Ship of Fools

Katherine Anne Porter · 1890–1980 · United States

Why it matters

A transatlantic crossing in 1931 carries a cross-section of nationalities and prejudices toward a Europe sliding into fascism. Porter's only full-length novel, twenty years in the writing, a bestseller and a bleak allegory of complicity.

At a glance

A large ensemble cast tracked across many interwoven, ironic perspectives.