The Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo
The Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1972
Book Brief
The Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1972208
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
California • 1960s
1972
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Set in Oakland, California, Mexican-American author Oscar Zeta Acosta’s fictionalized autobiography, The Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo (1972), explores the existential journey of an unnamed lawyer disillusioned with America while working for a poverty alleviation agency. Through flashbacks, the narrative examines his relationships and inner turmoil, leading to a quest for identity and political activism. The story contains references to substance use and sexual encounters.
Gritty
Mysterious
Contemplative
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
1,595 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Oscar Zeta Acosta’s The Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo captivates readers with its raw, unflinching narrative and unique voice, blending existential musings and social commentary. Critics praise its bold portrayal of Chicano identity and personal struggles, though some find its chaotic structure challenging. Acosta's prose remains impactful and thought-provoking.
Who Should Read The Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo?
Fans of gritty, self-reflective narratives will enjoy The Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo by Oscar Zeta Acosta. Ideal for readers who appreciate Hunter S. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas or Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, this memoir resonates with those interested in identity exploration, counterculture, and Chicano experiences.
1,595 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
208
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
California • 1960s
1972
Adult
18+ years
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