Ironweed is a 1983 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by William Kennedy. It tells the story of Francis Phelan, a homeless man living in Albany, New York during the Great Depression. Francis is haunted by the ghosts of his past, including his wife and son who died in a tragic accident. He is also haunted by his own guilt over his role in their deaths.
The novel follows Francis as he wanders the streets of Albany, trying to make sense of his life and his past. He meets a variety of people, including a young girl named Helen, who helps him to confront his demons. He also meets a variety of other homeless people, including a man named Rudy, who helps him to find a place to stay.
Throughout the novel, Francis struggles to come to terms with his past and his guilt. He is also forced to confront the harsh realities of life on the streets, including poverty, hunger, and violence. He eventually finds solace in the company of his fellow homeless people, and in the memories of his family.
The novel is set in the 1930s, and Kennedy uses this setting to explore the effects of the Great Depression on the lives of ordinary people. He also uses the novel to explore themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of memory.
Ironweed is a powerful and moving novel that explores the depths of human suffering and the power of hope. It is a story of redemption and of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a story of courage and of the power of love.