1 / 7Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis
Culture Crisis: Hillbilly Elegy is J. D. Vance’s memoir of family life, social class and cultural change among white working-class Americans. It connects his family’s Appalachian roots and move to Ohio with experiences of poverty, trauma and upward mobility.
At a glance
- A personal account of an Appalachian family’s move from Kentucky to Ohio and its pursuit of a more secure life.
- Explores the effects of poverty, family trauma and social class across generations.
- Combines family storytelling with observations about cultural decline and upward mobility.
Reference price: €8.89
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- The memoir links an individual family history to wider themes of class and social change.
- At 284 pages, it offers a defined reading length for readers seeking a focused memoir.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | William Collins |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 1 June 2017 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 284 pages |
| Weight listed | 416 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.08 x 0.68 x 7.8 inches |
| ISBN-10 | 9780008220563 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-0008220563 |
What to know before buying
- The publisher description presents both family history and social commentary. Readers seeking a narrowly political argument may find the family narrative central to the book.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in memoirs about family, class and generational mobility.
- Those looking for a personal perspective on white working-class life in the United States.
Less suited to
- Readers looking specifically for a neutral academic survey rather than a personal memoir.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
80% 80% - 4 stars
11% 11% - 3 stars
5% 5% - 2 stars
2% 2% - 1 star
2% 2%
Customer feedback highlights the memoir’s content and story, with comments describing it as enlightening, readable and well written. The supplied summary also notes appreciation for its balance of personal storytelling and broader observations about family dynamics. This aligns with the book’s stated mix of family history and social commentary, though the largely positive aggregate rating does not establish that every reader will agree with its perspective or conclusions.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the book as enlightening and readable.
- Feedback appreciates the combination of personal storytelling and broader observations about family dynamics.
Frequently asked questions
What is Hillbilly Elegy about?
It recounts J. D. Vance’s family story, from Appalachian roots and a move to Ohio to struggles with poverty, trauma and social mobility.
Is this a memoir or a political history?
It is presented as a memoir, with personal and family storytelling alongside commentary on white working-class American life.
How long is the listed edition?
The listing gives a print length of 284 pages.
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