49 pages • 1 hour read
Dorothy AllisonTwo or Three Things I Know for Sure
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1995A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Two or Three Things I Know for Sure by Dorothy Allison is a memoir that explores her coming-of-age story within the patriarchal Southern culture, highlighting family dynamics, feminism, and her lesbian identity. The narrative is interspersed with photographs, recounting the lives of women in Allison's family and their complex relationships with men. Allison's raw and vivid storytelling unveils her journey of resilience and self-discovery against a backdrop of abuse, trauma, and societal oppression. The memoir includes references to sexual assault of children and physical violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Dorothy Allison's Two or Three Things I Know for Sure is lauded for its powerful, raw storytelling and evocative prose, offering a deeply personal memoir that resonates with authenticity. However, some critique its brevity and fragmented structure. Despite this, the memoir compellingly captures themes of identity and resilience, making it a poignant read.
Who Should Read Two or Three Things I Know for Sure?
Readers who appreciate Two or Three Things I Know for Sure by Dorothy Allison are likely fans of raw, poignant memoirs that explore themes of poverty, family, and resilience. Comparable works include The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls and Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison, which also delve into the complexities of a tumultuous upbringing.