That Old Ace in the Hole
That Old Ace in the Hole
Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 2004
Book Brief
Beta384
Short Story • Fiction
Texas Panhandle • Contemporary
2004
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In That Old Ace in the Hole, Annie Proulx follows Bob Dollar, a man seeking a location for hog farms in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles. Through encounters with eccentric locals, Bob navigates small-town life while confronting regional history and environmental challenges. The narrative explores themes of community, tradition, and the interplay between progress and preservation.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Gritty
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
6,748 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
That Old Ace in the Hole by Annie Proulx is praised for its vivid depiction of the Texas Panhandle, rich character development, and humor. However, some critics note a slow-paced narrative and feel overwhelmed by extensive environmental details. Overall, the novel is appreciated for its storytelling and exploration of rural American life.
Who Should Read That Old Ace in the Hole?
Readers who enjoy richly detailed narratives and rural Americana will appreciate Annie Proulx’s That Old Ace in the Hole. Fans of John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath and Cormac McCarthy's All the Pretty Horses will find resonant themes of land, identity, and resilience.
6,748 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
384
Short Story • Fiction
Texas Panhandle • Contemporary
2004
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!