tunggal's work often explores the intersections of technology, society, and human experience, making him a prominent voice in modern narrative arts. Beyond his literary achievements, he is also recognized for his innovative use of digital platforms to engage with and expand his audience. Tunggal continues to influence the literary landscape with his thought-provoking and accessible writing.

View Collection
Alicia Keys's Book Recommendations

Alicia Keys's Book Recommendations

Alicia Keys, an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and classically trained pianist, has made significant contributions to the music industry with her soulful voice and compelling lyrics. She burst onto the scene with her debut album, "Songs in A Minor," which earned her five Grammy Awards. In addition to her musical achievements, Keys is also a celebrated author; her memoir "More Myself: A Journey" provides an intimate look at her life and career. She has used her platform to advocate for social justice, co-founding the Keep a Child Alive organization to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa. Alicia Keys continues to inspire through her artistry and activism, leaving a lasting impact on both music and literature.

View Collection
Harry Styles's Book Recommendations

Harry Styles's Book Recommendations

Harry Styles is a British singer, songwriter, and actor, best known as a member of the globally successful boy band One Direction before launching a successful solo career. Styles’ solo work has earned critical acclaim for its blend of rock, pop, and indie influences, with hits like Sign of the Times and Watermelon Sugar. In addition to music, Styles has also made a mark in fashion, known for his gender-fluid style and collaborations with brands like Gucci. He is also an actor, starring in films like Dunkirk and Don't Worry Darling. Styles is recognized for his artistic versatility and cultural impact.

View Collection
Alexey Moiseenkov's Book Recommendations

Alexey Moiseenkov's Book Recommendations

Alexey Moiseenkov is a Russian entrepreneur and tech innovator best known for creating Prisma, the groundbreaking mobile app that transforms photos into artworks using artificial intelligence. Though not primarily a literary figure, his work in AI and digital transformation has influenced contemporary discussions on the intersection of technology and art. Moiseenkov's contributions have been featured in various tech and innovation journals, highlighting his impact on modern digital culture. His work underscores the evolving narrative of creativity in the digital age, bridging the gap between artistic expression and technological advancement. Moiseenkov continues to inspire through his ongoing ventures in AI and entrepreneurship.

View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

View Collection
Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations

Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations

Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL officer, renowned for his leadership during the Battle of Ramadi in the Iraq War, which earned him the Silver Star and Bronze Star. Transitioning from military service, he co-authored the best-selling book "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win" with fellow SEAL Leif Babin, which has become a cornerstone in leadership and management literature. Willink has also written the "Way of the Warrior Kid" series, aimed at empowering young readers with principles of discipline and resilience. Additionally, he hosts the popular "Jocko Podcast," where he discusses leadership, discipline, and personal development. Willink's influence extends beyond literature through his Echelon Front leadership consultancy, helping organizations implement effective leadership strategies.

View Collection
Anya Taylor-Joy's Book Recommendations

Anya Taylor-Joy's Book Recommendations

Anya Taylor-Joy is an acclaimed actress known for her captivating performances in film and television. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Beth Harmon in the critically acclaimed Netflix series "The Queen's Gambit," which earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. Taylor-Joy has also starred in notable films such as "The Witch," "Split," and "Emma," showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. In addition to her acting career, she has been praised for her contributions to promoting diverse and complex female characters in modern storytelling. Her work continues to inspire audiences and set a high standard in the entertainment industry.

View Collection
Henry Rollins's Book Recommendations

Henry Rollins's Book Recommendations

Henry Rollins is an American musician, writer, actor, and spoken-word artist, best known as the frontman for the hardcore punk band Black Flag. Rollins’ music and performance style are characterized by intensity and aggression, often addressing themes of alienation, anger, and social injustice. After his music career, Rollins became known for his spoken-word performances and his work as a writer, where he explores personal and political issues with a sharp, critical voice. He is also an activist, supporting causes like LGBTQ+ rights and human rights. Rollins’ blend of music, performance, and activism has made him a countercultural icon.

View Collection
Doris Kearns Goodwin's Book Recommendations

Doris Kearns Goodwin's Book Recommendations

Doris Kearns Goodwin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American biographer and historian, best known for her in-depth explorations of U.S. presidents. Her notable works include Team of Rivals, which inspired the film Lincoln, and The Bully Pulpit. Goodwin’s expertise in American political history has made her a sought-after commentator on leadership and governance. She has won several prestigious awards for her work and continues to be an influential voice in historical scholarship. Goodwin is also a frequent guest on television news programs and documentaries.

View Collection
Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations

Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations

Arianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, a company focused on wellness and productivity. She is a bestselling author and prominent speaker on the importance of sleep and managing stress. Arianna’s work emphasizes the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being. Her book The Sleep Revolution has inspired a global movement to prioritize rest. She is considered one of the most influential women in media and business.

View Collection

In the end, we are all just echoes of our desires, wrestling with the ghosts of our pasts while craving the taste of freedom in a world that offers none.

A Feast of Snakes

By Harry Crews

Frequently Asked Questions