Bastard Out of Carolina (novel)

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Bastard Out of Carolina
Author Dorothy Allison
Country United States
Language American English
Genre(s) 'Coming of age' novel
Publisher Plume (publishing)
Publication date March, 1993
Media type Print (hardcover & paperback)
Pages 320 pp
ISBN ISBN 0-452-28705-7 (paperback)

Bastard Out of Carolina was the first novel published by author Dorothy Allison. The book is set in Allison's hometown of Greenville, SC and follows the story of the semi-fictional Boatwright family, noted for their drinking and womanizing. The primary conflict revolves around Anney Boatwright's attempts to legitimize her bastard daughter Ruth Anne (nicknamed "Bone") and Bone's abuse and molestation by Anney's new husband. The novel examines the relationship and expectations of gender and mother-child relationships, and explores the roles of these characters in the future. Conditions of class, race, sexuality and gender play out in Bone's life and her relationships with others. The book was adapted into a film in 1996.