Wool by Hugh Howey is a post-apocalyptic science fiction novel set in a 144-floor underground silo where survivors live after Earth’s surface becomes toxic. The story follows Sheriff Holston, who goes outside to clean the cameras showing the outside world, and Juliette, a mechanic turned sheriff, who uncovers harsh truths about the silo's reality and works to expose and change it. The novel includes themes of grief, loss, and dystopian control.

Wool by Hugh Howey captivates with its well-developed dystopian setting and complex characters. The narrative's suspenseful pacing keeps readers engaged, though some may find certain plot elements predictable. Overall, it offers a compelling mix of tension and intrigue, albeit with occasional lulls in momentum.

Fans of dystopian fiction will be captivated by Hugh Howey's Wool. Readers who enjoyed The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins or 1984 by George Orwell will appreciate the tension, intricate world-building, and exploration of societal norms. Ideal for those who relish survival tales and complex character dynamics.

Mysterious / Gritty / Suspenseful / Dark / Melancholic

Hugh Howey

Adult

Novel

Silo

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Wool and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Wool Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: "Holston"

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

Wool Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 5-7

Wool Part 1, Chapters 5-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: "Proper Gauge"

Part 2, Chapters 1-5

Wool Part 2, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 6-9

Wool Part 2, Chapters 6-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: "Casting Off"

Part 3, Chapters 1-5

Wool Part 3, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 6-10

Wool Part 3, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 11-13

Wool Part 3, Chapters 11-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: "The Unraveling"

Part 4, Chapters 0-5

Wool Part 4, Chapters 0-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 6-10

Wool Part 4, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 11-15

Wool Part 4, Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 16-21

Wool Part 4, Chapters 16-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: "The Stranded"

Part 5, Chapters 1-5

Wool Part 5, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 6-10

Wool Part 5, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 11-15

Wool Part 5, Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 16-20

Wool Part 5, Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 21-25

Wool Part 5, Chapters 21-25 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 26-30

Wool Part 5, Chapters 26-30 Summary & Analysis

Epilogue: “Meanwhile, in Silo 17” 

Epilogue

Wool Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Wool Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Wool Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Wool Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Wool Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Wool Essay Topics

Wool

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Wool?

Reading Age

Book Details